The decade-old Nuit Blanche is a free dusk 'til dawn carnival of arts and culture inspired by St Petersburg's 'White Nights', where music and the arts keep the population entertained throughout the long summer evenings when the sun never sets. In Paris, the premise is simple: for one night only, let art take over the city, and let the city be in its thrall. An ever-changing roster of artistic directors takes over different portions of the city every year, commissioning hundreds of works that are all about finding new ways for citizens to interact with the urban space. From clouds of paper butterflies settling on neoclassical columns to church naves sprouting enormous bejewelled skulls, Nuit Blanche is a riotously popular way to engage with cutting edge artistry.
Last year, Time Out got into the spirit of Nuit Blanche by parking its very own London-style double-decker bus on the Place du Trocadéro. Culture vultures dropped by in their droves to get directions, have a cuppa or simply take a break from the art. This time we're going one (even two) better: we'll have three buses in three different locations, staffed by our well-informed writers as well as art students. Come rain or shine, we'll be there with our hot tips and hot tea. Make sure to drop by!
Locations: square in front of l'Hôtel de Ville; Place de la République; Place du marché de Ménilmontant.
Our Ménilmontant bus will also be hosting music 'til the early hours.