A white night following a bright blue Indian summer day. The ideal mood and climate for Paris’ annual Nuit Blanche, the one night of the year that the city ceases to sleep. One of my favorites, allowing those brave enough, to explore museums and churches in the early morning hours. Our adventures took place in the Marais, beginnning with a video installation of The Leopard at the magestic Hotel de Ville. Incidentally, the first book my Italian ever gave me.
From there we sought the shortest lines with the most engaging exhibitions. Not an easy task. We found Moby Dick at the Museum of Hunting & Nature, complete with a backdrop of whale sounds.
Seeking a moment of respite from the growing crowds, we entered the Église Notre-Dame des Blancs-Manteaux, only to be enchanted by an array of musicians in “Des voix dans la Nuit!” From pianists performing Chopin to a chorus singing Ave Maria, to a dramatic organist... certainly the longest (and the latest) I have ever sat in a church!
By now it was nearly 1am and we made our way to the grand exhibition Purple Rain. The line was wrapped well around the block, and so we passed by, trying to catch a glimpse of this incredible purple rain… Would it have been worth the wait? Perhaps.
Not yet ready to return home, we caroused the early morning streets in search of a last hurrah. What we found was an impressive structure at the Bibliothèque.
Composed solely of cement blocks held up by their arrangement.
Finally, time to end this white night and before it bacame another bright blue day.
With a last stop in Heaven at the Musée d’art et d’histoire du Judaïsme.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, it’s been years since I’ve done a nuit blanche. (Well, outside of my own apartment anyway.) Thanks for letting me experience it vicariously! Maybe we’ll go next year…or in a few years.
It’s not so child friendly considering the late (and early morning) hours, but worth exploring once they are a bit older!
Karin and I had a wonderful time as well. We hung out around Montmartre and I can appreciate what you mean when you say you hunted for the most inspiring pieces with the shortest lines. Not an easy task, indeed. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Paul, we were considering to explore Montmartre as it looked like there were many great expos but were afraid it would be complete chaos. (Not like the Marais wasn’t!) Glad you and Karin had fun!!
You definitely had a great deal more fun than we did. We are doing it again next year – with better planning and definitely without the kids.
Thanks for sharing!
The best it to explore a chosen neighborhood very early or very late, and yes, without kids would be a whole other experience.
Wow…I have always wanted to be there for Nuit Blanche!
Try to come next year for Nuit Blanche, Susan! You would love it!! (Not a bad idea to arrive jet-lagged so you can stay up all night
)
Your posts and photos lately have been making me so jealous – what a great season à Paris!
Paris (and many of its inhabitants) is missing you!
I was in the Marais – there it was really horribly crowded. Some streets were completely full of people – and even cars tried to come throw! Gladfully nothing happend! This part was unfortunately really bad organisated! But insted of this was the night really a perfect night for an event like this
I agree that is was very chaotic, even at 2am. Hope you managed to see a few good exhibits!
What an incredible experience — I had never heard of it before!
It happens every year in several cities around the world, such fun!!
How wonderful! And now I can see why you didn’t make it to Yoga the next morning!
XO
Sam
Had it been any other morning, I would have been at yoga!
Wow, that looks truly incredible! I’m thinking I’ll have to my way to Paris for the next nuit blanche! Of course, I’m just looking for any excuse to get my butt to Paris. I can’t believe I’ve been in France for over a year and haven’t been. This has to change and soon! : )
Yes! Do come and visit! I’m sure you can think of a few reasons why you MUST come to Paris
I’ve never been in Paris for this but your wonderful post made me feel as if I’d gotten to tag along. Lovely!!
V
Happy you enjoyed it. Try to make it for the next one!