OFF TO THE RACES
Sundays at the races (Les Dimanches au Galop) are very popular racing events throughout France, but especially in the Paris area. May is one of the busiest months for such races, with the Prix d'Harcourt and Prix Ganay races being staged.

www.dimanchesaugalop.com

HISTORIC THEATRE REOPENS
Le Theatre de la Gaite Lyrique, one of Paris' most famed theatres, will reopen this May. Opened in 1861, the opulent theatre was one of the most popular entertainment venues during the reign of Napoleon III.
The theatre, refurbished to its old glory, is now to be a center for electronic music and multimedia art.
3-5 rue Papin, 3rd arr; www.culture.fr

THE PARIS AIR SHOW
One of the world's largest and most important air shows will once again unfold at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris, showcasing the air transport industries latest planes they want to sell.

www.paris-air-show.com

MAISON DES METALLOS REOPENS
One of the most unusual events centres in Paris will reopen in June, 2007 - the Maison des Metallos, a former factory that has morphed into a popular avant-garde arts centre after a thorough rehab.

2007 summer events: www.maisondesmetallos.org

TENNIS LOVE?

The French Open, which bills itself as 'the world's greatest clay court tournament' takes place this year May 27-June 10, 2007, of course at Roland Garros Tennis Stade

www.rolandgarros.com

FETE DE LA MUSIQUE - JUNE 21, 2007
June 21 will be a GREAT day to be in Paris or any French town as on the longest day of the year annually since 1981 this music festival is held.

The music festival must be called eclectic because not only are concerts staged all over town - of every type music imaginable it seems, but anyone is encouraged to take to the streets and play music so there are buskers all over.
And no doubt some of those Inca bands!
The event takes place all over France and has become hugely popular.

www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr for organized concert info.

All concerts are free!

PARIS JAZZ FESTIVAL
More free music, the Paris Jazz Festival swings throughout the months of June and July with free concerts in the Bois de Vincennes' Parc Floral.

www.parcfloraldeparis.com

Lots of great info. Thanks!

Pal - Thanks very much for doing this. I, for one, keep checking your updates and adding new things to my Paris To Do list. Great job!

laartitsa; robjame: mercy bow cups for the comments!

Robjame: if only the unofficial Princess Di memorial on top of the Seine-side overpass hadn't been removed by officaldom i could tie that into an anti-royal rant!

For the idle ramblings of an Canadian expat in Paris, you might want to read www.metropoleparis.com

thanks for the link, Jack!

now back to more ramblings on 'Paris stinks':

MARCHE AUX PUCES FROM A DIFFERENT VIEW
Everyone has heard of Paris' famous flea markets at Saint Ouen. A visit there on market days sees huge huge crowds mobbing the various markets.

But for more insight into the flea markets the Saint Ouen Tourist Office organizes tours for groups and individuals: www.st-ouen-tourisme.com; ph. 01.40.11.77.36

the highlight is in October when the visits include the especially popular Mondial de l'Antiquite, a special antiques fair that is staged every other year, including this October.

LA SEMAINE DU GOUT

This weeklong celebration of gastronomy sees many restaurants offering up special 'good-value menus,' along with tastings, lectures and readings all over Paris.

PS Please don't order Foie Gras!

www.legout.com

SHOP TILL YOU DROP!

In June Paris' one-month-long Summer Sales happens in many stores.

www.parisinfo.com for info

MUSIQUE COTE JARDINS (Music in the Gardens)

June thru Sept many gardens in Paris have open-air concerts and festivals.

Such as: Classique au Vert in the Parl Floral in the Bois de Vincennes (series of free classical music concerts); Le Printemps des Serres, in the Serre d'auteuil - mainly chamber music.

Complete program of open-air concerts Summer 2007: www.paris.fr

Seriously Pal, you are better than a guidebook. thanks again and keep it up

OMG- I made a smiley face- I think it's my first one, so that's how you do it. LOL

laartista - again merci sincerely.

CIMETIERE DES CHIENS D'ASNIERES
Though i haven't been there in ages the Dog Cemetery at Asnieres, in suburban Paris, lingers in my mind's eye. A bit maudlin but the many tombstones with testimonies to various pets buried there is touching.

And there is also the grave of Rin Tin Tin ("ran tan tan&quot for some reason.

So for something offbeat try this Pere Lachaise des Animaux.

Train to Asnieres from Saint Lazare - and cemetery borders the Seine. Also here is the railway viaduct famously painted by Monet.

Haven't been there like i said for some time. Anyone been there recently?

LUGGAGE LOCKERS IN TRAIN STATIONS
Luggage lockers currently are in operation in these Paris train stations:

Austerlitz, Gare du Nord, Montparnasse and Gare de Lyon. bags can be left up to 72 hrs for one flat fee - 5 euros small locker 7.5 medium, 9 large.
Lockers at Gare de l'Est are currently closed due to reconstruction of the station interior in prep for launch of LGV Est high speed line soon.
Those at Saint-Lazare also closed due to reconstruction but not clear if any new ones are planned.
There are no lockers at the Bercy train station, depot for Artesia Night Trains and some other night trains.
I believe neither airport has luggage storage.
Things can always change quickly in this regard.
Since operation VigiPirate came about years ago now lockers and left luggage in most French train stations were closed. Only those with airport-like security screening seem remaining open - in the largest stations.

FIAC - INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR
The FIAC, during October 2007 is one of the major international contemporary art extravaganzas. Contemporary artists, gallery owners, collectors and voyeurs flock from around the world to the Foire Internationale d'Art Conemporain...emphasis is on young, emergin artists and galleries. Ogle or cop drawings, paintings, video art, prints, sculpture, photos and installations.

www.fiacparis.com