The spring tourists are here – here in Paris. Not long ago the last of the February tourists had left–which was just after the Christmas tourists had left. And here some thousands of tourists are back. But who is complaining–apart from me who would love to have the Mona Lisa all to herself? No one [...]
La Miroiterie, probably the oldest art squat (or “squart”) in Paris, may soon close down. It started in 1999. From my admittedly American standpoint, I find the squatters’ resistance to city support (and regulation), in order to keep it going, to be childish and utopian. Should artists be allowed to live there sans rent in [...]
When researching the French silent film star Max Linder I was surprised to discover that the studio in which he made most of his films was still standing. At the earliest opportunity I headed out there to investigate. The story of the studios goes back to 1904, when Charles Pathé, in competition with Georges Méliès and [...]
I’ve been trying to convince one of my tour clients to get an Eiffel Tower tattoo, but so far I’ve had no takers. And considering how obsessed some people are with this Dame de Fer (in this case referring to said Tower, not Margaret Thatcher), and also how I seem to be the only woman [...]
“Wish you weren’t here” might be the message on a postcard such as this one commemorating one of the great floods of the Seine. As for the one at right–I’m at a loss for a great caption (suggestions welcome!). I love postcards, especially (almost exclusively) the ones that don’t glamorize the subject. For fellow fans, [...]
Esoterics, quoting the Mayan Calendar, believe that on December 21 our world will cease to exist. However, one could survive this Apocalypse but only if one will be in the village of Bugarach which is in the Aude department of France. Yet, just being in Bugarach won’t suffice. No, you have to be on the [...]
Our annual reprint of Art Buchwald’s definitive explanation of Thanksgiving, from the late writer’s 2005 column in the Washington Post. One of our most important holidays is Thanksgiving Day, known in France as le Jour de Merci Donnant. Le Jour de Merci Donnant was first started by a group of Pilgrims (Pélérins) who fled from l’Angleterre before [...]
Paris vs. New York: the video. Thanks to Paris Imperfect for the tip!
There hasn’t been a fashion exhibit that has wowed me since the Madame Grès exhibit last spring. The Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton show earlier this year was a letdown; far too much a promotion for the brand. I just went to the “Chloe Attitudes” show and it was a delightful surprise. The show is a tribute to Gaby [...]
Celebrating Halloween in a city not known for costume parties? RD Plumes de Paris (26 Galerie Feydeau) specialises in all sorts of headdresses, masks and feather boas. It’s the perfect place to frequent if you’d like to go as a zombie-style showgirl from the Moulin Rouge. For a more conventional costume shop, Au Clown Montmarte (22 rue [...]
