Over the course of a weekend, the Paris is worth a party festival invites you to take a trip back in time through a wide range of activities. Dance, music, gastronomy, literature, crafts...: you're invited to a joyful interlude celebrating the capital's history and heritage on September 9 and 10.
The French title of Hemingway's novel (A Moveable Feast) is a fitting tribute to the French capital's long tradition of festivities: ever since it was founded in the Middle Ages, the city has held festivities in honor of its patron saint, Sainte Geneviève. Over the centuries, these “genevofaines” have been followed by other events celebrating Parisian culture which this Festival, created in 2022, invites you to discover over 2 days.
At a medieval banquet featuring troubadours and storytellers, you can feast in the company of Clovis and Clothilde, and sample dishes from Maison Mulot inspired by Merovingian gastronomy. You'll also be able to watch, or take part if you come in costume, in a monumental parade retracing the tumultuous history of Paris from the Franks through the Roaring Twenties to the Liberation.
If you're more inspired by the Belle Epoque, there's also a Second Empire ball (where you can learn to dance like Napoleon III).
And if you don't have a historical period of choice, the multi-eque village on September 9 and 10 will feature craftsmen (stone sculptors, wood carvers...) and actors portraying historic Parisian figures.
Speaking of important figures, a conference on the women who have contributed to the City of Light's influence is also included in this rich program, which will close with the presentation of the keys to Paris to an Honorary Citizen. Previously recognized for her passion or commitment to the capital's history, she will reproduce the gesture made by Sainte Geneviève when welcoming Clovis 1,600 years ago.
To find out more about this key episode, and make the most of this journey back in time during the 2-day Festival, guided tours are also offered by the Compagnie des Guides. Exciting discussions guaranteed!
A beautiful (last) summer interlude to celebrate the past, but also to unite today's Parisians by encouraging encounters and exchanges, and even the discovery of new local synergies.
To prepare your program for September 9 and 10, 2023, and reserve your place at the banquet (the Festival's only ticketed event), visit the “Paris vaut bien une fête” website.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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Dive into the history of Paris
