What’s on in Paris this October

29 September 2015

Attend Exciting Art, Design, Fashion & Sports Events during a Luxury Stay at Hotel Balzac

October is set to be another exciting month in Paris’ world-renowned events calendar... and whether its a prestigious art fair or an exhibition showcasing Karl Lagerfeld’s lesser known photography skills, there'll be something to suit every interest. Located mere minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, our five-star boutique hotel in Paris offers easy access to the capital’s many venues and museums, as well as Golden Key Concierge service; ideal for securing that elusive golden ticket for your preferred event. Find out what’s on with our guide, before contacting us to help plan your perfect Parisian getaway.

FIAC

Grand Palais

22nd – 25th October 2015

FIAC, Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain, will return for its 42nd year boasting an array of world-class works by the likes of Cindy Sherman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anish Kapoor and Agnes Martin. The annual four day international contemporary art fair will attract collectors, curators and industry personalities to the Grand Palais, located a mere 15 minute stroll from our luxury Paris hotel, with some works up-for-grabs for less than €100.

Alongside showcases from 175 leading international galleries, there’ll also be two sister events. ‘Officielle’ will offer the chance to see edgier works from 68 emerging galleries, while ‘Out The Walls’ will deliver a city-wide programme featuring many free indoor and outdoor events and exhibitions. Sculpture fans should head to the Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme and the banks of the Seine, while those interested in the relationship between the arts and music can attend a fascinating programme at the Louvre. 

If you’re an art-fan and hoping to attend FIAC, we’re offering the chance to win two tickets with our new photography competition. Terms and conditions apply.

Premiere Classe

2nd – 5th October 2015

Jardin des Tuileries & Pavillon Cambon

Premiere Classe has become a key fashion accessory trade show for buyers, suppliers, press and fellow designers; all keen to discover the next trends and new and emerging designers. The summer 2016 edition will be taking place this October as a dual site event at both the scenic Jardin des Tuileries and Pavillon Cambon, which are situated a short five minute stroll from each other. Several hundred brands and designers will be gathering to showcase their latest creations including the likes of celebrated jewellery designer Alex Munroe and playful millinery brand Bernstock Speirs, while two additional areas will also inject an array of lifestyle and fashion labels into the mix.

‘Don’t Believe the Hype’ will offer a carefully curated 20-brand selection that’ll include luxury leather shoe manufacturers Grenson, while ‘Paris Sur Mode’ will boast a more extensive selection of 100 ready-to-wear labels including chic French brand Sessùn. Now in its 25th year, the prestigious event has gained an international reputation for its inspiring selection and quality of work on show, thus making it unmissable for anyone related to or interested in the fashion accessory industry.

Andy Warhol Exhibition

Musée D’art Moderne

2nd October 2015 – 7th February 2016

Andy Warhol’s iconic Pop Art pieces will be instantly recognisable to many, and therefore, an extensive exhibition of his work is set to be an exciting event in the city’s calendar this autumn. The Musée D’art Moderne will be displaying over 200 works, ranging from his experimental cinema pieces including the eight hour ‘Empire’ film, the 1964 ‘Brillo Boxes’ and a photogram depicting a 16mm black and white reel of an Edie Sedgwick screen test in 1965.

However the biggest draw is the first presentation of ‘Shadows’ in Europe; a set of 102 silk screen paintings that have been preserved by the Dia Art Foundation and measure over 130 metres in total. Warhol used 17 different colours to showcase the abstract pattern, which was designed using two photos of shadows, and alongside the many other series included in the exhibition, will highlight Warhol’s serial production methods. Titled ‘Unlimited’ in reference to this repetition and the unique way in which he displayed his work, this inspiring exhibition will offer the chance to see an array of works by one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists, located just a 15 minute walk away from our five-star boutique hotel in Paris.

Karl Lagerfeld: A Visual Journey Exhibition

Pinacothèque de Paris

16th October 2015 – 20th March 2016

Karl Lagerfeld has become a tenacious force in the fashion industry, balancing the running of his own label with the role of creative director at both Chanel and Fendi. However, he also has another string to his artistic bow and that’s his passion for photography. Since being asked to create an emergency press kit in 1987 by Chanel's Image Director Eric Pfrunder, Lagerfeld’s experimented with different techniques, materials and compositions in order to deliver eye-catching advertising campaigns, editorial shoots and artistic projects including a previous exhibition with former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris Carine Roitfeld.

Recognising his talent, Pfrunder and publisher Gerhard Steidl are jointly curating an exhibition in his honour at the Pinacothèque de Paris. Twenty years of work will be displayed and will range between glossy editorial shots for Harper’s Bazaar and Numéro, to edgier screen prints of the Eiffel Tower and an atmospheric landscape shot taken at Villa Malaparte. Self-portraits will hang next to abstract and graphic art inspired works, while other shots will capture the capital at night through the eyes of one of its most glamorous inhabitants. With a variety of themes and methods explored such as daguerreotypes and Polaroid image transfers, this exhibition is set to be fascinating for photographers and fashionistas alike.

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Longchamp Racecourse

3rd – 4th October 2015

Dubbed the ‘world’s greatest horse race’, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is returning for its 94th edition this October and is set to attract an astounding 60,000 attendees. One billion television viewers will also tune-in to see who will walk away with the €9.2 million prize money ; €5 million of which will be awarded to the winner of the legendary mile and a half race. All eyes will be on French filly Trêve and her Parisian based rider Thierry Jarnet for that outcome, both of whom will break all historic records if they win again for the third time in a row. However with competition including the world’s current highest rated racehorse, ‘Just a Way’ from Japan, and jockeys such as Lanfranco Dettori, famed for over 3,000 wins, it’s set to be an edge-of-the-seat race.

Alongside 17 races to watch, there’ll also be a competition for the best dressed spectators to enter, with prizes including a trip to Qatar for the most elegant duo as judged by journalist and French fashion expert, Alexandra Golovanoff. The almost 136 acre setting will also offer the opportunity to learn about Qatari art, culture and music in the Qatari Majlis area, alongside the chance to sample delicious fine-dining in three restaurants and numerous Champagne bars. Having started in 1920 on a course that was opened by Napoleon III in 1857, this famous and historic event will deliver one of the most memorable days out in the Parisian calendar.

Whether you’re an art, design, fashion or sports fan, the capital can offer an exciting event that will make your stay at our luxury Paris hotel even more extraordinary this October.