Coming at you all today with a slightly niche post as it’s about a Christmas market I went to today near Boulogne (which is on the outskirts of Paris). If you want to know more, keep reading! If you’re in Paris or going to be in Paris next weekend, check it out! If today’s blog isn’t for you because you aren’t coming to France in the near future then see you next week and have a lovely Sunday evening.
Good Planet is ‘the first place [in Paris] dedicated to to ecology and solidarity’ and is situated at 1 carrefour de Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne. Not only does it currently have a Christmas market on, but it also has some amazing expositions on our oceans (Planète Océan), music from around the world (Passeurs de Sons), and photography of the Himalayas (Émerveillement). I believe there is also an exposition coming on energy and climate due to signs in the building but I can’t find any information about it online.
On entering the area, there is a huge whale made out of wood surrounded by plaques which talk about the issues whales and similar marine creatures face today, and the pollution of our ocean. 80% of plastic found in the oceans comes from the land, either being blown there by winds or swimming down in streams. It is animals like the whale that are having to cope with these items in their habitat which are then mistaken for food and end up in their stomachs.
The first floor of the main building, which is a space that changes depending on it’s needs was dressed up as a Christmas market with stalls selling zero waste items or ‘biologique’ food and drink. With everything from clothing for babies to accessories made from stinging nettles, and a drink called ‘Pipi du Dragon.’ (Translates to ‘dragon’s wee’ - it’s actually really good, I bought a bottle!) There is so much choice here for all the family. There was a musician playing too, setting the mood with his smooth voice and saxophone. It’s such a cool place for if you want to do a Christmas market differently.
Planète Océan was amazing, and it encompassed three cinema like rooms, two showing short documentaries and one interactive room where you could view all the different micro-organisms living in the ocean. It was great to these organisms up close and discover their unique jobs. I already love nature documentaries (David Attenborough is the man!) so seeing anything on the topic of the Earth or our oceans is a win for me.
My favourite exposition was Émerveillement (translates to Fascination): a collection of photographs looking at the Himalayas and Tibetan Monks. This work showcased a different way of life to what is normal in western civilization with a focus on nature and climate. These words describing the photos really struck me:
(Which using my own slightly rubbish French skills translates to something like: ‘If we do not act, the generations coming after us will say, “You knew and you have done nothing”.’)
They even have classes where you can learn how to begin your zero waste journey, or cooking classes on aperitifs, pastries and cheese, all with a Christmas spin. Though important to note this is in Paris, so the courses would be in French. It’s amazing to see somewhere that is inclusive, and working to actively teach people new skills. I’d say this is the first time I’ve been somewhere that combines a market with a museum and courses and I think it really adds to the impact of their message, because everything is reinforcing this idea of low waste, organic, good quality, great for our future and wonderful for our planet.
So, if you’re in Paris head on over to Good Planet. I think the Christmas market is only there again next week (the 21st & 22nd) but the building itself is a permanent feature, with expositions changing every so often but all with the same message. Here’s one final quote from the Èmerveillement exposition to end this post:
“Stop you, look around you and see that life is marvelous. The trees, the white clouds, the infinite sky.” - Matthieu Ricard
