If you go down to Avenue Des Gobelins today, you’re in for a big surprise. This quiet, unassuming neighbourhood is now home to more than fifty giant teddy bears. And it all seems strangely normal. Nobody bats an eye as they kick back with a café au lait among their fellow Parisians. From the city that gave us Amelie, the giant teddy bears are just one of the surprising reasons, that for me, Paris never disappoints.
On the longest day of the year, the city of light pounds to the beat of an all-day music marathon. Open to all, Fete de la Musique events are performed for free in streets, parks, public buildings, train stations and museums throughout France. From budding X-factor protegees to orchestras and operas, the event popularises music for all and has now spread to more than 100 countries worldwide. If you’ve ever dreamt of giving up the day job, grab your guitar and book your Eurostar ticket now.
Fete de la Musique