Paris keeps its best plans quiet. Here are five good finds to share with a friend this week.
Poetry takes over a local pool.
The JO de la poésie turns the pool into a game with words. It is more fun than a usual reading. Anyone age seven or up can join.
You can use French or another language. A live guide will translate. The pool is indoors and has step-free access. The host lists more help on its site.
Saturday 29 August · 15:00–20:00 · 14e, Piscine Thérèse et Jeanne Brulé · Free
Why locals like it: A local pool turns into a stage for poems, art, and play.
Before you go: You must sign up by email. We could not check how many spots are left. We do not know if you can watch without taking part. Ask when you sign up. See the host site for full access notes.
Paris sous les étoiles
Look up from Parc Georges Brassens on Saturday night. You can use a scope and join a talk about the stars. Meet on the main path. You do not need to sign up.
Saturday 29 August · 21:00–01:00 · 15e, Parc Georges Brassens · Free
Why locals like it: A local park is now a place to watch the stars at night.
Before you go: The event is outside. It may stop if the sky or rain is bad. The City page says it is “covered,” but the host says it is outside. We could not check how many scopes there will be. We also do not know if French Sign Language is offered. The City page has some access notes.
Arts Forains: a small taste of Belle Époque fun
This visit shows one room about old fair games from the Belle Époque. It is not a full museum tour.
You will see old items and stage sets. They show the odd charm of Paris fun from before radio and TV.
Wednesday 26 August · 17:00 or 17:18 · 12e, 53 avenue des Terroirs de France · €15
Why locals like it: You get a close look at old Paris shows and machines.
Before you go: The two main sites give two start times. The City page says 17:18. The museum says 17:00. You must book. The date is on the ticket page, but we could not check if seats are open. Check the time and tickets before you go. Step-free access is listed. We did not find notes on other access needs or language.
Harissa live at Canal Barboteur
Walk by the canal to Place de la Pointe in Pantin. There will be live music, food, and a calm mood by the water. The live set starts at 17:30. The full event runs from 15:00 to 22:00.
Pantin is the one stop just past Paris in this issue. Take Métro line 5 to Église de Pantin.
Sunday 30 August · 15:00–22:00, live at 17:30 · Pantin, Place de la Pointe · Free
Why locals like it: Food, music, and life meet by the canal on a slow day.
Before you go: You can walk in. You do not need a ticket. Food is sold there, and pets may come. We could not find notes on access or language. The event is outside. Check it on the day if the weather is bad.
Bal Swing du Onzième
On Friday night, the yard at Mairie du 11e turns into a swing dance floor. You can try a first Lindy Hop class, hear a live band, and stay for the DJ. Come to dance or just watch.
Friday 28 August · 19:00–22:00 · 11e, 12 place Léon Blum · Free
Why locals like it: A town hall yard turns into a dance hall for one night.
Before you go: You can walk in. All ages may come. The host lists help for wheelchairs, hearing, and sight. We could not check the language or French Sign Language. We could not check help for people who need a calm and clear set-up. The event is outside. No rain plan is listed.
Tell one good friend.
Got a good plan from this? Sign up, then send it to one friend who wants to see the real Paris.
For the spots that Paris keeps to itself.