Thursday, March 29, 2012

Places in France : Jardin d'Acclimatation

My neighbourhood has quite a large offering of the restaurants and parks to venture to. A trip worth making is to  Jardin d'Acclimatation at Metro: Les Sablons.
It is park with sprawling gardens and amusement park rides. Highly entertaining for kids. It is near Bois de Boulogne so draws all sorts, from the joggers, sun-worshippers and those simply strolling along. There is an entrance fee and extra charge for the amusement rides. The sprawling gardens are ideal for picnics in the warmer seasons, the numerous rides make it ideal for all ages, and there's the shuttle service of  Le Petit Train that goes from the Jardin to Porte Maillot and back again. My kids love it, and the proximity to our apartment is even more thrilling for them. My son's plea after every visit is "Mommy, can we come here every day?" Don't think so, but it's good to know that on those days when we have nothing else to do, there's an option within walking distance.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Mascarades et Carnavals at Musée Dapper

Hidden away in the 16th Arrondissement, Musée Dapper seems incongrous in its surroundings. High-end clothing boutiques, designer stores, an elegant Nespresso boutique, and just off the posh Avenue Victor Hugo is the museum.
An artistic and cultural space for Africa, the Caribbean and their diaporas is how the museum bills itself. It is an offshoot of the Dapper Foundation, which was established to raise the profile of sub-saharan Africa's artisic heritage.
I took in the Mascarades et Carnavales exhibition last week. It is on until July. A fitting exhibit seeing as it is the month of carnivals. I do believe the Paris Carnival is itself an annual treat, which I missed. Quel dommage!