The Night When No One Sleeps
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| Photo by Meredith Mullins |
This Saturday night (October 6, 2012) is a night to roam the streets ... from sunset to dawn ... with other night owls and art lovers. It's the Paris Nuit Blanche (or white night). The poetic phrase comes from the summer celebration in Russia, when the sun barely sets. It's light all night long. A reason to celebrate after the long, dark winter.
But here in Paris, the fun begins when darkness falls ... on a slightly cooler autumn evening. There are visual and performing art events all over the city. And, you're often allowed to enter places that are usually not open to the public, such as l'Assemblée nationale, le Palais d'Iéna, la Préfecture de police, l'Hôtel de Ville, and l'université Pierre et Marie Curie.
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| Photo by Jeanne MacInnes |
Since last year's Nuit Blanche was such a success (which meant sometimes waiting in line for two hours to see an exhibit or performance), the idea this year (the 11th Nuit Blanche) is to make the events more accessible. Many of the points of interest will be along the Seine (from d'Ivry sur Seine to Chaillot). The evening will also be featuring several places to get high (in meters) so that you can gain a new perspective on the action ... and Paris. (These exceptional belvederes include the terrasse on the 8th floor of the Cité de l'architecture, the terrasse on the 7th floor of BHV, the 9th floor of the Institut du Monde Arabe, the 15th floor of the Tour Morland, and the 24th floor of Jussieu (l'université Pierre et Marie Curie).
You can see everything from traditional exhibits, to one-night light installations, to musical performances, to spewed and twirled fire, to videos and films, to the ultimate installations ... the thousands of people wandering the streets together trying to stay up until sunrise.
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| Photo by Meredith Mullins |
So ... download the iPhone app or the map from the
paris.fr site and plan your
noctambule wanderings.
Or join WICE Photography Instructor Meredith Mullins for a photo walk that evening of some of the more interesting aerial views and installations (and learn something about night photography along the way).
Click here for more information. (And thank you to WICE member Jeanne MacInnes for the idea!)
Bonne Nuit!
Post by Meredith Mullins
That's what I really miss in Paris. Where the night is the start of the day, if you know what I mean. I always think that moving to france is the best for me not just because of the good opportunities but the overall experience that come with living in Paris.
ReplyDeleteJeanne MacInnes' photo effect is awesome! It literally defines Paris as the city of lights!
ReplyDeleteI missed the 'no sleep nights' in Paris. Sadly, I had to leave because we relocated to Sydney immediately after my parents processed the conveyancing of my aunt's property. Hopefully I'll get to come back to Paris again.
I've always dreamed of visiting the city of lights! I wish I can find cheap flights to Paris too, like I did to the Philippines, because after I visit Manila for their beaches, I think I want to visit Paris next!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the liveliest and brightest place in Paris? I wish to find an apartment and live there even just for a short moment.
ReplyDeleteThe night when no one sleeps - that seems fun. When I was in Manila, they call it "Friday night," and I'm glad I was able to rent a class A apartment near the most enjoyable place there. I'm moving to Paris next, so I'm looking forward to be part these events. Thanks! - Annabelle
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting if there are light and laser shows such as this one to several resorts. This will hype up the number of the visitors they will be getting in the near future, another added attraction will be a click to any park, resorts or recreational places.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information! I've been waiting to go on a tour in Paris for this night. I could include this in the list of romantic vacation ideas. Maybe you can write about Hawaii too, I'll give you a tour! - Kimberley
ReplyDeleteAfter I recover from my foot surgery, Paris would definitely be the first place I'll visit. I want to experience this with a totally-able body, and enjoy everything I try.
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