This month Paris is the world capital of contemporary art. The Bellevilloise hosts an art fair "Slick". Last autumn this event took place for the first time, intending to complement the FIAC and to discover new talents.

The fair organized by Cecile Griesmar and Johan Tamer-Morael enjoyed huge success and this year it is back in Paris. More than 200 artists and 37 international galleries are in the list. One will be able to see paintings, sculptures, drawings, videos, installations... This year the exhibition is considerably enlarged, occupying some 1,500 m².

The fair is recommended to connoisseurs of modern art as well as people who want to extend their awareness of the art of present and furure.

Another important event organized in the framework of the week of contemporary art in Paris is called "Show Off". It was created by a group of collectors-enthusiasts and was launched at the Espace Pierre Cardin last autumn.

The fair aims to get French and foreign art dealers to take part in the event that reveals many new talents. The up-and-coming artists have a chance to be noticed and to exchange their ideas with acknowledged connoisseurs of art.

This year 35 galleries will display painting, photography, sculpture, video and the use of new technology at the Espace Pierre Cardin.

Many additional animations are also on the run. The kids will be delighted by the "Show Off Kids", a special fair for children organised in the open air. The visitors will also be shown an "Art coach", "Le Cube" and a number of other features.

The visitor-friendly fair will give its guests a chance to learn more about contemporary art. A must-see!

Some people think it's quite expensive to stay in shape. They say that gym costs a lot. But in fact Paris offers a number of events that are free of charge.

The Paris City Council offers a lot of opportunities to play sport in stadiums, parks and gardens with qualified instructors. One can take part in rugby, gymnastics, ball games or racket sports. Weather permitting of course.

The Comité Départemental de Randonnées Pédestres de Paris also suggests a number of free walks, a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise while admiring the cultural delights of Paris. And the rollerskaters can have a ride on Friday's night and Sunday's afternoon. The tours are suitable both for beginners and skilled rollerbladers.

The range of options is great. The choice is up to you!

   There's nothing like Disneyland. This is a place where the adults return to their childhood, smile and forget about all the troubles and problems of the world. The Disneyland consists of the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios. Various attractions are at guests' service. This year the Disneyland celebrates its 15^th anniversary, so two new attractions commemorating this important date appeared. They were inspired by the movies "Cars" and "Finding Nemo".

   A series of events will also take place. Among them is the Disney Dream Parade and "Bougillumination". Many new characters were introduced to make the place more cheerful than ever.

   The celebration is run since 1 April. A visit to this Wonderland is a perfect family outing that brings pleasure to kids and their parents as well.

   All the passionate gardeners are always waiting for this event - the "Journées des Plantes de Courson" that takes place twice a year in Parc du Domaine de Courson.

   After the summer is over one should already think about the next planting season as autumn is the time to plant perennials, shrubs and bulbs. The current trade will be of great assistance. The festival is visited by 250 nursery men, horticulturists and landscape gardeners from all over Europe and is one of the most significant events in the world of plants.

   The guests will be offered numerous plant varieties, new breeds, garden equipment and decorations.

   One more important event will take place - that is a retrospective exhibition "Le tour du monde en 25 Merites" that is devoted to foreign plants that have been presented at the festival last 25 years. Also the gardeners will appreciate a special feature - "Monde des coniferes" (world of conifers).

   The key plant exhibition will take place from 19 to 21 October.

Rugby World Cup is the world's third major sporting event. This year the Cup takes place in France, Scotland and Wales since 7 September to 20 October.

Paris is hosting a part of the planned matches and the city heartily welcomes all the Rugby supporters who visit the French capital these days. The Cup is not only a sporting but also a cultural phenomenon so a number of events is organized. The Basque community is celebrating this event according to the national traditions, so it was considered a good idea to organize special exhibitions that will familiarize the French and the foreigners with the Basque culture.

"Taverne Basque" welcomes guests treating them to the dishes of the region, artists display their paintings at various open stages and exhibitions. One more peculiarity is introduced: on match weekends one can travel abroad the "Bandas" bus, which will run through Saint-Ouen.Music and entertainments are also in the list. Don't miss a chance to take part in a competition to beat the world "Paquito" record. And all the fans will be able to watch the matches broadcasted on special gigant screens...

Join the Festival Of Rugby and Basque culture!

   Martial arts gain more and more popularity. That's why the gathering of martial arts in France is the event much awaited both by amateurs and professionals. On this day the most famous experts from France and abroad get together to show their skills on the tatami. This year the event will take place on 27 October. In the list: technical skills and movements, challenge, the art of dodging, self discipline. One will be able to see the aces of Aikido, Laido, Laijutsu, Judo, Kendo, Kobudo, Kung-Fu, Shotokan, Shukokai, Taekwondo, Uechi-Ryu and Viet Vo Dao.

   Such renowned masters like Kuroda Tetsuzan, Lee Kwan Young, Chau Phan Toan and Zenei Ochiro are awaited.

   The professionals will show the real miracles of martial arts. The event promises to be enthralling and captivating!

Not many people managed to survive. One of the lucky beggars wrote a moving story about the last hours of the Titanic. This story became the basis for James Cameron's famous movie. The original of this manuscript has never been published until these days.

Up to 28 October one can see the account together with other artifacts such as the ship's logbook, restaurant vouchers, advertising brochures etc., as well as telegrams announcing the catastrophe, photographs and press cuttings.

   A celebrated singer Rod Stewart will give a show performing the songs from his latest album  "Still the Same...Great Rock Classics of our Time" which was released in 2006. The concert will take place in the famous  PALAIS OMNISPORTS DE PARIS BERCY on 18 October.

   Rod Stewart was born in London on January 1945. He wanted to become a footballer but his craving for playing rock'n'roll prevailed. He played with many musicians but became famous after joining Jeff Beck Group and later on The Faces as a vocalist. His husky moving voice soon won the hearts of the audience.

   Among the hits released by Rod Stewart solo are "Maggie May", "The Rhythm Of My Heart", "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", "Lady Day"...

   In 2006 Rod Stewart released a smashing album "Still the Same...Great Rock Classics of our Time", which included covers of songs by Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. The creation was warmly accepted by critics and fans.

   All the admirers of Rod Stewart's talent won't miss the show!

It doesn't matter whether you're a chef or a housewife, like to cook or to eat. You are bound to enjoy the "Cuisinez!" Held for the second time, this is a cookery show for all who want to learn more about cooking and serving food.

Different workshops organized by L'Atelier des Chefs will be held; the visitors will have a chance to learn to make different dishes under the guidance of such famous chefs like Cyril Lignac, to watch demonstrations and to find out many new recipes.

Don't hesitate, visit the most enthralling cookery show which will be run from 26 to 28 October in CARROUSEL DU LOUVRE

Let yourself return to the childhood, in the world of magic and wonders. Visit the amusing Musee de la Magie. Take your children - they will be certainly fascinated with what they will see.

Lots of magician's accessories are displayed: magic wands and boxes, magicians' hats, posters, engravings and ancient items that speak of the history of magicians... Many secrets are on view: card tricks, magic trunks, vanishing tricks...

The museum was established in 1993 by George Proust. In the seven rooms one can see the history of magic beginning from the 18^th century to the present day.

The museum workers are always ready to help you and to answer your every  question.

Visit the magical world, tear yourself away from the routine of life!

   From 11 October to 13 January you can admire the wonders of Islamic art in Paris. One of the best collections of the Eastern world is currently in the French capital, and these days every person can visit the The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and see it with their own eyes. The collection numbers 3,000 works, including carpets, fabrics, ceramics etc from Umayyad and Nasrid Spain, the Maghreb, Fatimid and Mameluke Egypt and the Ottoman Empire. These items have not been displayed since 1983.

   The exhibition shows the influence of the Arts Décoratifs masterpieces on the applied arts. The real connoisseurs of art shouldn't miss the event as next time the exhibits will be displayed only in the Islamic Arts section (Louvre) in 2010.

   Robert Hossein, the French actor and director, is staging his new creation about the life of great historical personalities. This time he tells a story about Pope John Paul II, the ardent fighter for freedom, peace and human rights. It is titled "N'ayez pas peur" (Don't Be Afraid), which is the line from his speech, demonstrating the power of the faith. The director considers this personality to be a very important one as his example inspired many people to change their lives and struggle for values, common to all mankind.

   In 2006 Robert Hossein made a monumental production about Ben Hur, which enjoyed a great success. This year he hopes to repeat the result of the previous year.

   The visitors are welcome at the Palais des Sports.

All indifferent to jazz will certainly appreciate the 29 October concert in Olympia. Amy Winehouse, the young jazz star, is giving a show.

The girl was born in England 24 years ago. She developed passion for jazz in her childhood and pretty soon began performing on stage. At 9 she entered the drama school but soon was expelled due to the lack of discipline. She didn't give up and enrolled the BRIT School for Performing Arts And Technology.

At 16 she signed a contract with Island Record and released a debut album "Franck". The single from the album ("Stronger than me") won Grammy in 2004.

Then Amy slumped and took to drinking. She suffered a great deal and expressed her feelings in an album called "Back To Black", which was released in 2006. Amy said the album was inspired by the girl bands of 1960s and 1970s (such as "The Supremes"). The album was warmly received both by the critics and audience. It took the second position in the French charts.

The concert in Olympia will be a real treat for all jazz fans!

   No child will reject the proposal to go to the Disneyland. This year the famous kid park is more festive than ever as it celebrates its 15^th anniversary. A series of events are to take place. Among them is the Disney Dream Parade and "Bougillumination".

   Two new attractions, inspired by the films "Cars" and "Finding Nemo", were introduced. Besides all the thrill lovers will appreciate the latest version of one of the most breathtaking attractions, the "Exploronauts". Inspired by Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon", it has always been one of the most visited attractions of the Disneyland Park, so you'll be hard put not to be tempted to pay a visit to it.

   Make your child happy - take him to the Disneyland!

   Want to find yourself in a beautiful Asian country, staying in the heart of Europe? These days one can easily do it by paying a visit to MUSEE NATIONAL DES ARTS ASIATIQUES GUIMET. The museum houses one of the key European exhibitions of the Asian art. Displays from China, Japan, India, Korea and other Asian countries are on view.

   The Chinese collection is the largest, featuring more than 20,000 objects, which follow the history of the country. The peculiarity of the Indian section are the chapters from the Buddhist legend. The Japanese section amazes with the beautiful garden, located not far from the museum, in the Panthéon Bouddhique. In the garden the visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony as well as to admire the peaceful surroundings of the garden.

   If you are interested in Asian art you'll certainly appreciate the collections on view!