A cultural autumn full of surprises
Categories : Exhibitions and Museum, published on : 8/31/22
For nearly 40 years, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) have offered entire weekends of free entry to institutions, landmarks, monuments and other sites that are usually closed to the public. Guided tours, workshops, and sometimes even concerts and shows also mark the occasion. This year, the focus is on sustainable heritage, a major theme for 2022. Discover the riches of the district within a short stroll from the Ouest Hôtel. Read on for some inspiration.
In the neighbourhood
Let’s begin with an original and unexpected opportunity. From the Ouest Hotel it will only take you two minutes on foot to reach the forecourt of the Gare Saint Lazare. From there you can take a tour guided by a historian with an in-depth knowledge of the site who will take you into its innermost spaces. Discover this huge railway station’s architecture, operations, history and stories. Continue with a walk to the Parc Monceau for a visit to the headquarters of the National Order of Pharmacists. The site’s two buildings are superb mansions that are typical examples of Second Empire architectural style, one of which has Moorish elements. Exhibited within are fascinating old artifacts related to the practice of pharmacy. Mortars and pestles, earthenware pots, alembics and bottles are displayed alongside engravings, books and posters dating from previous centuries. Of particular note is a collection of 800 blown glass jars containing the various substances that comprised the 19th century’s medicinal arsenal.
Covered passages and the theatre
Continue your discovery of the cultural and historical wealth of the district with a guided tour of the covered passages of the 1st arrondissement and the Grands Boulevards. True architectural gems mostly dating from the early 19th century, each has its own identity. Along with glass roofs, mosaics, wooden or stone facades, these delightful arcades host charming shops and ateliers. Thanks to guided tours, you can discover their secrets and then enjoy a bit of shopping or a meal on a terrace. Still in the 1st arrondissement, don't miss a visit to the Comédie Française. Le Français, as it’s often referred to, is a state theatre founded by Louis XIV to host Molière's acting troupe. Since then, the greatest actors have graced its stage and, today, classics by the likes of Racine and Beaumarchais alternate with contemporary creations. Take a tour to discover its backstage inner workings, immerse yourself in the rich history of this grand old performance venue and learn about the various skills and crafts involved in creating the costumes, sets and other aspects of theatrical production.
You don’t have to wander all over Paris to enjoy Heritage Days! During your stay at the Ouest Hotel, you only need go a few steps to discover treasures. What’s more, the program is not yet fixed and other monuments and sites will be added to the list of places to discover.
******
Photo : PackShot
Ouest Hotel, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Gare Saint-Lazare
