If you have already visited, or even only heard of Paris’ Grand Palais you may be wondering why and how it has suddenly become "ephemeral". No need to panic: the Grand Palais isn’t going anywhere! However, it is being restored and whilst that is happening the events hosted in the Grand Palais will take place in its temporary counterpart instead, aka the "Grand Palais éphémère" which opened its doors in June 2021. The 10,000 m² structure is located on the Champ-de-Mars and is 20 metres high (so as not to hide the Ecole militaire) but those are the least impressive of its features.
The project was commandeered by Réunion des musées nationaux - Rmn (a cultural public body) and entrusted to the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and GL Events. It was conceived to be as eco-friendly as possible. The modular structure was assembled on the spot in less than three months (watch the trailer!) and can easily be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere, using the same or a different configuration. Its wooden skeleton is composed of 44 wooden arches made from 500 tons of wood sourced from a sustainably managed forest. The building is, furthermore, energy-efficient and sound-insulated.
The "Grand Palais éphémère" is set to host all sorts of events till the 2024 summer Olympics and should disappear shortly thereafter… But who knows… maybe it will have the same fate as the Eiffel Tower and stay put in the end? That would definitely be ironic seeing as they face each other!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
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Paris Jazz Corner is your place to go for getting hold of archive & rare music, as long as it's jazz. The knowledge of the associate owner is also mint...
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"Hotel Ekta" in Paris is a day-use hotel perfect for resting in between meetings, or spend some more intimate moments...
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The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
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"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
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"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
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"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
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"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
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"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
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"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
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"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
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"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
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168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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