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!
As Paris wedding planners, we are always thrilled to find new places in town to host a perfect destination wedding. We went to check out La Fontaine Gaillon, a venue recently used by our California friends at No Worries Events for a destination wedding they organised in Paris. We love that the establishment offers the unique combination of a beautiful terrace to conduct a ceremony and lovely private rooms in which to host the reception. La Fontaine Gaillon opened as a restaurant in 2003 and is owned by none other than the famous French actor, Gerard Depardieu. His vision was to create an intimate space where clients would feel truly at home, and that is certainly what he has achieved. The mansion also has a rich history having had many royal owners in its time; and the fountain was restored in 1928 by Visconti (famed for being the architect of Napoleons tomb at the Invalides).
The venue is situated in the heart of Paris between Opera and Palais Royal, tucked away in Place Augustine. The fountain is set into the wall of the historic mansion creating a beautiful backdrop to saying “I do.” Ceremonies can take place on the terrace, which holds 30-40 people, between 5 and 6pm, Monday through Friday.
Guests can then move on to dine in your chosen room up until 11:30pm. Aside from the Italian terrace there are 5 private rooms each with a different ambiance and capacity. The smallest private room is the “Empire” which holds up to 6 people; and the largest is the “Régence” which holds up to 30. Renting a room ranges in price from 30 euros – 120 euros depending on which size you choose.
This makes it the perfect venue to host a reception no matter how many guests you have. The rooms are full of character withintricately patterned walls and chandeliers creating a regal feel. Smaller rooms allow guests to sit around a single table in complete privacy truly creating a feeling of being at home. Being able to host the ceremony and reception together in the same venue provides huge advantages in having a relaxed day in which guests can enjoy. The warm and welcoming atmosphere adds to this feeling of serenity. Floral decorations can also be arranged with their local florist “Un Jardin Imaginaire”, to personalise the space and complete your big day.
Private Room Régence holds 17-30 guests
La Fontaine Gaillon is passionate about serving genuine traditional cuisine and the menu changes according to season and produce available each day. It is designing the menu in this way which allows them to create exceptional dishes, they are also therefore very adaptable catering to all dietary requirements and tastes. For your reception you can choose either a 3 course menu priced at 58 euros per person, or a 5 course menu for 110 euros per person. Typical dishes include Roasted Filet of John Dory, and Entrecote Black Angus in Béarnaise Sauce; with deserts such as strawberries in Anjou wine. A truly delicious selection to choose from. Their wine and champagne list is also excellent with 150 choices from small local vineyards and some more exotic choices from Morocco and Sicily.
We hope this combination of luxury cuisine, beautiful surroundings and history will inspire one of you to choose La Fontaine Gaillon as your destination wedding venue in Parissoon!
