Marathon de Paris
Marathon de Paris
Address: S.O. Athlétisme – 2 rue Rouget de Lisle TSA 61100 – 92137 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex
Date: April 2008
Start Time: 8:45am
Tickets: Free
WWW: http://www.parismarathon.com
Phone: 01.41.33.15.68
Email: infos@parismarathon.com
About the Paris Marathon
It is said that the very first marathon was run in 490 B.C. In this year, the Athenians won a famous battle that put an end to the very first Median War. A solider by the name of Philippides was sent as a messenger to let the citizens know that the war was over. It is said he ran so far for so long that he died of exhaustion upon his arrival. Marathons were run annually in his honor. The tradition continues on today all over the world. The Paris Marathon, first begun in July 1896, always seeks to commemorate Philippides heroic journey.
Even today, the race is still 40 kilometers long, which is symbolic of the distance between Paris and Athens. The race begins at the Champs Elysees and ends at Avenue Foch but not before winding through favorite Parisian landmarks like the Bastille, Rue de Lyon, Tuileries and Versailles.
Each year more than 36,000 gather to run in the marathon. More than 95 countries are represented, although only 20% of runners are foreign. Another 28% comes directly from Paris and the other 52% are from provincial France. Participants are treated like royalty and nearly all come to the Saturday evening Pasta Party to fuel up. Sponsor REEBOOK also gives away over 3,000 items to runners. Runners can pick up some gear as well as their chip and registration information the Marathon Expo.
The Paris Marathon does have a little twist when compared to others. Each runner must get a colored bib that signifies their starting time. Times range between 3 to 4 ½ hours. Those who have proof of current race results that are dated within two years can receive a red or yellow bib, proving that they are an “elite” participant and one to watch for at the finish line.
As for the spectators, nearly 200,000 line the streets of Paris to cheer and party. Events are organized. Foods and drink stalls abound. Almost 100 musical acts play at venues throughout the city. To boot, over 50,000 gifts and prizes are handed out to spectators. All are welcome to the Marathon Expo at Porte des Versailles as well, which is free to the public and features running related events and gear.
Participants can register online or by mail. Registration is limited to 35,000 and is follows the rules of “first come, first serve.” Those who register early, between September and October have a 53EUR fee. October through November registrants will incur a 70EUR fee and those registering between December and January will have an 85EUR fee.
Getting to Paris Marathon
Participants and specatators can find their way to the starting line by way of the Champs-Elysees-Clemenceau metro station which runs along lines 1 and 13. To find the finish line, visitos can take metro line 2 to the Porte Dauphine station. There is no direct transfer to Avenue Foch, however, this is the closest rail station.
Paris Marathon Hotels
Here is a short guide to Paris Marathon hotel accommodation.
Located at 5 rue Ponthieu, less than a quarter of a kilometer away from the marathon starting point, the three star Hotel Elysee Park is an ideal location to enjoy the race and the whole of Paris. It is also close by several metro lines that will help get you to Avenue Foch in no time at all. Rates for a single room here start at 100EUR per night.
Located at 3 rue Ponthieu, the three star Hotel Mathis Elysees Matignon is always a favorite because of its beautifully up kept and charming historic interior. It is also close by several metro lines, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, which will help get you to Avenue Foch in no time at all. Rates for a single room here start at 170EUR per night.
Located at 38 rue du Faoubourg Saint Honore, the Hotel de Castiglione is the best bang for your buck. It has a lofty four star status but a very affordable price tag which starts at 131EUR per night for a twin sole use room and breakfast. It is also close by the Champs Elysees-Clemenceau metro station.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org
About Paris, France | What is on, Paris hotels
This short break guide about Paris, France will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what’s on in Paris and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break, holiday or vacation.
About Paris, France
Paris, located along the beautiful River Seine in Northern France, has been an important urban center for approximately two thousand years. The population of the “City of Lights” stretches well beyond the set governmental city limits into the suburbs at roughly 10 million citizens making it one of the most populated areas on the planet. This figure doesn’t even begin to roundup the countless millions who come to vacation here each year. It is easy to see why so many flock to this attractive city that is known for its old world romantic yet avant-garde atmosphere. Paris is filled with historic landmarks, vast parks, unique cityscapes and a culture that includes highlights like the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
What is on in Paris in 2008
Our mini-guide to what’s on in Paris lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Paris, France when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Paris.
January
If you love fashion Paris is the place to be in January. Why? For starters the place where high fashion began features its annual Paris Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week (both at the Carrousel du Louvre), Paris Lingerie Week and Who’s Next Fashion Trade Fair (both at Porte de Versailles) and finally the shopping event of all shopping events Soldes by Paris. The fashion shows an trade fair draw a fantastic, glittering audience filled with top notch designers, celebrities, socialites, press and models from around the world; all of whom are anticipating the innovative looks that will come traipsing down the runway to set the world on fire with the latest trends hailing from the City of Light. And although these gigs are unfortunately invite only, that doesn’t leave the low man out completely. Soldes By Paris’ annual shopping event is hosted by nearly 1,000 stores and features sales galore for the entire month of January. So, although you weren’t invited to the runway show, that doesn’t mean you can’t show up at some of the after parties in your fabulous new attire after a day of shopping the Soldes sales!
http://www.modeaparis.com/
http://www.soldesbyparistouch.com/
February
Although Paris abounds in culture and history, it does know how to throw a party too! The Chinese community, tourists and locals alike come out in droves to celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 7. Parades filled with brilliantly plumed dragons, music and dance flood the streets from Chinatown all the way to Porte de Choisy and back again. The 13th arrondissement comes alive with the shouts of party goers, the smell of delicious Chinese cuisine and the sounds of music that echoes for throughout the city from sunup to sundown.
http://www.chine-informations.com/nouvelanchinois/
March
Ever wanted to take in all of Paris in one afternoon? You can! Sign up for the annual Paris Half Marathon and you will whiz by 21.1 kilometers of the city’s best sights and sounds. But be prepared to share the view, over 20,000 runners will be in attendance! The Half Marathon normally runs during the first Sunday in March at 10:00am. And of course the city of romance couldn’t think of a lover place to begin and end than the beautiful Parc Floral de Paris.
http://www.parismarathon.com/semi/2008/us/index.html
April
Springtime abounds with those looking to do a little spring cleaning; in with the old and out with the new by way of antiques fairs. La Defense brings out the best dealers on the block for the annual Brocante fair during the first week of the month. It does cost 6EUR to get in but you are allowed for the entire day; from 11:00am – 7:00pm. And would it be Paris without antiques and a lovely park? Certainly not! Thus, Jardin des Tuileries also presents its annual antique fair Pavillon des Antiquaires the first week of April as well. And what will you find here? Anything from antique gems to furniture to art that spans many eras such as Oriental and Art Nouveau. The antique fair is certainly a treasure trove of items and you will surely find something to cherish among the thousands of stalls and hundreds of dealers!
http://www.joel-garcia-organisation.fr/
http://www.pad-paris.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=19&tabindex=18
May
The Great Paris Steeplechase is one of the most rough n tumble race courses in the world but the prize is a well worth it 324,000EUR! Since the races inception on May 25, 1874 at the famous Hippodrome d’Auteuil, horses from all over France have come to participate for the prized purse and the notary of conquering one of the most difficult courses in all the land. Although there have been many changes of time, the last two decades have seen the track remain at a constant of 5800 meters with 23 obstacles total. The cost to see these fine steeds race to the end in a flurry of excitement is 8EUR.
http://www.france-galop.com/fr/index.asp
June
France is definitely known for its artistic touches and the stimulating realm of photography is no exception. Therefore it is only fit that photos get their own exhibition, which is known as the International Photographic Flea Market. Each June hundreds of new as well as seasoned professionals flock to Bievres, just south of Paris, to show their stuff to the world. And, of course, those with the best photos win the prize! The market is free and open from 2:00 – 9:00pm on Saturday; 8:00am – 6:00pm Sunday; and the exhibition is open Sunday from 9:00am – 6:00pm, winners determined in the final hours.
http://foirephoto-bievre.com/
July
Although many locals disappear to their holiday homes during the summer months, Paris is still rock n rollin the season away! The St. Denis Festival is an eclectic mix of tunes that features anything and everything – jazz, classical, Irish folk and gospel included! While St. Denis seeks to highlight classical music and its many brilliant composers many of the venues that play host to the fest also include contemporary pieces like music from The West Side Story and modern rock tunes. Dancin in the streets has never sounded so good!
http://www.festival-saint-denis.fr/
August
From July through August, the city of Paris designates a two mile stretch on the Right Bank to the beach. No, we really mean it! White sand is trucked in and dumped on the bank while palm trees are erected and hammocks hung to accommodate ‘beachbums’ from near and far. In addition, there is plenty of fun in the sun by way of activities like volleyball, concerts and ginguettes (café dancing). Bet you never thought you’d see the day when Parisians would relax and mingle freely!
September
The Autumn Festival: Paris’ Autumn Festival, which runs from September through December annually, showcases the best of the best in visual arts, theatre, dance, music and cinema; from the new and avant-garde to the old and seasoned alike.
http://www.festival-automne.com/newmain_index.php
October
And of course, who could forget about the French’s long time love affair with excellent wine? Montmartre, the only sector of Paris that grows wine, pays homage to its rustic past with a brilliant parade during the entirety of October’s harvest. Montmartre’s ancient vineyards date back to their first mention in 390BC when it was exclaimed the regions wines would “make you jump like a goat.” The exhibition also features taste tasting, a banquet, a ball and wine-growers from around the world. The cost is free except for what you buy and who wouldn’t purchase wine that will leave you high stepping around the city?
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/
November
France’s premier music magazine, Les Inrockuptibles, pays respect to their claim to fame with November’s annual Festival des Inrockuptibles. Top notch performers come from near and far to provide entertainment for the magazines fanatical readers for a minimal price of 20EUR. Now, even more venues than before are joining in to make this one of the biggest music festival that Paris ever seen. Rock on!
http://www.fnac.com/default.asp?Origin=FnacFR&OriginClick=Yes
http://www.lesinrocks.com/index.php?id=79&tx_event%5Bnotule%5D=207559&cHash=2413c971d5
December
During the Christmas holiday season, Paris exudes its nickname “City of Lights.” The entire Champs Elysees is filled with glittering lights. The Christmas Markets open and abound with the perfect holidays gifts for family and friends. Many glide the ice rink at Hotel de Ville. People come from near and far to see the display and “Mystery of Christmas” production at the infamous church of Notre Dame. A lovely midnight mass is open for all at Eglise de la Madeleine. And all of it is wrapped up in a twinkling bow that sets the entire city aglow with holiday cheer. There is no place like Paris during Christmas time.
Recommended Paris Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Paris hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst for your vacation in Paris, France. The top 10 Paris hotels as recommended by review are:
- Hotel Luxembourg Parc
- Jays Paris
- Plaza Tour Eiffel
- Hotel Elysees Regencia Paris
- Hotel des Academies et des Arts
- Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
- Hotel Relais Bosquet
- Henri IV Rive Gauche Hotel
- Hotel de La Tour Maubourg
- Royal Magda Etoile Hotel
The Venetian Carnival, Paris
Paris’ Venetian Carnival: “Le grand rendez-vous du!”
Address: Port de Plaisance
Arrondissement: 16th
Begins: March 31
Ends: April 1
Hours: 2:30 – 5:30pm
Tickets: Free
WWW: Paris’ Venetian Carnival Website
Email: Venetian Carnival Email
About Venetian Carnival in Paris
Paris brings back the primeval Venetian carnival with a rich show of vibrant costumes, unique masks, brilliant head pieces and one of a kind water displays. “The City of Lights” seeks to transform itself into “The City of Canals,” while honoring the Venetian ‘watery’ customs. In doing so, nearly all of the city’s waterways are filled to their limits with hundreds of decorated boats while musicians play and cloaked celebrants dance. Nearly 20,000 visitors come to witness this spectacular display of color and ancient history.
Paris Metro Stations for the Venetian Carnival
To get to the Venetian Carnival, most travel to Bastille metro station situated on Paris’ Metro Lines 1, 5 and 8. The station is located near its namesake and some of the very few remains of the former prison can be found on line 5.
Paris Hotels for the Venetian Carnival
The one star Hotel Baudelaire Bastille is conveniently located at 12 rue de Charonne, just a quarter of a kilo from the Bastille metro station and the canals where the Venetian Carnival lives. The Baudelaire is also minutes away from some of Paris’ trendiest areas like Gare de Lyon and Gare d’Austerlitz. The price for a single room starts at 55EUR, perfect for a traveler on a budget.
Three star Bastille Speria features a prime location, 1 rue de la Bastille, near Place de la Bastille, Place des Vosges and Marais, for a steal of a price. Just a stone’s throw from the Bastille metro station and the Venetian Canal this hotel also offers off street parking, a rarity for a city of this magnitude! A single room starts at the comfortable price point of 80EUR.
Le Marceau Bastille is a four star gem of a hotel that is located at 13 rue Jules Cesar. And like its boulevards namesake, you will be treated like royalty in this recently renovated, artsy hotel. The hotel sits just over a quarter of a kilometer away from the Venetian Carnival so walking the cultured streets is a must! The Marceau is the perfect blend of modern atmosphere, coziness and hospitable services, all rolled into the standard room packages price of 180EUR or the single room price of 381EUR.
Festival of the Imagination, Paris
Festival of the Imagination: “Defining exploration, discovery, revelation and hopes the world over.”
Address: Maison des Cultures du Monde, 101 Boulevard Raspail, 75006, Paris
Arrondissement: 6th
Begins: March
Ends: April
Hours: Varies to Event
Tickets: Varies to Event
WWW: Festival de l’Imaginarie
Email: esber@mcm.asso.fr
Phone: +33 (0) 1 45 44 41 42
About Festival of the Imagination
The Festival of Imagination is held annually in Paris each spring. This innovative event seeks to promote cultural from the nearest, as well as the farthest, reaches of the earth.
This fascinating program is as diverse as the people of the world. Each culture brings its own traditions, whether modern or olden to the table for a spicy mix of contemporary, academic, minimalist, sophisticated, chic, modern and folk performance pieces. In the past these events have been through the spoken word, song and/or dance of Japanese puppetry from Sado Island, dance music from Cape Verde, choirs from the Syrian Orthodox Church, folk music from the Hmong of the Golden Triangle and many other exotic and entertaining peoples.
As the name states, the only limitation on this festival is the imagination!
Paris Metro Stations for Festival of the Imagination
To get to the Festival of Imagination at the Maison des Culture du Monde, you can take Metro Line 4 to station St Placide in Montparnasse or Metro Line 12 to station Notre Dame des Champs, also in Montparnasse.
Paris Hotels for the Festival of the Imagination
Here is a short guide to Festival of the Imagination Hotels.
Perfect for those on a budget, the Hotel de L’avenier has a minimal cost of 56EUR per night for its three star status. Located on a quiet street on the Left Bank, right beside Montparnasse, a stone’s throw from the Festival of the Imagination, this setting also provides easy access to Le Jardin du Luxembourg, the spirited St Michel’s district and the Notre Dame des Champs station on Metro Line 12. 65 rue Madame, Paris, 75006
The Best Western Aramis Saint German is situated in the lively St Germain district. The hotel attracts lofty guests that are drawn to the warm, home away from home atmosphere that the staff and hotel itself provides, although the best part may just be the 83EUR per night pricetag for such a delightful three star stay. 124 rue de Rennes, Paris, 75006
For those seeking a bit of luxury, the Grand Hotel Littre, which sits between Montparnasse and the St Germain district, provides just that. It is a first class five star and the 200EUR per night price tag promises to be well worth your while