Paris is filled with fabulous events and things to do, especially during the summer time.
Yesterday, there was an amazing event called “Dîner en Blanc de Paris” or “Dinner in White in Paris.” It all started 25 years ago by François Pasquier and a handful of friends. Today, the event boasts a crowd of nearly 15,000! What exactly is this exclusive pop-up event? Well, thousands of people come dressed in white accompanied with their most elegant etiquette for a massive “chic picnic” in one of the city’s beautiful public spaces. The event is supposed to evoke the refinement and glamour of court society. The location is only given out at the very last minute, so its very secret for such a public affair. Every year a different spot is chosen, but has included: the Pont des Arts, the Eiffel Tower site, Place Vendôme, the Château de Versailles, the Esplanade de Notre-Dame, the Esplanade des Invalides, the periphery of the Place de l’Étoile, the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde and this year: the lovely Palais Royal!
It doesn’t stop there either! “Dîner en Blanc” is actually an international event that takes place in close to 40 different locations throughout the world!
Did you miss out this year? Make sure you get an invitation for next year’s magical event!
Many of you ask us where to continue the party after your wedding reception in Paris. The city of lights has something for everyone whether your style is slow jazz, glistening cocktails, seductive cabaret or dancing till your hearts content. This is the most special night of your life so it’s understandable that you never want it to end…
We therefore decided to compile our Top 5 Party Venues to continue your Parisian wedding celebrations into the night:
1. The Prescription Cocktail Club
Hidden Cocktail Bar
23 rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris
Part of the Experimental Cocktail Club group, this speakeasy bar evokes the glitz of prohibition. Open till 4am at the weekend, you’ll have plenty of time to work your way through their fabulous and innovative cocktail menu. The Prescription Cocktail Club is an unpublicised spot favoured by Parisian fashionistas. The ideal choice if what you’re after is expert bartenders and a sophisticated evening of indulgence. Also the perfect place to discuss the highlights of the day with your guests, whilst soaking up the whimsical atmosphere. Bowler hats falling from the ceiling and a false bookcase giving way to a second bar create a quirky and charming ambiance.
They of course do all the classic cocktails but it’s their own inventions which will take your breath away. Our favourite is Audrey’s Gin Gin Mule which ensnares the senses with its ginger beer and mint combination. Average cocktail price is 13-15 euros. Cheers!
If a little Moulin Rouge style burlesque dancing is one of your desires from your Parisian experience then, an evening at Le Crazy Horse is a must. This cabaret venue is the most avant-garde in Paris and creates a stunning visual experience of colour, dancing and music. Lighting effects and reflections form an integral part of the show truly mesmerizing audiences. You will undoubtedly become absorbed into this French world of seduction and glamour. The venue has been around for 60 years and explores the many facets of femininity through a continual reinvention of its work, routines are created to reflect cultural change and art movements. It prides itself on having become a symbol of Paris and Parisian life through the ages.
Their current show Désirs was choreographed by Philippe Decouflé to a backdrop of hot jazz blended into sizzling bands. Undeniably a night to remember. With an impeccable cast, fantastic costuming and Louboutins galore what’s not to love? Enter into their “crazy” world and become entranced.
Shows take place at 8.15pm and 10.45pm Sunday- Friday, and at 7pm, 9.30pm, and 11.45pm on Saturdays. Perfect to follow on from your reception. Their Champagne packages start at 125 euros for a show and half bottle of champagne.
3. VIP Room
Exclusive Club
188 bis Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Founded by music producer Jean-Roch, for the party lovers out there the VIP Room is the place to be, ideally situated on Rue de Rivoli. This is one of France’s most exclusive clubs, with venues in St Tropez and Cannes, and used for events such as fashion week after parties. Gaining access to the club is notoriously difficult but of course it’s your wedding night so you’ll already be looking wonderful!
The interior is glamorous with mirrored pillars and illuminated cocktail tables. Truly living up to its name it attracts the hottest of Paris party goers so get ready for some French celebrity spotting. Music is dance-centric, an evening here is all about popping (rather expensive) champagne bottles and having the VIP feel. Entrance may be free but a bottle and getting a small table will set you back 230 euros, it’s worth it though to experience the crème de la crème of French clubbing. Stays open until 6am.
To add a little Latin spice to your wedding night, head over to Barrio Latino. In this South-American oasis four levels of colourful fiestas await you. Dancing takes place from 11pm on the ground floor to the sun-kissed music and high paced rhythms of their DJ Carlos Campos. Sure to make your night fun filled and passionate with a fusion of salsa, reggaeton and tango. Perfect to get you in the mood for a honeymoon in the sun! The venue also offers dance lessons and tapas if you want to make the most of the experience.
If you need a break from salsa dancing on the second floor you will discover le Bar Cubain. Here you can escape to Havana whilst enjoying a Cuban cigar and a cocktail, perhaps one of their famous mojitos or frozen margaritas. The smoky and impassioned atmosphere will transport you to paradise.
The Venue closes at 2am (3am on Saturdays!) so it’s not the place for an all-night party, but if you’re doing it right you’ll already be exhausted by this time!
5. Badaboum
Electro club + British School cocktails
2bis rue des Taillandiers 75011 Paris
Badaboum is the new kid on the Parisian night life stage. Alternative music lovers that wants to experience the cutting edge of France’s electro scene are flocking here. You can start your evening by adding a little British class to affairs in their London cocktail bar. Cocktails are created by their mixologist Nicolas D. who strives for the perfect blend between originality and tradition.
When the cocktail bar shuts at 2am, head down to the electro-pop club to experience the heart of the venue. The club is proud to have the best quality French sound system, creating vibrations until doors shut at at 6:30 am… They also have a secret room donned in 70’s decor. What happens in the secret room stays in the secret room… Intrigued? We are. This venue is unique in bringing together 3 elements to create a diverse evening, all under one roof.
Entrance to the cocktail bar is free before 11 and the club costs 10-15 euros after midnight. The club is open Fridays and Saturdays with live music events on Thursday. Be ready to “faire la boum”.
We hope this helps you to plan your night out under the Parisian stars. Whether you’re working on your salsa or learning the art of seduction grab a cocktail and get ready to party the night away!
For more help planning you destination wedding in Paris be sure to check out some of our other Top 5 Lists
Everyone loves a good picnic, but a Parisian pique nique is not your standard affair. Think less packaged sandwiches and more artisan baguette, less cocktail sausages and more charcuterie. We understand that the idea of walking around in the heat to find all your picnic food is enough to put you off having one altogether… and that’s why we’re about to let you in on a little secret: ready-made picnics. Whether you’re after a luxury hamper bursting with champagne and caviar or something a little more rustic, we’ve tracked down the best picnics in Paris so that all you need to do is place an order, then sit back, relax and enjoy the sunshine whilst someone does all the hard work for you. Bliss.
Lovely gourmet Picnics by husband and wife food lover in Paris. Love Picnic Paris offers 4 different picnic baskets delivered to various locations in Paris for a great traditional picnic experience. From the sourcing of the finest ingredients and the creation of delicious homemade dishes to the assembly of our beautiful wicker Basket and its delivery to you at the picturesque Champ de Mars next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Miyoko and Olivier will take care of everything so you don’t have to.
l’Hotel Burgundy
source: www.leburgundy.com
If you’re looking for something seriously special then look no further! Hotel Burgundy’s Michelin Starred chef Pierre Rigothier has created the perfect luxury picnic hamper which includes caviar, foie gras, braised ox cheek terrine and other delightfully fancy items. It also comes with champagne and vodka and the best bit? Just let them know where you’re going to have your picnic and one of their valets will deliver it to you!
6-8 rue Duphot 75001 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 60 34 12
Epicerie Générale
source: www.epiceriegenerale.fr
This charming deli offers a variety of different ready-made picnics. The basic is the “Panier Dejeuner” for 50€ which includes salads, sandwiches and patisseries, but for just 10€ more you can enjoy the “Panier Apero” which includes charcuterie, cheese, caviar and a bottle of wine. For €120 you can buy the “Panier Champagne” or really splash out on the “Panier Vodka” (200€) and enjoy luxury picnic food and, you guessed it, a bottle of vodka and mixer. The Epicerie is also perfectly located just across the road from the Tuileries Gardens.
43 Rue de Vermeuil 75007 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 60 51 78
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Great Value Options
Jeanne A
source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Until 15th September 2013, this eat-in or take-out épicerie is offering “Pique-niques du Jeanne A”. For 10€ per person (minimum 4 people) you receive a bottle of wine, an assortment of sausages, crisps, radishes, and a baguette. For 19€ per person ( minimum 2 people) you can enjoy an assortment of sausages, vegetable tarts, salads, baguette, madeleines and a chocolate cookie. Order the picnic the day before then pick it up from the shop on the day and wander over to the nearby Canal Saint-Martin.
42 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 43 55 09 49
Le Faitout
source:www.resto-de-paris.com
Every Sunday this typically French bistro situated just next to the beautiful Parc des Buttes Chaumont offers picnic hampers filled with meats, cheese, salads and more. It’s brilliant value for money too – for around 20€ per person you can enjoy a great picnic and for around 40€ you can treat yourself to luxury foods such as foie gras. But be sure to order in advance!
23 Avenue Simon Bolivar, 75019 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 08 07 09
Chez Michel
source: www.linternaute.com
This much-rated French restaurant provides a starter, a main, cheese, desert, bread and wine for just 43€ for two people. Your picnic must be ordered at least an hour in advance and please be aware that they are closed at weekends and that you must provide your own cutlery and serviettes etc.
10 Rue de Belzunce, 75010 Paris
+33 (0)1 44 53 06 20
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Composing your own picnic
If you want your picnic to be more personalised you needn’t have to traipse around looking for the best places to buy; these places offer a huge selection of top quality food all in one place.
Rue Cler
source: www.paris-eiffel-tower-news.com
Rue Cler is a quaint street lined with bakeries, butchers, cheese shops, wine shops and chocolate shops – you really can find everything you need for the perfect picnic in one street! Other plus points are the picturesque cobblestone pavements and its proximity to one of the best picnic spots in Paris, the Champ de Mars (the gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower).
Gérard Mulot
source: www.girlsguidetoparis.com
If you’re looking for the perfect one-stop shop for all your picnic needs, look no further than Gérard Mulot. Founded in 1975, there are now three shops in Paris offering bread, pastries, hot meals and desserts. We recommend visiting the Saint-Germain shop on Rue de Seine, just a short walk from the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens.
76 rue de seine 75006 Paris
93 rue de la glacière 75013 Paris
6 rue du Pas de la Mule 75003 Paris
La Grande Epicerie de Paris
source: www.lagrandeepicerie.com
This huge food hall found in the Bon Marché department store in the 7th arrondissement has just about every food you can think of, from simple to gourmet. They offer take-away dishes from a variety of different cuisines and are happy to help you out with disposable cups and cutlery.
38 rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris
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So now you know the secret to the perfect Parisian picnic… gone are the days of wandering from shop to shop, working up a sweat in the summer heat with arms full of bags, only to get to the park and realise you forgot the plastic cups (we’ve all been there). Say hello to days lazing in the sun, to sipping organic wine in between bites of your fresh baguette, say hello to your friends thinking you’re a culinary genius able to whip up a gourmet hamper as if out of nowhere… well, we did say it was a secret.
A while back, we got you all excited about French lingerie with the perfect gift idea of a Paris Lingerie Tour. But it would be a shame of us to leave it at that and not tell you about one of the top designers out there in the lingerie industry, wouldn’t it? We think so.
Without further ado, we give you none other than Fifi Chachnil.
Fifi Chachnil, Lingerie Designer and Singer
via froufroufashionista
For those of you who do not already know that name, then it is our duty to introduce you to the endless amounts of pink and wonderfully ruffled world of Fifi Chachnil. She is the woman when it comes to designing ultra-glamorous, purely feminine lingerie. Her pieces are more than just special undergarments, but are a way to make women feel extraordinarily beautiful and more self-assured — the way we all should feel when stripped down. Her approach to all things frou-frou can be seen in her choice of luxurious fabrics that are ever so soft and exceptionally delicate against the skin and all in flirtatious retro styles that compliment any woman’s body. But again, Fifi Chachnil items are not your average underpinnings. The skill and detail put into her pinup-up inspired lingerie makes them more than worthy of a special occasion and will most definitely exceed all expectations of you and your special someone.
From deceptively sweet babydolls to incredibly flirtatious see through bra and pantie sets (with bows galore), there is something for everyone’s taste and style. Plus, Fifi Chachnil caters to larger busts with a full range of cup sizes.
Fifi Chachnil has four boutiques, three of which are in Paris and the other is in London.
Fifi Chachnil Shopping
via makingmagique
To see more, please visit fifichachnil.com, or stop into one of Fifi Chachnil’s sensationally pink and fabulously girly boutiques and discover (or rediscover) your feminine side.
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Also, because February is such a special month for lovers and we know lots of gentlemen will be running through town trying to think of the best possible gift for his special someone, WeddingLight would like to make it a little bit easier for you fellows.
Paris is a wonderful city filled with amazing taste, glamours style, picturesque views, etc. We often hear tourists discussing the best places to go and visit. But to be honest, you can’t really find them in a book. Often, the best choice is to ask an expert: a Parisian.
Although we are foreigners just like you may be, the difference is is the fact that we have all lived here for a number of years and have come to know the in’s and out’s of this beautiful and magical city. If you are planning your elopement or small wedding here in Paris, don’t hesitate to ask for some insider city knowledge from us. We want your time here to be the most memorable and exciting visit possible!
So why don’t you have a warm and rich hot chocolate at Angelina’s, or taste scrumptious macarons at Ladurée. Or, better yet, take a 4 hour cooking class on French pastry classics? Or maybe you prefer getting a taste of the Parisian fashion world with the help of a personal shopper who can take you to the most amazing (and maybe even secret) spots all over town.
Whatever your interests may be, we are here to make sure they become part of your Parisian adventure!
