Bonjour Tous,

It is officially spring in Paris. Having declared it any sooner might have scared it away, but with all the trees exploding into bloom I can rest assured in packing my wool coat away. Green lawns are decorated with sunbathers, noses in books as picnicking season begins.

Not much excuse to stay indoors, but the temporary exhibits at several of the musées may be able to lure you in...

Warhol has a spread at the Grand Palais and the queue is sure to keep you under the sun for a good wait, but the shows there are always worth it.
http://www.rmn.fr/Warhol-s-Wide-world

Valadon and Utrillo, mother and son have a joint exhibit at the Pinacotheque. His milky glazed paintings of Monmartre are contrasted by the color in her palate. http://www.pinacotheque.com/

Also the Musée d'art Moderne hosts Giorgio de Chirico's exhibit La fabrique des rêves, the fabric of dreams. The title alone is too delicious. Their permanent collection is free to visit.
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Culture/Portal.lut?page_id=6450&document_type_id=2&document_id=63442&portlet_id=15515

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Here is a place I like to shop:

Vintage Shopping in Paris
Though you'll have to scavenge through a sea of psychedelia, the allure of vintage shopping lies in finding that truly unique piece, something with history. Free P Star is my favorite place in Paris to shop for such wears.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art11726.asp

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This auction was a BIG deal around Paris. Maybe you heard about the Chinese statues?

The Collection Yves Saint Lauren Amassed
After several days on view at the Grand Palais, the collection of art, sculpture and furniture that French designer Yves Saint Lauren and partner Pierre Bergé amassed has hit the auction block. Christies reports it the most expensive collection ever to be sold. Have a look at some of the trinkets...
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32018.asp

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Visit the site often.

Be well,
Melissa Demiguel
French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com