5 things to do in Paris this weekend

While the weather is gray and rainy, it's the perfect time to discover something new in Paris instead of spending a gloomy day at home. Whether it's a local café offering small plates and organic wine or a retrospective exhibition dedicated to a fashion photographer, find out what the city has to offer this weekend.

Where to Eat: Café du Coin

Located in a discreet corner, just a stone's throw away from the famous Père Lachaise cemetery, come and share a glass of orange wine with a selection of small plates. Opened six years ago by chef Florent Ciccoli, Café du Coin offers a range of delicious dishes made from local products. Rooted in seasonality, the menu changes frequently based on available ingredients, making each visit unique. This intimate and cozy restaurant fills up quickly, but the wait is worth it. What do we recommend? For starters, the creamy tarama served with pickled radishes and sumac, accompanied by warm crusty bread, or their anchovies marinated in rich olive oil. You can't visit the restaurant without ordering one of their mini pizzas, especially the cacio e pepe or the more adventurous mozzarella with zaatar. The plates range from 5 to 13 euros, making it an affordable place for a date or a night out with friends.

9 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 75011

To Explore: Viviane Sassen x PHOSPHOR: Art & Fashion

Until February 11, the European House of Photography (MEP) is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the renowned photographer Viviane Sassen for her very first retrospective. With 30 years of experience, the photographer has dedicated her career to showcasing light, movement, colors, and symmetry in her abstract works and fashion photographs. Sassen frequently collaborates with Vogue, including the 2018 Vogue Italia campaign for Gucci alongside stylist Vanessa Reid. Bringing together around 200 works from the artist's various collections, the exhibition showcases her career and creative process. Tickets can be reserved on the museum's website.

5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004

Where to Have Fun: Ground Control

If you want to spend the day trying new dishes and discovering bars in an unexpected place, consider Ground Control. Located in a unique converted industrial building, this place houses restaurants, bars, and shops. From Fermento's pizzas to La Résidence's West African dishes, there's something for everyone. Ground Control also hosts one of the city's best-kept wine bars: Le Décanteur. This weekend, Ground Control is hosting the very first Festival of Gros Maux in collaboration with Médecins du Monde, promising to be a collective of passionate artists and citizens expressing themselves against societal issues through their art. 30 artists will be present, exhibiting or creating live art. Among them: Lek & Sowat, Rero, Fabien Vershaere, Ara Starck, Kashink, La Dactylo, Petite Poissone, YAK... While it's a bit far from the city center, it's ideal for spending a day outside your routine.

81 Rue du Charolais, 75012

Where to Shop: Lacoste x Zalando at Maison des Métallos

Maison des Métallos, known for its performing arts and visual arts space, will transform into an impressive labyrinth to showcase the latest collaboration between Lacoste and one of Europe's largest online fashion stores, Zalando. This free event, taking place on Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 9 PM, is described as an immersive and interactive shopping experience. Additionally, there are prizes and exclusive collection items to be won. After exiting the labyrinth, guests can explore the new showroom, where the items will be available for purchase through the Zalando app. From tracksuits to fleeces or sports jackets, the new collection offers winter wardrobe essentials.

94 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011

Where to Party: Les Bains

In the 1990s, Les Bains hosted international celebrities like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jack Nicholson, Naomi Campbell... it's a legendary place. Considered the Parisian version of Studio 54, this famous club was forced to close its doors after nearly two decades of debauchery. Today, it's a luxury hotel, bar, and nightclub. Les Bains is the place to go for live DJs surrounded by vintage decor steeped in history. Due to its historical reputation, the club is quite exclusive, and gaining entry isn't always easy.

7 Rue du Bourg l'Abbé, 75003