Daniel Buren, "Le musée qui n'existait pas". (Best done with kids) If you want to get an idea of Daniel Buren's work, have a look at his playful "colonnes", in the jardin du Palais Royal. They created quite a scandal when they were erected in this very historical environment. Now they have become one of the capital's favorite destinations. Buren, who plays on our sense of perspective, has been using the same technique since he discovered, in the marché Saint-Pierre's fabric store, a striped canvas. Since then, he uses these stripes to play with space and materials. This summer, the entire Pompidou center has been turned to him. The result is quite extraordinary and intriguing. Until Sept. 23. Centre Pompidou. 01 44 78 12 33. www.centrepompidou.fr

Kawaii!

For the summer, the Cartier Foundation has a double header. Kawaii! is a tour of contemporary artistic creation in Japan starring Takashi Murakami. Murakami is at the forefront of the Japanese art scene and has been dubbed the Japanese Andy Warhol. He has also invited 15 contemporary artists - illustrators, film makers, designers, photographers, musicians who have the energy of the Tokyo scene. www.fondation.cartier.fr 261, Blvd Raspail. 75014. Mo Raspail. 01 42 18 56 50.

During the Murakami show, the Cartier foundation's "soirées nomades" are particularly interesting. Don't miss the September 5 evening dedicated to new images from Japan. Every Thu. evening (except in August), 8:30pm. Reservation needed: 01 42 18 56 72.

Festival Classique au Vert

Every Sat and Sun at 4:30pm, from August 3 until September 29, the city is presenting great concerts of classical music in the lovely and peaceful parc floral de paris, in the Bois de Vincennes. You can listen to musci from Leonard Bernstein or "chansons ˆ boire de la Renaissance" as well as Stravinsky's music. Free except for the nominal entrance fee to the park. Info: 01 55 94 20 20. www.parcfloraldeparis.com

Samba

Every Sat, from 11pm until dawn, Le Divan du Monde, one of the best theaters/clubs/concert halls in Europe, certainly one of the most creative, opens its doors to samba music. You can dance to the rhythms of live bands and Brazilian DJs. This year, you'll dance to the music of the Nordeste region. 75, rue des Martyrs. 75018. 01 44 92 77 66

Apéritif

Until late September, you can enjoy the super terrace of the Verre Luisant ("glow worm"), an oasis of peace. Olivier, the owner of the bar-restaurant, lives between Brazil and France and the atmosphere of the Verre Luisant reflects his tastes. The music is always great - but not overwhelming - and the finger foods he prepares to go along with the best caïpirinha in the city, are always good, if somewhat excentric (corn flakes with paprika...). 64, rue de la Verrerie. 75004. 01 42 72 67 63. Mo Hotel de Ville or Saint-Paul.