National Qi Gong Day in France

Since it's not so common to see this in Paris' streets we'll have to do with one day a year. Sunday 8 June is the 14th national Qi Gong Day. In major cities in France there will be demonstrations, workshops and conferences to inform and show what Qi Gong is all about and you can experience for yourself the good it can do for your mind, body and spirit.
In Paris it's from 10am-6pm at la Grande Pagode du Bois de Vincennes, 40 route circulaire du lac Daumesnil, 12e. Metro : Porte dorée. Price for the whole day: 8 €, reduced price: 5 €, free for licensees of the Féderation de Qi Gong et Art Energétique and kids under 12 years.

Spring in Paris is Just Around the Corner

I never knew the charm of spring

I never met it face to face
I never new my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
That no one can ever reprise

Do these words ring a bell? The famous crooner Frank Sinatra singing about the French capital in such a way that made your heart yearn to see this beautiful sight. Well, Spring is just around the corner in Paris, and we know that means you need to know where to spread your blanket and eat your baguette sandwich.

Parc Monceau (8th) - This park, arguably the loveliest in Paris, dates back to 1773. It has lots of green space, a playground, a path around the perimeter, a pond, and more charm than you can imagine.
Jardin des Tuileries (1st) - The largest and most famous garden in Paris is situated so perfectly, it has a view of almost every major Paris tourist attraction. But don't go for that, go for the peaceful stroll and people-watching.
Jardin du Palais Royal (1st) - Wonderful smallish park, perfect for a stroll and a look at the beautiful architecture surrounding it.
Jardin des Plantes (5th) - Paris' primary botanical garden, it is also home to The Museum of Natural History.
Jardin du Luxembourg (6th) - Fantastic park with "typical" Frenchmen playing petanques. Don't miss the palace/museum.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont (19th) - Created in 1867 by Baron Haussman, this hilly park features everything from a lake to a waterfall to a Chinese garden.

Happy picnicking!