What’s on in Paris this October

30 September 2015

Attend Inspirational Events during an Autumn Stay at Amarante Champs Elysées

The City of Light is internationally admired for its outstanding events calendar and October’s line-up is no exception. This autumn, two of the city’s most inspiring events will invite you to return to your roots in two very different ways; from a five-day wellbeing and lifestyle show, to the hotly-anticipated reopening of the Musée de L’Homme. Whether you lean more towards the sciences or the spiritual, or perhaps abit of both, there’ll be an array of insightful experiences to look forward to during a stay in Paris.

Salon Zen

Espace Champerret

1st – 5th October 2015

Returning for its 28th edition, Salon Zen will offer the chance to focus on inner wellbeing and fulfilment during its five-day run. 380 stands, 180 workshops and a whole host of additional events will each provide further insight and understanding into this year’s theme of rebirth and resilience. With 38,000 attendees last year alone, this is a key event in the Parisian calendar for those seeking to rebalance and make positive changes to their lifestyle.

The extensive event will be split into eight sections, each centred around specific needs, from resolving tensions via therapies and coaching, to optimising health with nutritional supplements and Ayurvedic medicine that originated in India. As well as an array of specialised exhibitors on-hand to talk to for advice, there’ll also be a comprehensive events programme that will offer the chance to better understand methods and products. From conference workshop topics that will include how to overcome burnout and chromotherapy, otherwise known as colour therapy… to €2 practical workshops that will offer hands-on learning related to yoga, reflexology and positive psychotherapy.

Those hoping to restock on essentials or in search of gifts will be able to browse a variety of stands offering the perfect remedy or product; from books and DVDs, to natural minerals, incense, candles and crystals. Massage schools will sit alongside stalls selling natural silk scarves, while The Gardens of Gaia will offer a delicious selection of 400 organic and fairtrade teas; ideal for a mid-morning break.

Fans of film will also be excited to discover that there’ll be a whole area dedicated to celebrating the 120th anniversary of cinema. Cinézen will offer an inspiring schedule of documentary films and debates that delve a little deeper into human rebirth such as ‘In search of meaning’ by Nathanael Marc de La Coste, which follows himself and his childhood friend on a spiritual journey across continents. For a truly enlightening line-up of events this October, head to Salon Zen, a 10 minute drive from Amarante Champs Elysées.

The Reopening of the Museum of Man

Palais de Chaillot

17th October 2015

After six years of renovation, Musée de L’Homme, the Museum of Man, will be reopening on the 17th of October to an eagerly awaiting public. Dedicated to exploring and informing about the evolution of man and society, the renowned museum will remain in its previous position, situated within the Passy Wing of the impressive Palais de Chaillot, however its layout has been entirely reconfigured to better suit public access and the 150 member research department. The vast space will now boast permanent and temporary exhibition spaces including the Paul Rivet Atrium, the 152 seat Jean Rouch auditorium, the Yvonne Oddon Research Library which will contain 30,000 books and the Germaine Tillion Resource Centre.

However, the main attraction for visitors will be the permanent collection, which will offer further insight into three main themes; who are we, where we come from and where we are going. Its two levels and a mezzanine will cover a 2500m² area and be filled from an extensive and diverse collection that includes 70,000 prehistoric objects, 30,000 anthropology specimens and representations, and 6,000 objects that explore the relationship between nature and humans. It will make fascinating viewing as one of the largest prehistoric and anthropologic collections in the world, and for the first time, will also debate the future of humans and the planet.

Amongst this historic treasure trove, two key attractions will be a 28,000 year old Cro-Magnon skull as well as the famous ‘Venus of Lespugue’; a mammoth ivory figurine that depicts an exaggerated nude female and has been dated as having been created between 24,000 and 26,000 years ago. One room will be entirely dedicated to the conservation and restoration of mummies, while many displays will offer more of a multi-sensory experience with sound effects, tactile learning tools and touchscreens delivering additional information. Take the opportunity to walk into a 3.5 metre long resin tongue and hear songs from around the world, handle recreations of fossils and artefacts, shake the hand of a Neanderthal and wander inside a Mongolian yurt.

Having first opened in 1939, this unique museum combines a rich and respected history with an inspirational future. With a variety of displays that will appeal to every generation, the reopening of Musée de L’Homme is set to be popular, especially as it will offer free entry for the first three days. Located a five minute drive or 20 minute stroll from Amarante Champs Elysées, a visit to this museum will be unmissable for anyone interested in or related to the sciences.

With such a wealth of interactive learning opportunities, these two unique Parisian events will offer the chance to a gain a better understanding of yourself spiritually and scientifically in a truly inspiring way.