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Category / Forget Paris

The Haunting ‘Human Zoo’ of Paris

In the furthest corner of the Vincennes woods of Paris, lies the remains of what was once a public exhibition to promote French colonialism over 100 years ago and what we can only refer to today as the equivalent of a human zoo. In 1907, six different villages were built in the Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale, representing all…

Rediscovering «Les Parisiennes» (and their bottoms)

When I was ten years old or so, my French Aunt gave me a book of illustrations for christmas by an artist called Kiraz. His drawings of Parisian women fascinated me and I often tried to re-create them. They were wonderful and yet so naughty. His women were so stylish, so beautiful, so Parisienne. Eventually…

Parisians in their Parisian Pads

Vanessa, designer, Métro Fourche, 18th arrondissement, Parisienne “Paris wouldn’t be Paris without it’s parisians” says celebrated Franco/Anglo photographer Baudouin, who captures Parisians in their homes all over Paris, along with all their little quirks– or rather, their “je ne sais quoi”. Yann, art director, 10th Arrondissement, Parisien Emmanuelle (no occupation listed), 16th arrondissement, Parisienne Pier Paolo,…

The Last House of Fans, Paris

There was once a secret language used by women for centuries to communicate unspoken sentiments across the room. It was the code of duchesses and ladies-in-waiting; women who made bi-weekly trips to the opera armed with an exquisite accessory that with a simple flick of her wrist, could declare her true feelings for a gentleman sat across…

The Last Palace of the Champs Elysées: A Courtesan’s Secret Alcazar

Hiding in plain sight, you’re looking into the eye of the last remaining example of the magnificent private mansions that once lined the Champs Élysées in Paris. Hotel de la Païva was built by a famous 19th century courtesan who came from humble beginnings in the ghetto of Moscow. Esther Lachmann, aka La Païva, became…

Before Broadway, Paris had Boulevard du Crime, a Riotous Theatre District Lost in Time

The Boulevard du Crime, a nickname for the Boulevard du Temple in Paris, could not be more of a misnomer. It was never the refuge of thieves or scoundrels but rather in the 19th century, this street was a joyful nocturnal Right Bank hotspot; a 24/7 carnival with a host of cabarets, cafés and most notably…

Book your Bedroom in the Paris Catacombs on Halloween Night

So I’ve given you tips on how to explore the catacombs, party in the catacombs, farm organic mushrooms in the catacombs and even swim in the catacombs, but would you dare to sleep in the Parisian catacombs? Picture a fluffy white duvet, expertly plumped pillows, surrounded by candlelight … and six million human skeletons. Yup, it’s the latest…

Little Tuscany in the Heart of Paris

As if plucked from a 17th century Mediterranean estate waiting to transport Parisians to the hills of Florence; tucked away in a corner of Paris’ Luxembourg gardens is one of the city’s most underrated beauty spots. The Medici Fountain, crowned with an Italian grotto and flanked by ivy drapes, is an impossibly romantic place alluding…

All the Clichés of Paris Tourism in one Delightful 1950s Cartoon

Feeling down about the prospect of another summer without Paris? We have something from the archives that might cheer your up. Made in 1958 by French cartoonist Albert Champeaux, “Paris Flash” is a satirical cartoon about Parisian life and tourism of the era. This would have been shown to audiences in Parisian cinemas, just before the film. It’s all…

Parisian woman with Turkish Veil on Rue de la Paix, 1914: A Short Story Challenge

It’s amazing to see how our minds can wander in different ways; how many variations of a story can come from a single picture. We recently proposed a new challenge for our readers to become the storyteller, prompted by a historical found photograph with a brief caption as the only clue: “Parisian woman with Turkish veil, seen…

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