The Ice Hockey World Championship is an essential occasion for all enthusiasts. Organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), it’s the sport’s most prestigious international tournament. Also during your spring stay in Paris, you might want to check out the huge general purpose trade fair called the Foire de Paris or relax to cool and hot rhythms at the Jazz Festival in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. And that falls well, your Best Western Quartier Latin hotel is ideally located in Paris to attend all these events.
The Ice Hockey World Championship; a major sporting event
The 81st edition of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship takes place this year in two cities in separate countries, Cologne and Paris, a rare occurrence. The capital welcomes 8 of the 16 teams in search of the title, including France. To support these national teams, more than 30,000 spectators are expected at the AccorHotels Arena from May 5th to 18th. Thirty games, two quarter-finals and an atmosphere full of excitement are on the schedule for this special sporting event. There will be some titanic clashes such as Canada vs. the Czech Republic, featuring the defending champions against the team that is third in the world rankings, and the France vs. Norway rematch.
Moments of pure happiness
If you need to relax, why not attend the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival? From May 11th to 22nd, this leading musical event takes place in the district that embraced this form of music in its early days and which remains at its heart in Europe. Famous performers and up and coming jazz artistes play in various venues throughout the district, including the Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice churches, Sorbonne University, the Sénat, the Odeon Theatre and the Réfectoire des Cordeliers. Several themes are highlighted this year: women and jazz, jazz in prison, after jazz club and jazz and chat. The festival is not limited to performances, however, as there will also be exhibitions, conferences, lectures and master classes to complete this unique event in honour of jazz.
The Paris Fair; everything is there!
If you are looking for a giant shop where you can find everything, you can do no better than go to the Foire de Paris. The largest general trade fair in Europe takes place from April 27th to May 8th at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre. Wellness, beauty, decoration, DIY, gastronomy, gardening, appliances, caravans, spas, fashion... the list is long. The event is enhanced still further by numerous workshops, plus entertainment such as an evening of music from the tropics. You can also discover the crafts and culinary heritage of the world, receive free advice regarding decoration - a special night based around decoration is on the schedule this year – and enjoy the famous Concours Lépine, a competition for the best new inventions. This year, the Fair also inaugurates the French coffee championships. This event is an opportunity to discover the story of coffee, from cultivation to the cup. Meanwhile, your children can be introduced to gardening, to the creation of fruit cocktails or have a massage while waiting for your return.