Carl Honoré will be special guest and spokesman of the Foire de Paris 2011.

In his essay « In praise of slowness« , written in 2004 and which has since become a bestseller in over 30 languages​​, Carl Honoré recommends a slower pace of life to live in greater harmony and better enjoy the moment. In a few years he became the undisputed precursor of slow movement, which gathers many fans.

Forget the stress and urgency… This new way of life is declined in daily life: from food to housing, to education, work, family, tourism… Slow down becomes a necessity to take time and better appreciate it.

With more than 100 years of experience, the Foire de Paris is the shopping and festive event of reference in Europe. By participating to the trend of better consume, the Foire de Paris is the first event to get itself to the Slow pace, to live and have fun otherwise by taking the time to meet, converse, choose, compare and find within a place for relaxing and thought.

You can find everything at the Foire de Paris, it’s tradition! Each year more than 600,000 visitors go there! This year, it will provide areas for innovation, inspiration and direct meetings with 3400 exhibitors from here and elsewhere. Numerous activities await you…

Do not miss the Foire de Paris 2011, an edition to be enjoyed slowly.

Foire de Paris : April 28 – May 8, 2011

Home & Environment

The Home & Environment area includes nearly 1,000 exhibitors and brands dedicated to wellbeing at home… adepts of cocooning, Feng-Shui, ecological decorating and of course slow design, new way of thinking the decoration. You really will find everything for the home and its equipment:

• Building and renovation – Energy
• Kitchen, Bathroom and Appliances
• Chimney
• Veranda, Garden, Pool
• Furniture and decoration – Image and Sound

Wellbeing & Leisure

This large area is dedicated to wellbeing and leisure: strolling, taking time to be entertained and choosing activities… for a daily fulfillment. 500 brands will be represented:

• Health and wellbeing – Fashion Accessories
• Creative Workshops
• Demonstrators
• Residences and outdoor activities

World Cultures

Take time to open up to others, to discover new horizons, to have fun, enjoy and appreciate… The World Cultures area is an emotional, poetic and visual slow world tour. Let’s walk around!

Gastronomy

Slow  gastronomy… you will serenely taste the products of the best producers! Over 800 exhibitors from around the world await you.

Arts and crafts

An entire village dedicated to the creation and transmission of know-how of traditional crafts, with 110 exhibitors. You will see the work of wood, stone, earth… glassmakers, weavers, ironworkers and many others will present their art and their works.

1st week of the Overseas
On the occasion of the Year of Overseas in France, the Foire de Paris launches the first Week of Overseas. Every day an overseas department or territory will be honored:

• April 28: Polynesia
• April 29: Ile de la Réunion
• May 2: Guadeloupe
• May 3: Martinique
• May 4: Guyana
• May 6: New Caledonia.

The Festival Tropiques celebrates its 10th edition

Among the many events, the Festival Tropiques en Fête will recognize the talents of the Overseas and tropical islands that share their culture by presenting their folklore and their musical talents: variety, dance hall, reggae, zouk, salsa, jazz… In total, 60 free live music shows during 11 days!

Concours Lépine

The Concours Lépine International Paris compares the incomparable! It is an accelerator for any inventions. It presents inventions in several sectors: industry, construction, office automation, transportation, agriculture, health, optical, audio-video, sports, arts and creations, games and toys… It also allows inventors to study the market, find a manufacturer or distributor…

And for the kids…

For parents to quietly visit the fair, free play areas will be offered for children aged 4 to 8 years. Moms will have a nursery space to care for baby.

Night of the Fair: Friday, May 6, 20-23 hours, with a huge concert!

Detailed information and Internet ticket sales: Foire de Paris 2011

• Paris expo Porte de Versailles
• April 28 to May 8, 2011
• Tel.: 0 892 707 307
• Opening Hours
  • Every day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 to 19 hours.
  • « Afters » evenings on April 29, May 3-4 and 5, up to 21 hours.
  • Night of the Fair, Friday, May 6, up to 23 hours.
• Rates
  • Full individual rate: 12 € / 2-day pass: 18 €
  • Child rate (7-14 years): 7 €
  • Free for children under 7 years

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