“Jacques Prevert, Paris la belle,” an exhibition at Hôtel de Ville – Hotels Paris Rive Gauche

Of all the French poets I’ve studied, Jacques Prévert would be at the top of the pile. He’s melancholy and romantic without being obtuse, which is why many of his poems are turned into songs, like “Autumn Leaves” (which I can almost play on the piano). There is a an exhibit going on at the Hotel de Ville (when did they get so good at this? We also loved their Willy Ronis show a few years ago.) Go on a weekday during work hours or I’m sure you’ll never get in. Pick up a copy of his biggest seller, Paroles, if you can. Even for an intermediate French speaker, you’re sure to enjoy it.

As part of Prévert trivia, I also learned that he lived near our apartment on the rue de Vaugirard and studied at the Catholic school on the rue d’Assas (directly in front of our apartment) when his family moved back to Paris 1907.

Here’s all the essential information for the exhibition “Jacques Prevert, Paris la belle”

When: 2’th October 2008 to 28th Fébruary 2009
Where: Hôtel de Ville, Salle Saint-Jean, 5 rue Lobau, 75004 Paris. Métro Hôtel de Ville (lines 4 & 11)
Opening hours: open every day except Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 7pm (last ticket at 6.15pm)
Admission: adults 0 euros, kids 0 euros, students 0 euros, goldfish 0 euros. Yep, free for everyone!

[From “Jacques Prevert, Paris la belle,” an exhibition at Hôtel de Ville – Hotels Paris Rive Gauche]