Contemporary art in Paris

Paris
Art Guide

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Paris galleries
featured on Ocula

Ocula Member Galleries are selected by a committee of respected gallerists with the purpose of presenting only the best of contemporary art on Ocula.

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Established local stalwarts Almine Rech, Perrotin, Galerie Lelong & Co., Galerie Chantal Crousel, and Galerie Templon were all founded in Paris, building a firm foundation for the city's reputation as a global art destination.

Building upon the Parisian heavyweights are international mega-galleries Gagosian, David Zwirner, Galerie Max Hetzler, White Cube, LGDR, and Marian Goodman, who have each opened spaces in Paris. With exceptional programmes and impressive rosters of artists, the presence of these spaces continues to enhance international engagement with Paris' art scene.

Almine Rech opened its doors in 1997 in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Founded on an axis of California Minimal, Perceptual art, and Conceptual art, the gallery represents canonical modernists such as James Turrell, John McCracken, and Joseph Kosuth. It has continued to develop its programme, and now represents international contemporary art stars including Chloe Wise, Brent Wadden, and Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe.

Founded in Paris in 1990 by Emmanuel Perrotin at the age of 21, the eponymous mega-gallery is today spread across three spaces in the Marais district. Perrotin's Paris spaces amount to 2,750 square metres (29,600 square feet). Now with branches worldwide, including in Hong Kong, New York, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Dubai, Perrotin offers a global playing field for hosting artists from France and beyond—including Bernar Venet, JR, Sophie Calle, Izumi Kato, and Chen Fei.

Galerie Lelong & Co. was founded in 1981 by Daniel Lelong, Jacques Dupin, and Jean Frémon, with a second gallery in New York opened in 1985. Championing the practices of contemporary artists from around the world, Galerie Lelong also supports artists to produce major public commissions.

Established in 1980, Galerie Chantal Crousel presents a diverse range of artists committed to elaborating a universal language through different mediums. Their roster of artists reflects the gallery's international outlook, representing Wade Guyton, Mona Hatoum, Reena Spaulings, Anri Sala, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Haegue Yang, among many others.

Further Ocula Member Galleries in Paris include Dumonteil Contemporary, Galeria Mayoral, Galerie Vazieux, Helene Bailly Gallery, Praz-Delavallade, and Robilant+Voena.

Almine Rech, Paris, Rue de Turenne contemporary art gallery in Paris, Rue de Turenne, France
Almine Rech, Paris, Rue de Turenne Current Exhibition:
Carlos Jacanamijoy
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Almine Rech, Paris, Matignon contemporary art gallery in Paris, Matignon, France
Almine Rech, Paris, Matignon Current Exhibition:
Serge Poliakoff
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Crèvecoeur, Paris–Cascades contemporary art gallery in Paris–Cascades, France
Crèvecoeur, Paris–Cascades Current Exhibition:
Michael E. Smith
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David Zwirner contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
David Zwirner Current Exhibition:
Raymond Saunders +1 more
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Esther Schipper Paris contemporary art gallery in Esther Schipper Paris, France
Esther Schipper Paris Current Exhibition:
Sarah Buckner
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Gagosian, rue de Ponthieu contemporary art gallery in rue de Ponthieu, Paris, France
Gagosian, rue de Ponthieu Current Exhibition:
Bennett Miller
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Gagosian, rue de Castiglione contemporary art gallery in rue de Castiglione, Paris, France
Gagosian, rue de Castiglione Current Exhibition:
Curzio Malaparte, Henry Moore
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Galerie Chantal Crousel contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
Galerie Chantal Crousel Current Exhibition:
Group Exhibition +1 more
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Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 13 Rue de Téhéran contemporary art gallery in 13 Rue de Téhéran, Paris, France
Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 13 Rue de Téhéran Current Exhibition:
Günther Förg +1 more
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Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 38 Ave Matignon contemporary art gallery in 38 Avenue Matignon, Paris, France
Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 38 Ave Matignon Current Exhibition:
Tom Wesselmann
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Galerie Marian Goodman contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
Galerie Marian Goodman Current Exhibition:
Gerard & Kelly +1 more
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Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
Hauser & Wirth Current Exhibition:
Francis Picabia
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Mendes Wood DM contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
Mendes Wood DM Current Exhibition:
Antonio Obá
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Perrotin, Paris Marais contemporary art gallery in Paris Marais, France
Perrotin, Paris Marais Current Exhibition:
Group Exhibition +1 more
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Perrotin, Paris Matignon contemporary art gallery in Paris Matignon, France
Perrotin, Paris Matignon Current Exhibition:
Group Exhibition
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Templon, 30 rue Beaubourg contemporary art gallery in 30 rue Beaubourg, Paris, France
Templon, 30 rue Beaubourg Current Exhibition:
Hervé di Rosa
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Templon, 28 Grenier Saint-Lazare contemporary art gallery in 28 Grenier Saint-Lazare, Paris, France
Templon, 28 Grenier Saint-Lazare Current Exhibition:
Prune Nourry
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White Cube contemporary art gallery in Paris, France
White Cube Current Exhibition:
Mary Stephenson
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Paris exhibitions
featured on Ocula

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Explore current and upcoming exhibitions by emerging and established artists across Paris' best galleries, institutions, and non-profit art spaces.

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Paris has presented some of history's most ground breaking exhibitions, augmenting the city's status as a global art capital. The city has also produced some of the world's most iconic artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and the famous designer Jean Paul Gaultier. The city attracts visitors to see the Eiffel Tower, Parc de la Villette, Arc de Triomphe and its numerous Parisian museums and art spaces.

Some notable institutions include the Picasso Museum, Bourse de Commerce, Musée d'Orsay, Grande Halle de la Villette, and the National Museum of Modern Art. Visitors also are drawn to current and permanent collections found at Capodimonte Museum, Palais Galliera, Petit Palais, Musée de l'Orangerie, Atelier des Lumières, Centre Pompidou, Albert Museum, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and the Louvre's Salle de la Chapelle.

Best Exhibitions to See in Paris

Paris, France, is a magnet for contemporary art in all its forms—paintings, portrait artworks, drawings, sculpture,contemporary photography, virtual reality displays, installation art and more. The permanent collections, temporary exhibits and one-off installations of its museums and exhibition spaces mean cutting-edge contemporary art is permanently on display across the city.

Major exhibitions featuring masterpieces created by French and international contemporary artists are regularly presented by Paris galleries and institutions. Paris was a significant city in the artistic career of Manet, Degas, Monet and their contemporaries, and was a place where Picasso created much of his work. Although originally from Spain, Pablo Picasso's death occurred in France.

Those visiting Paris will discover the city is home to some of the world's most reputable art fairs, attracting thousands from around the globe. FIAC (Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain) is regarded as one of the most important artfairs in the global contemporary art scene. Paris+ParArtBasel is another art fair dedicated to showcasing the best works from French and international artists.

Whether art enthusiasts wish to see a display of Japanese prints, an exhibit inspired by ancient Egypt, or the personal collection of late Italian painting icons, one will find an exhibition to suit all tastes. View the exhibition profiles to see the artistic highlights of this year. Each profile details the institution or museum's collection and information about the artist, including information for new publications.

World-class exhibitions are always on display in Paris. Stay up-to-date with what's showing in Paris, New York, London, and beyond by subscribing to Ocula's email newsletter, and following Ocula's Paris Art Guide.

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More galleries
in Paris

Paris is home to one of the world's most dynamic and vibrant arts scenes. Browse our extended selection of galleries to visit around the city, as recommended by the team at Ocula.

Paris museums
and institutions

Paris offers a multitude of exceptional museums and non-profit contemporary art spaces. The heart of Paris is where you can find some of the country's most famous art institutions, with equally noteworthy spaces to be discovered further afield.

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Situated in the Beaubourg is the Centre Pompidou, which houses Europe's largest collections of modern and contemporary art. Its iconic high-tech architectural design was conceived by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, with construction beginning in 1971 and the centre opening in 1977. While the collection is strong in representation of French artists, it includes a significant proportion of works by international artists including Kader Attia, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Firenze Lai, Ernesto Neto, Roman Ondak, Gabriel Orozco, and Damián Ortega.

At Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris (MAM Paris) you will find a significant collection of artworks spanning the major artistic movements of the 20th century, as well as contemporary art of the 21st century. The museum has devoted major exhibitions to artists including Olafur Eliasson, Maurizio Cattelan, Pierre Huyghe, and Zeng Fanzhi.

A stone's throw from MAM Paris is the Palais de Tokyo, Europe's largest dedicated centre for contemporary art. Internationally renowned for its ambitious programming, Palais de Tokyo celebrates experimental, radical, and transgressive projects by artists from France and around the world.

The Jeu de Paume, a centre for modern and postmodern photography, video, and cinema, is situated in the Tuileries Gardens next to the Place de la Concorde. The institution has built a formidable reputation showing artists from Cindy Sherman to Ai Weiwei.

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie is devoted to promoting photography, and has exhibited the works of leading photographers including Helmut Newton and Annie Leibovitz, as well as emerging lens-based artists.

Also worth seeing is LE BAL, an independent space established by legendary French photographer Raymond Depardon, dedicated to the contemporary image in all its forms—photography, video, film, and new media.

Other institutions worth a visit include the Cité de la Mode et du Design, Le Gaîté Lyrique, and the Bourse de Commerce. The later is a museum space housing François Pinault's important collection, as well as presenting exceptional exhibitions and event.

For street art enthusiasts, a visit to ART42 in the 17th arrondissement is a must. As well as housing an IT school, the multi-storey complex is home to a collection of over 150 street and urban artworks by major players such as Banksky, JR, and Invader, along with emerging artists working in the genre.

Paris
in Ocula Magazine

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Ocula Advisory
on Paris

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Gain in-depth insights into contemporary art with Ocula Advisory, our service for collectors wishing to build and manage their collections.

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Led by Ocula's founder Simon Fisher, Ocula Advisory assists new and established collectors in growing and managing their collections. Based in Mayfair, the advisory team has an intimate knowledge of the global contemporary art scene.

With 40+ years of combined experience and extensive relationships with galleries, auction houses, art dealers, and collectors, Ocula Advisory has exceptional knowledge of modern and contemporary art, as well as market trends.

Follow Advisory Picks, Perspectives, and Selections for must-see art globally, and stay up-to-date with global art market news.

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Artists on show
in Paris

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In any given week, you can see the works of some of the world's most exciting artists in Paris. Here you will find a selection of artists whose works are currently on show in the city.

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Sign up to My Ocula to follow artists and galleries, save artworks to your favourites, and be informed when new exhibitions and features are published.

Paris has propelled the careers of French and international artists, with its renowned galleries and museums providing a global stage for seminal exhibitions.

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Artworks
in Paris

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Browse artworks showing with leading Paris galleries on Ocula.

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Sign up to My Ocula to follow artists and galleries, save artworks to your favourites, and be informed when new Paris exhibitions and features are published.

Untitled by Michael E. Smith contemporary artwork sculpture, textile
Michael E. Smith Untitled, 2025 Wood, fabric
178 x 51 x 42 cm
Crèvecoeur Request Price & Availability
Divertimento by Jean-Luc Moulène contemporary artwork sculpture
Jean-Luc Moulène Divertimento, 2019 Terracotta, celluloid
50 x 28 x 24 cm
Galerie Chantal Crousel Request Price & Availability
Bright Window by Mary Stephenson contemporary artwork painting
Mary Stephenson Bright Window, 2024 Oil on canvas
20 x 40 cm
White Cube Request Price & Availability
Untitled by Michael E. Smith contemporary artwork sculpture, mixed media
Michael E. Smith Untitled, 2025 Gift
80 x 55 x 41 cm
Crèvecoeur Request Price & Availability
PELUCIDAR TREASURE by Hervé Di Rosa contemporary artwork painting
Hervé Di Rosa PELUCIDAR TREASURE, 2019 Acrylic on canvas
210 x 130 cm
Templon Request Price & Availability
Mr. Rabin or Manray in Psychosis by Than Hussein Clark contemporary artwork sculpture
Than Hussein Clark Mr. Rabin or Manray in Psychosis, 2024 Resin, steel, Japanese conductors metronomes
53 x 33 x 46 cm
Crèvecoeur Request Price & Availability
Untitled by Michael E. Smith contemporary artwork sculpture, textile
Michael E. Smith Untitled, 2025 Foam, fabric
24 x 33 x 4 cm
Crèvecoeur Request Price & Availability
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Events
in Paris

Paris hosts some of the world's largest art events throughout the year. Situated by the Champs- Elysées is the majestic Grand Palais, opened in 1900 for the Universal Exposition.

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With the Grand Palais currently under construction until 2024, events will be moved to the temporary exhibition hall, the Grand Palais Ephémère in the Champ de Mars. While the Grand Palais was historically host to Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC) each October, as of 2022 the Grand Palais Ephémère now plays host to Paris+ par Art Basel, which was renamed to Art Basel Paris in 2024.

7–10 November 2024 Paris Photo
18–20 October 2024 Art Basel Paris
17–20 October 2024 Asia Now Paris
16–20 October 2024 Paris Internationale

Paris has seen major changes within its cultural scene over the last decade, and continues to offer a stimulating contemporary arts landscape where art from around the globe can be discovered.

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Europe's City of Light today remains an undisputed contemporary art capital of the world. Throughout its history, the city has produced some of the world's most important artists, and played host to many more, with much of their work housed within Paris' extensive spread of museums, galleries, salons, and other arts spaces.

From the hip Le Marais quarter in the 4th arrondissement to Champs-Elysées, edgy Belleville, chic Saint-Germain, and the sprawling suburb of Pantin in the northeast, galleries across Paris contribute to the city's vibrant, diverse scene.

Global mega-galleries have also turned their hands towards the city, with galleries Gagosian, David Zwirner and White Cube all having a space.

Events such as Paris Gallery Weekend—launched in 2014 by Marion Papillon—have offered the opportunity to explore spaces such as Galerie Lelong & Co., Perrotin, and Galerie Templon, alongside a talks and performance programme.

With the Grand Palais currently under construction until 2024, Paris' major art events will be moved to the temporary exhibition hall, the Grand Palais Ephémère in the Champ de Mars. While the Grand Palais was historically host to Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC) each October, as of 2022 the Grand Palais Ephémère now plays host to Paris+ par Art Basel.

FIAC's satellite fairs include Paris Internationale, showcasing emerging and independent art spaces, along with Asia Now, which presents artists from across Asia.

Paris tems with blockbuster exhibitions throughout the year, at institutions ranging from the Louvre to Musée Rodin, Musée Marmottan Monet, Musée National Picasso-Paris, Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, and the Centre Pompidou. The Palais de Tokyo, which reopened in 2012 after extensive renovations, is the largest contemporary art centre in Europe, staging around 40 exhibitions each year.

Image: Photo of The Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Photo: Silvia Trigo.

Almine Rech, Paris, Rue de Turenne
64 Rue de Turenne
Paris Current Exhibition:Carlos Jacanamijoy
Olor a tierra
11 January–1 March 2025
Almine Rech, Paris, Matignon
18 Avenue Matignon
Paris Current Exhibition:Serge Poliakoff
Les étés de Poliakoff
11 January–1 March 2025
Crèvecoeur, Paris–Beaune
5 & 7 rue de Beaune
Paris
Crèvecoeur, Paris–Cascades
9 rue des Cascades
Paris Current Exhibition:Michael E. Smith
Michael E. Smith, invited by Cédric Fauq
17 January–1 March 2025
David Zwirner
108 rue Vieille du Temple
Paris Current Exhibition:Raymond Saunders
Solo Exhibition
1 February–22 March 2025
Dumonteil Contemporary
8 rue d'Aboukir
Paris
Esther Schipper Paris
16 place Vendôme
Paris Current Exhibition:Sarah Buckner
Chambre De La Vie Parallèle
24 January–13 March 2025
Gagosian, rue de Ponthieu
4 rue de Ponthieu
Paris Current Exhibition:Bennett Miller
15 January–22 February 2025
Gagosian, rue de Castiglione
9 rue de Castiglione
Paris Current Exhibition:Curzio Malaparte, Henry Moore
Moore And Malaparte: Rhythm And Form
22 January–27 March 2025
Galerie Chantal Crousel
10 rue Charlot
Paris Current Exhibition:Group Exhibition
Égrégore
8 February–8 March 2025
Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 13 Rue de Téhéran
13 rue de Téhéran
Paris Current Exhibition:Günther Förg
Paires
16 January–8 March 2025
Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris, 38 Ave Matignon
38 avenue Matignon
Paris Current Exhibition:Tom Wesselmann
Drawn In Steel: Metal Editions
16 January–8 March 2025
Galerie Marian Goodman
79 rue du Temple
75003
Paris Current Exhibition:Gerard & Kelly
Bardo
17 January–8 March 2025
Hauser & Wirth
26 bis rue François 1er
Paris Current Exhibition:Francis Picabia
Éternel Recommencement / Eternal Beginning
18 January–12 March 2025
Marian Goodman Gallery
66 rue du Temple
Paris
Mendes Wood DM
25 Place des Vosges
Paris Current Exhibition:Antonio Obá
Festim da alma
6 February–27 March 2025
Perrotin, Paris Marais
76 rue de Turenne
Paris Current Exhibition:Group Exhibition
Clear History
1 February–1 March 2025
Perrotin, Paris Matignon
2Bis Avenue Matignon
Paris Current Exhibition:Group Exhibition
5 February–8 March 2025
Robilant+Voena
Ile de France
Paris
Templon, 30 rue Beaubourg
30 rue Beaubourg
Paris Current Exhibition:Hervé di Rosa
IDOLS AND TREASURES 2020 – 2024
11 January–1 March 2025
Templon, 28 Grenier Saint-Lazare
28 rue du Grenier Saint-Lazare
Paris Current Exhibition:Prune Nourry
Vénus
11 January–1 March 2025
White Cube
10 Avenue Matignon
Paris Current Exhibition:Mary Stephenson
Mary! Go Round
24 January–22 February 2025
Galerie Max Hetzler
46 & 57, Rue du Temple
Paris
Mariane Ibrahim Gallery
18 Avenue Matignon
Paris Current Exhibition:Lakwena Maciver
I'M IN YOUR HANDS
25 January–29 March 2025
Massimo De Carlo Pièce Unique
57 Rue de Turenne
Paris
Mennour, Rue Saint-André-des-Arts
47 rue saint André des Arts
Paris
Mennour, 6 Rue du Pont de Lodi
6 rue du Pont de Lodi
Paris
Mennour, Ave Matignon
28 avenue Matignon
Paris
Mennour, 5 rue du Pont de Lodi
5 rue du Pont de Lodi
Paris
Modern Art
3 Place de l’Alma 2nd floor
Paris
Skarstedt
2 Avenue Matignon
Paris
Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris Marais
7 Rue Debelleyme Fr-75003 Paris
Paris
Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris Pantin
69 Avenue du Général Leclerc
Paris
Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
2 rue de Viarmes
Paris
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou
Paris
Fondation Louis Vuitton
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne
Paris Current Exhibition:Group Exhibition
Pop Forever Tom Wesselmann &…
17 October 2024–24 February 2025
Fondation Pernod Ricard
1, cours Paul Ricard
Paris Upcoming Exhibition:Tohé Commaret, Grichka Commaret
Exposition En Duo De Tohé Commaret Et Grichka Commaret
18 February–26 April 2025
Gaïté Lyrique
3bis Rue Papin
Paris
Grand Palais
3 Av. du Général Eisenhower
Paris
Jeu de Paume
1 Place de la Concorde
Jardin des Tuileries
Paris
Kadist
21 Rue des Trois Frères
Paris
Lafayette Anticipations
Fondation Galeries Lafayette
9, rue du Plâtre
Paris
LE BAL
6, Impasse de la Défense
Paris
Monnaie de Paris
11 Quai de Conti
Paris
Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris | MAM Paris
11 Av. du Président Wilson
Paris Current Exhibition:Hans Josephsohn, Albert Oehlen
Josephsohn As Seen By Albert Oehlen
11 October 2024–16 February 2025
Musée d'Orsay
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing
Paris Current Exhibition:Henri Rivière
The Man Behind The Camera
29 October 2024–2 March 2025
Musée de l'Orangerie
Jardin Tuileries
Paris
Musée Picasso
5 rue de Thorigny,
Paris
Palais de Tokyo
13, avenue du Président Wilson
Paris
Petit Palais
Av. Winston Churchill
Paris
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