5 things to do in Paris this weekend

After a lively and festive weekend, the city seems to have regained its tranquility. Although the week was washed by rain, the weekend promises to be mild, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Take advantage of this mild weather, thank climate change, and embark on an adventure. Sit down at Halo Paris, this new venue combining gastronomy and fashion, then explore the work of artist Mohamed Bourouissa at the Palais de Tokyo. Or, discover the underground of La Défense with "Les Extatiques". For responsible shopping, don't miss the pop-up Del Carmen. Also, start the weekend beautifully with the Baile Preto evening at Pamela Club, organized by Preto Novo, offering a unique celebration of diversity. Discover what the city has to offer you this weekend.

Where to eat - Halo Paris

Halo Paris is a new trendy spot nestled in the Sentier district, occupying a building with a rich history dating back to 1750. Under the direction of young chef Victor Blanchet, the restaurant, cleverly hidden behind a shop, combines the worlds of gastronomy and fashion. The founders, fresh graduates of a business school, have designed a versatile rotating space highlighting young creators. Recognizable by its flattened ellipse, the restaurant benefits from natural light during the day and creates a warm atmosphere by candlelight in the evening. Chef Blanchet, renowned for his exceptional career, offers dishes inspired by the southern coast of France, highlighting fish aging and molecular cuisine. Halo Paris stands out for its unique concept in the heart of the capital. The shop, a true incubator of creativity, offers young designers an exceptional opportunity: a space without rent for two months, with a commission on sales. It thus constitutes a real platform conducive to artistic expression and the discovery of new talents. The place is not limited to the visible surface. A carefully designed basement houses a private space, bathed in the glow of a specially designed halo, which includes a bar and a dance floor.

12 rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris

To discover - Palais de Tokyo

The exhibition by Mohamed Bourouissa at the Palais de Tokyo explores the themes of confinement, identities, and language control through his works. It is the artist's first retrospective in a national institution, presenting his recent creations and his beginnings, with contributions from other artist friends. The exhibition travels through different geographies, from Bourouissa's hometown in Blida (Algeria) to Gennevilliers, where the artist is locally active, through Fletcher Street (Philadelphia) and the sky of Gaza. Inspired by diversity, Bourouissa creates a space between haunted garden and living organism, using different mediums such as sounds, drawings, photographs, films, sculptures, watercolors, plants, and experimental music. The exhibition offers a sensory experience, from scream to silence, exploring subjects such as colonialism. From February 16 to June 30, 2024, the artist invites you to listen, watch, learn, and discover an album of familiar, intimate, and disparate works, where his latest creations mingle with his early pieces, complemented by some compositions from artist friends.

13 avenue du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris

Where to chill - "Les Extatiques"

In partnership with Paris Face Cachée, until February 25, the collective Interstices invites the public to explore an unknown universe and reflect on the former usefulness of abandoned spaces. The adventure begins as soon as you leave the hustle and bustle of La Défense to immerse yourself in the bowels of this business district, known for its secret side. There, under the esplanade, unveils a unique space nicknamed "the submerged cathedral," a real hidden treasure. It is within this underground enclave that the "Les Extatiques" experience unfolds. Once the two staircases are descended and the long corridors traversed, the 5,000 square meters of underground spaces open up to you in all their splendor, plunging the visitor into an atmosphere that is both humid, cold, and mysterious. Illuminated by light beams, neon lights, and LEDs, the space gradually reveals its artistic treasures: mural frescoes, installations, paintings, and photographs. Each work tells a singular story, transforming abandoned remains into witnesses of an urban vegetation reinvented by man.

Place du Basin Agam, 86 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle,92400, Courbevoie France

Where to shop - Del Carmen

From February 17 to 18, discover the Del Carmen pop-up in the 3rd arrondissement, offering an exclusive collection of 35 unique pieces. Through its patchwork craftsmanship and the use of the Japanese sashiko embroidery technique, the brand stands out as an ethical, responsible actor, and defender of unisex fashion. Founded by Pia, Del Carmen positions itself as an eco-responsible brand, transforming existing textiles into unique and timeless creations. The young entrepreneur is committed to fighting fast fashion by creating pieces in small quantities, made from recycled fabrics, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. Environmental respect and inclusion are core values at Del Carmen, which aspires to contribute to a better world on its scale.

21 rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris

Where to party - Baile Preto

Preto Novo has recently redefined its mission as a multidisciplinary platform focused on highlighting marginalized narratives through intentional storytelling and the decolonization of the arts. Through this name, founder Roberto Neri pays homage to the Brazilian ancestral figure, Preto Velho, symbolizing Time and Memory, two crucial concepts for the preservation of black culture. In continuation of this mission, the Baile Preto evening presents itself as a safe space dedicated to all minorities, offering a stage conducive to the celebration and amplification of their voices. The special Valentine's edition promises a unique experience, with performances by artists such as Broodo Ramses, Missy Da Kunt, Nadia Keira, Lyngo Lyngo, and Tan Andria. The event will take place at Pamela Club on February 16, from 11 pm to 6 am, inviting everyone to bring their positive energy for a memorable night.

62 rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris