With the Olympics just a week away, not all of us are lucky enough to be in Paris to cheer on Team Canada and take in the sights and sounds of the city of romance. But don’t worry — in Toronto, there are so many ways to embody the Paris lifestyle! From speakeasies to French art to biking along the Siene (OK, the Humber), here’s how live like a Parisian in Toronto.
SPEAKEASY DOES IT
For midnight tête-à-têtes. try a French-inspired speakeasy. There’s Sous Sol, a tiny cocktail bar located — bien sûr — on Maison Selby’s lower level. George Restaurant’s Secrette features surprising off-menu cocktails. And Toronto’s newest addition, Bonne Nuit, requires you to stumble into the right bathroom stall in La Plume to find its boudoir-inspired speakeasy.
CONQUER THE PASTRY
Learn from the best and become a pâtissier in your own right with Nadège Nourian’s Masterclasses all summer long. Get a well-rounded education with the French classic desserts session, covering lemon meringue tarts, Paris-Brests and eclairs. Or pick a specialty and spend the day conquering the croissant, or a Nadège specialty — the fickle macaron.
SATINE IN THE SIX
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Transport yourself into one of France’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods with Triangle D’Or — new to Toronto, this cabaret experience is inspired by Le Crazy Horse de Paris, a famous Parisian cabaret. Expect a body-positive and glamorous experience that diverges from the traditional burlesque, with 19 different themed acts and special guests promised.
GET SCENT-IMENTAL
Take your cues from the city of fragrance and craft your very own eau de toilette with Orris Labs. The perfume-making workshops will give you a comprehensive history of perfumery, an introduction to the art of scent blending and a summary of the different fragrance families before you get the chance to create your own signature scent with the help of an expert.
FRENCH CONNECTION
Created by two French transplants in Toronto, Apérochic (French for “people meeting people”) is an answer to the duo’s search for a European-style social event in the city. Attendees can enjoy the classic French tradition of l’apéritif among francophones and anglophones alike. Upcoming events include a Soirée Blanche on Aug. 21.
CYCLE ALONG THE RIVER
OK, the Humber River may not be the Siene, but the French way of life of cycling everywhere becomes much more enjoyable when you’re doing it along the water! Hop on a bike this summer and follow the Humber River cycling path, which spans 14 km one way and passes by beautiful bridges, wooded areas, parkland and plenty of places to stop if you want to indulge in another French pastime – having a picnic!
ALL ABOUT TISSOT
Add a bit of French flair to your holiday adventures this December with the Art Gallery of Ontario’s anticipated upcoming exhibit on famed Parisian artist James Tissot. Tissot, Women and Time begins on Dec. 21 and explores the artist’s representation of modern women in his art.
BE IMPRESSED
See Impressionist works by Quebec artists who trained in the birthplace of the art movement at McMichael Gallery’s River of Dreams: Impressionism on the St. Lawrence, on from June 22.
JAZZ IT UP
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New to Toronto’s music scene is La Mouette — a retro jazz bar and lounge featuring live jazz every Friday and Saturday night. Feel like you’re sitting at one of Paris’ famous jazz clubs and discover your new favourite musician while you’re there!
SEE A FRENCH OPERA
This fall, the Canadian Opera Company is putting on French composer Charles Gounod’s most famous opera — Faust. Following a philosopher who trades his soul for eternal youth, sung entirely in French, you’ll get a full cultural immersion!