La Semaine du Gout.. Good Tastes in Paris

October is a busy month in Paris... the Fete de Vendanges in Montmartre, Les Nuits Blanches, and, a week of culinary celebrations during La Semaine du Gout among others.
Check out the 'Village Europeen' on the Esplanade at Invalides from 10-8 October 12 to 14 to tour ateliers of varied European Nations celebrating their cuisines. And, in the 7th arrondissement, along the rue Cler, Motte Piquet and St. Dominique, brasseries and restaurants will set up "Tables dans le rue" where you can enjoy good food and wine at communal tables. The website is: http://foodcultureeurope.eu/#

Annual Paris Antiques Fair, Versailles Fountains Show

The annual very large Paris Antiques and Art Fair will be 'on' at the Palais de Congres from September 24 through October 3. If this show is beyond your budget, dreams are of course, complimentary.

Another lovely fall activity is a trip out to the Chateau of Versailles. The noted "Grands Eaux Musicales" fountains/music shows remain 'on' on Saturdays and Sundays through October 30. There is an extra admission for these well worth the time and money fountain shows.

www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/spectacle.php?spe=1&lang=eng

Ultra Contemporary Art in Paris-- ArtBus

October 1 is the annual Nuits Blanche event where contemporary art installations, concerts, performances and more sprout up all over Paris and people enjoy, well, all night if they wish to.

ArtBus is offering an excellent looking minibus tour of selected 'ultracontemporary' artists and their expositions in spaces as varied as pop up galleries or art bookstores, in private apartments or on public squares. From 11-5 on Saturday Oct. 1 this is a preview of selected events for the Nuit Blanche. The tour will also get you to lots of off the radar venues. A great idea!

www.art-process.com Call or email to register well in advance.

Ferreting Out Delicious Chocolate in Istanbul

It's not Paris, but, you may enjoy my article on finding delicious chocolate in Istanbul just published on Chocolate Atlas.

http://www.chocolateatlas.com/L2Other/79Peabody_Istanbul/Chocolate_Istanbul.html

And if a sojurn in the magnificent city of Istanbul interests you, or a small group tour for culinary and cooking experiences or, exploring wonderfully diverse regions of Turkey appeals, take a look at my new website www.turkishjourneys.com

Cezanne and Fra Angelico Shows in Paris This Fall

Paris has 90 plus museums and monuments. How do you get to see them all! Beyond the always worth a visit Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, there are many great options. And in addition to the national museums, and City of Paris Museums, there are small gems that are privately run. Check these two out this fall:

The beautiful mansion that houses the Jacquemart-Andre museum at 158 Blvd Haussmann in the 8th is featuring a show called Fra Angelico and the Masters of Light. If you go, be sure to have lunch in the 'tea room' or enjoy an afternoon patisserie and tea. This was once the mansion's elegant dining room and it is a lovely space to relax. www.culturespaces.com September 23 to Jan. 16.

The recently renovated Museé du Luxembourg on the edge of the ever beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, 19 rue de Vaugirad in the 6th, is another wonderful small museum. From October 10 to Feb. 26 the exhibition will be on Cezanne's work. www.museeduluxembourg.fr

Vintage Cars in 'Ephemeral Museum" Sept 30

If you love gorgeous vintage cars and will be in Paris on September 30, head over to the Place de Vendome for the stunning display of cars on display this day prior to the start of the Paris-Deauville Rally. This annual rally is the first week of October and the cars are vaut le voyage to look over and enjoy prior to their rally start. The name "Musée Ephemére says it all.

http://www.clubdelauto.org/index.php?lang=en