Paris’ tastes: art, chocolate

1. France

If romantic bridges, the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa and the Rugby World Cup aren’t enough to draw you to Paris this fall, here are some events that might:

The Contemporary Art International Fair, one of the largest in the world, opens Oct. 18. It unfolds for five days in the Louvre Museum courtyard and inside the glass-domed Grand Palais, built at the turn of the 20th century for the World’s Fair.

You can open your eyes to hundreds of new works by artists from around the world, including a classic photo of a beach scene and a statue of a dog that looks so real you may think it will bite. www.fiac paris.com.

If contemporary art doesn’t dazzle you, visit another part of the Grand Palais for an exhibition dedicated to 19th century painter Gustave Courbet. The exhibition has brought together 120 of his works, including masterpieces such as “The Origin of the World” and “A Burial at Ornans.” The show runs from Oct. 13 through Jan. 28. www.rmn.fr/gngp-gb/.

To indulge another appetite, take a tour of the Paris Salon du Chocolat from Oct. 19 to 22. Chefs will offer up original recipes of chocolate concoctions -- and the public gets to dig in. Also featured are fashion shows with dresses carved out of chocolate and designed by Ines de la Fressange and other artists. www.chocoland.com.

If you’re not a chocoholic, you might want to try something stronger on Paris’ hillside Montmartre. For 73 years, local winemakers annually have offered their neighbors a tasting from their small vintages. This year, the celebration will be Friday to Oct. 14. Besides wine and other products, festivities include readings, street artists, art exhibits, movies and concerts paying tribute to French musician and poet Georges Brassens. www.fetedesvendanges demontmartre.com.

-- Achrene Sicakyuz

2. Myanmar

Americans should avoid nonessential travel to Myanmar because of large demonstrations in the capital, Yangon, and other cities, the State Department said Sept. 26 in a public announcement that expires Oct. 26.

3. Maldives

FBI agents were dispatched to help investigate a bombing that injured 12 foreign tourists near a crowded park in Male, capital of the Maldives, known for its exclusive tourist resorts. A British couple, eight Chinese and two Japanese suffered burns.

-- Associated Press

4. Egypt

Lost in history? Forget it. Now visitors to Egypt’s ancient city of Luxor, known for its Pharaonic temples, can log onto the Internet as they meander. A new high-speed wireless service sells for about $7 for an hour or $21 per day.

-- Reuters

5. Germany

The Jewish Museum Berlin added an $11.5-million, glass-and-steel courtyard designed by Daniel Libeskind, the museum’s architect. The courtyard, symbolizing a sukkah from the Jewish holiday, seats up to 500. More than 4 million people have visited the museum since it opened in 2001.

-- Associated Press

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Caution spots

The State Department has issued warnings or announcements for the following countries and regions. For updates, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Nepal, because of terrorist incidents and politically motivated violence.

East Africa, because of maritime piracy, sporadic violence and the potential for terrorist actions.

Zimbabwe, because of food shortages and violence.

Yemen, because of terrorist activities.