Splendid Illuminations of Chartres Cathedral

If you will be in Paris this summer and plan to visit Chartres (and you should!) check out this link to learn about the nightime 'illuminations' of the beautiful Gothic Cathedral. The cathedral's we see today are pale shadows of their colorful original selves... the stained glass shines and sparkles but in their early days the arches and pillars were gilded and painted as well. http://www.chartresenlumieres.com/uk/accueil.html

National Museums Night May 19, Paris

If you will be in Paris, or in France, on May 19 stay up late and visit your favorite museums. Or, check out some new ones... This annual arts celebration in France has participating museums open until 1:00 a.m. and there are often special events happening as well. The Orsay, for example, is scheduling musical performances and special talks to guide you through their beautifully renovated new exhibition spaces.

Helmut Newton Exhibition At the Grand Palais

Helmut Newton At the Grand Palais This is the first retrospective of Helmut Newton in France since his death in 2004. June Newton, wife of the photographer and a also a photographer, developed this remarkable exhibition. The exhibition offers a collection of more than 200 images, all high quality originals and vintage prints. The show is enriched by a movie directed by June, which illumines Newton’s personality and professional style. Fashion, nudes, portraits, sex, the grand themes that Helmut Newton is best known for, are shown in “sections” that encourage the visitor to understand Newton’s universe in “applied photography” in fashion and portraits. A standout is the last room dedicated to portraits of strong and seductive women with woman contemporary body. This show is very popular so prepare to stand on line for tickets. Helmut Newton. Until June 17th 2012. Grand Palais. Avenue Winston Churchill 
75008 Paris. Metro: Franklin Roosevelt