Paris-most convivial

Now that spring is well on its way to summer, every neighborhood in Paris seems to host its version of what we know as block parties. Festive neighbors lay out tables and linen and line them with mash-ups of food and drink- bottles of wine in assorted colors, soft drinks, evian and enough food to think about skipping dinner. From cocktail snacks to home-made quiches and tourtes, ham slices, cheese through to desserts-the occasional American brownie and fruit tarts.

Neighborhood galleries and shops host their versions with free-flowing champagne, sometimes on concurrent nights, making it impossible to see everything in one go. Not that it is ever possible to take in all the art on display, but some try. I gave up long ago.