There’s no better time to enjoy the vitality of Paris than during the season of spring. In May, two events prove once again how great it is to live in the City of Light: the French Open tennis tournament at the Stade Roland Garros and the summer sales.
The sun shines on the French Open
Good news for all lovers of great sporting occasions! The French Open tennis tournament at the Stade Roland Garros returns on May 28th. One of the year’s four Grand Slam events, the most famous clay court championship pits the world’s greatest tennis players against one another in breath-taking displays of athleticism and superb sporting skill. Although dominated by Rafael Nadal since 2005, the tournament has in recent years assumed a certain unpredictability. Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic, the last two men’s singles winners, gave the event the breath of fresh air it needed. In 2017 the competition will be closer than ever. Will the French players be able to capitalise on the home advantage? The last burst of glory the host nation received in the men’s event was in 1983 when Yannick Noah claimed his decisive three set victory over Mats Wilander. To find out who will lift the trophy this year, be at the Court Philippe Chatrier on June 11th.
The great Parisian department stores: majestic showcases for the summer sales
Immortalised by Émile Zola in his novel Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies’ Paradise), department stores are emblematic of the socio-economic and architectural developments that exerted such an influence on Paris at the end of the 19th century. By instituting practices that are still current today - free entry, fixed prices, ready-to-wear – these major retail institutions profoundly affected the world of fashion and commerce. Just as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum, department stores play a major role in the cultural grandeur of Paris. With their Art Deco inspired magnificence, they are a considerable asset to Parisian tourism.
Situated to the south of the Gare Saint-Lazare, the Boulevard Haussmann is considered by many to have been the first commercial centre in Europe. Boasting two of the most prestigious department stores in the world - Galeries Lafayette and Printemps – this great thoroughfare attracts more than 120 million visitors each year and offers more than enough to satisfy the desires of all luxury shopping enthusiasts! A little way to the south east, in the historical district of the Marais, the Bazaar of the Hotel de Ville (BHV) offers visitors some 45,000 m2 dedicated to all kinds of retail heaven, from fashion, accessories and decorative items to household electrical appliances, groceries and more. The Left Bank, however, is not left behind. Created in 1852, Bon Marché remains today the paragon of French dress sense and refinement. Located in the famous Saint-Germain-des-Pres district, you will find this great department store just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel Best Western Quartier Latin. This is a golden opportunity to discover the latest trends in fashion. From June 28th to August 8th, the summer sales will give everyone the chance to enjoy the rich and exciting shopping experience offered by the great Parisian department stores. And all at unbeatable prices! How can you resist?