One of the really cool things in France is how much they encourage cultural outings. A lot of places even have special entrance prices for those who are unemployed - I love that they think that you should deprive yourself of seeing a movie, going to a museum, etc just because you don't have a job.

The French cultural minister is running an experiment at 14 several monuments/museums across the country, trying to see if more people will attend if they don't have to pay. The experiment ends on June 30, so I've been trying to hit up the ones here in Paris. I'm most excited about going to the Cluny museum later on this week - it's official name is the "Museum of the Middle Ages", and it's about a ten minute walk from where I live. It's such a cool looking place - just this big old castle plopped down in a busy tourist district.

At various times of the year, cinema prices are also reduced - for example, the "Fête du cinéma" will be running from June 29-July 1. During those three days, movie ticket prices across the country are a lot lower, often around 2€ each. And there's also the Paris Festival of International Cinema from July 1-12 (speaking of which, one of the special guests is the famous Finnish film director Aki Kaurismäki) or all of the outdoor cinema projections they do in the summer. For someone who loves going to the movies as much as I do, it's like heaven.

In case anyone is interested, I also wanted to mention quick the film pass I got (thanks Kyliemac!). For a little over 19€ per month, I can see unlimited films at any Gaumont cinema. UCG has the same offer. Considering that a movie can easily cost 9 or 10€ here in Paris, that's a pretty good deal. I'm hoping to be able to see at least one a week this summer. If nothing else, the air-conditioned salles will provide some respite from the summer heat!! (Assuming it actually gets hot here, lol). Reminds me of how I used to go to the dollar theater in Roseville two or three times a week just to be able to sit in a cool place for a few hours.