Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Paris Plage 2


I promised I would show you other photos of Paris plage, so here is one. It was hard to take because I wanted to focus on the falling water (we call it a rain curtain) to obtain a depth effect and my camera kept refusing! Anyway, after several attempts and a journey into the menus of my new camera, I managed ;)

Monday, July 30, 2007

Equus caballus eatus...


OK, I know this post will trigger lots of negative reactions, but I still have to post it: I photographed this horse head above the shop of a horse meat butcher. For yes people, in France, people DO eat horse meat! Oh c'mon, why would it be OK to eat beef or veal and not horse meat?! Not to mention, that according to horse meat eaters - it is very tender and good..

Sunday, July 29, 2007

French Market


It's Sunday, it's market day! I took the photo of this beautiful one on Place Baudoyer, near the Hotel de Ville. In Paris, it's pretty common to find "real" markets around the corner and Parisians love them. There are also 3 organic markets and several indoor markets where you can shop everyday. Here is a list.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Cité Universitaire


I don't know if you remember, I already showed you a view of the Cité Universitaire, a park located in the 14th arrondissement where students can find accommodations, libraries, sport facilities, concert halls, etc. Well, I went back recently and took this photo and it reminded me of the Stanford Campus in California. Of Course, size wise, there is no comparison, but this is the closest we have!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Summer of Sam


Today's post is dedicated to all Samanthas, Samuels, Samsons... Did you know your name was displayed on top of a building in the middle of Paris? OK, I'm kidding, maybe it's only the first 3 letters of the sign on top of this building ;) - I'm off to Oslo until Tuesday but I'll check PDP regularly, of course!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Friendly Parisian (another one!)


I'm pretty sure that, when you think of a Frenchman, you pretty much have a man like this in mind, right?! (Don't lie!) He has everything to fit the stereotype: he his short, wears a sailor cap, plays La Pétanque, smokes, has a copy of Le Parisien newspaper in his pocket and wears a ridiculous tie... I swear, I really found him in Paris (actually on Paris Plage) and not in a model agency!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

We're all in the gutter...


... but some of us are looking at the stars" I thought of this quote by Oscar Wilde when I saw this carved duck fish head gutter (well, actually, it's more of a rain pipe) that I photographed on the Ile Saint Louis, one of the two islands in the middle of Paris. This shows that with a little effort, even the ugliest and most mundane object can become a piece of art. And yes, that's in Paris! Click to enlarge, it's worth it.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Place des Vosges


I told you I would pick up a more representative photo of what you can see during Richard Nahem's tours than the one of the Laundramat, so here it is! I took it on La Place des Vosges right after Richard showed us how to get there from the Musée du jeu de Paume (also called Hôtel de Sully) through a secret passage (well secret to me!) . It's quite pleasant to be taken on these Eye Prefer Paris tours and to hear an American teach you new things about your home town! Thanks again Richard.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Paris Plage 2007


OK, no big toe like last year, no general view like in 2005, my "official" Paris Plage photo for this year will be this one. They installed jets to spray refreshing water on some parts of the river bank and, as you would imagine, kids just love it (This one was actually scolded by his - Italian - parents right after I took this photo)! For those of you who still don't know what Paris Plage is, well, it's a one month period during which they turn the embankment (and this year other places) into a giant beach, with real sand and palm trees and many activities. Usually a big success. I'll show you more...

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Sunday Laundry


Yesterday I took part in a tour with Richard Nahem for Eye Prefer Paris (I'll pick up a more representative photo later!) and while passing by this laundrette I could not help taking a photo ;). You find many of those in Paris although washers and dryers are no longer expensive. It's more a matter of room; Paris apartments are often small and none of the buildings have laundry rooms in the basement. That's all for the day, did not have the time to go to Paris Plage yet ;). PS: and yes! This is me in the reflexion!!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

The little shop around the corner...


... is closed. Well, so it seems. I found it rue du 4 septembre, a large street starting at the opera and I was really surprised to see such an old boutique in such a busy area. I'm sorry for the owner but it makes a cool photo ;) have a good weekend if you're not already on vacation. Time for me to take pictures of Paris Plage that just started...

Friday, July 20, 2007

Piaf, the musical


After I saw Tomate's yesterday post in the forum about the Edith Piaf movie with Marion Cotillard I noticed that they are currently having a musical about her at L'Olympia, one of the most famous music halls in Paris. I haven't seen it and I won't because I don't feel too comfortable about this. I can hear the producers say "hey, the film was a big hit, let's do a musical now!" Maybe I'm being too French! Anyone has seen it? Is it good?

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Free Wi-Fi in Paris


If you come to Paris with a laptop or a Wi-Fi enabled PDA you might want to try to check your mail (and/or PDP!) from one of the new 400 free hot spots that the Paris town hall promised to install for the summer. Apparently they're having problems though... The installation is delayed and so far only 105 hot spots have been launched. On top of that, the carrier Orange announced they would sue them for unfair competition (Orange sells a 3 hour Wi-Fi access for 10 euros, so you can understand why...). Fortunately there are plenty of other free hot spots in Paris, including in almost all McDonald's!
Discuss Paris Wi-Fi hot spots and much more in the PDP forum.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Monument aux Mères


Paris will always surprise me... Today I came across the most unusual monument I've ever seen in my city: a monument dedicated to French mothers. And the weirdest is that I have been unable to find anything about it on Google. Anyway, all I can say is that it looks like it was designed in Soviet Union (see more photos here) and that there are several quotes engraved on it, one being by Albert Lebrun, who was the President of the Republic between 1932 and 1940. I Suppose this is roughly when this monument was built. If anyone knows more, please enlighten us! Update: here is - courtesy of Tomate Farcie - more info.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

A little treat


If you're not traveling on a budget and want a little treat while you're in Paris, well here is a way to spend your money! Drop your car right there, ask the voiturier (valet) to park it for you then start with an aperitif in the British atmosphere of the Westminster hotel Duke's bar then change for a more oriental scenery and move slowly to Le Celadon, a restaurant that you will not forget...

Monday, July 16, 2007

(Almost) free bike ride, day one!


You remember this post, when I told you they were currently installing a fantastic bike service called Velib in Paris? Well, that's it, they opened it yesterday (Sunday). The principle is very simple: there are 750 terminals throughout Paris (and there will be more - one every 100 meters/ 110 yards - by the end of 2007) from where you can take or return a bike. If you're just visiting here you can buy a 7 day ticket for 5€ (or even a 1 day ticket for 1 €) then pay as you go. Well, in fact you may never pay since the first 30 minutes are free... For a complete information, please visit the PDP Forum under this topic.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Le défilé du 14 juillet!


I wish I had taken this photo myself, but I would have had to climb up the Obelisque on the Place de La Concorde... Instead I "stole" it from the French television which had many cameras there and on the Champs Elysées. To be honest I went down there this morning to take photos for PDP but there was far too much crowd . I suppose everybody wanted to see the European battalions that marched for the 1st time on the Champs Elysees this year (OK, some European battalions already marched on the Champs Elysées, but they were German and it was a long time ago ;). BTW, these soldiers belong to the Légion Etrangère.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Le Bal des Pompiers


Traditionally on the eve of Bastille Day (that we actually call "Le 14 juillet") there are plenty of little Balls throughout France. Some are organized by city halls, some by bars... but the most popular ones are the ones organized by the Pompiers (Firemen). That is where I took this photo last night (Friday) - namely at the rue du jour station - , on the way back from the movie theater where I saw Shrek the 3rd. None of the dancing people photos came up well, sorry... Have a good Bastille day weekend.

Friday, July 13, 2007

My next car!


Today is Friday the 13th and according to some people it's a lucky day. Anyway, that is what the lottery company wants you to believe... They advertised like crazy over the past weeks to get us to buy tickets for today. And, well, for 54 million €, I might be tempted! Don't worry, if I win I will still be doing PDP (er... or hire someone to do it!) - And yes Monica, I might even buy you a second box of macarons for your birthday ;)

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Happy Birthday Monica!


Regular visitors here all know Monica from Rio, right? She comments very regularly, has always something nice to say to people and - to say the least - is a true francophile (and PDPphile!). So exceptionally, I'd like to post a personal message for her today: "Bon anniversaire Monica, mes voeux les plus sincères..." (these are the first words of a French happy birthday song). As you guessed Monica, since you're a sucker for Macarons, this is what's awaiting for you when you come, at the end of July (I'll put them in the fridge!). They come from "La Maison du Chocolat", a place no one should miss when in Paris (OK, unless you suffer from diabetes...). They even have friendly salespersons, go figure!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Le Christ mort


Of course this sculpture could never make it up to the newly elected wonder of the world Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer Statue (see more on Monica's blog ;)) but let me assure you that it is really breathtaking. I found it by sheer coincidence while I was looking for something to photograph in the Invalides. I have been unable to find out if it was made after the 1521 painting of Hans Holbein le Jeune - whose painting is actually in Basel, in Switzerland - and/or if a different artist made it. Anyway, if you're around the Invalides one of these days, it's worth visiting the chapel, just to see this stunning piece of art.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Let me out!


I kinda like it when street artists use a tiny bit of the public space - hence sidewalks - to express their art. Here is a good example that can be found on several venting grids throughout Paris (I took this one close to my place). I think the signature reads "Kim" but I could not find anything on the web about a "Kim that draws on Paris sidewalks"... So, as usual, if someone knows about this artist, tell us more.
Discuss Paris art and much more in the PDP forum.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Blind Date


No, this is not a mistake but what you will "see" if you go to "Dans le noir" (in the dark) a restaurant located 51, rue Quincampoix - near Les Halles - where you have dinner in complete darkness and where waiters are blind. The idea is excellent because it's not only a good way for non blind people to experience what it is to be blind, but also because you taste the food differently. I personally never dared having dinner there, but friends of mine who have said it was a worthwhile experience. There is also one in London and in Moscow.
Discuss Paris restaurants and much more in the PDP forum.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Tony Parker and Eva Longoria got married


Yes, people, today Eva Longoria became Mrs Parker and it happened in Paris... Unfortunately, that is the only photo I managed to come back with. Explanation: they sold, for no less than 2 million dollars - the price of the wedding apparently - exclusive rights to a UK magazine. Therefore, they had to hide from everybody, including your favorite PDP paparazzo (and the one on this photo too!!) You should have heard the crowd, really mad, who booed them for being so invisible to their fans. For the records, they got married in a beautiful church (Saint Germain de l'Auxerrois ) where I once also took this photo... And tonight they're going to this magnificent château.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Saint Exupéry


Even if you know nothing about French Culture, you may have heard of Antoine de Saint Exupéry (1900 - 1944) for he wrote a book that is worldwide famous: Le Petit Prince (the Little Prince). But before writing books he was one of the pioneers of international postal flight. He died during the war, trying to collect data on German troop movements in the Rhone River Valley. In 1998, fishermen found his ID bracelet, then parts of his plane were pulled out the ocean in 2000. I found this bust by sheer coincidence by the Invalides and I am ashamed to say that I never read anything by him... yet! I wish you a happy 7/7/7!
Discuss French Literature and many other topics in the PDP forum.

Friday, July 06, 2007

Fashion star!


I rarely show people on this blog but this time I could not help it. I think this lady is perfect to illustrate La Semaine de la haute couture which just closed yesterday and which is a unique occasion for designers to show their work.. Of course this is not exactly a Haute Couture outfit (mind you, I'm not really an expert, but I don't think so...) but you can really feel the sense of fashion in this lady. And by the way, dear - female - viewers, if you want to see what you'll be wearing next fall/winter - 2008 -, here is a sneak preview ;)
Discuss Paris fashion and many other topics in the PDP forum.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Desperately Seeking Ryan('s parents)


Amazing story! Last June 26, on this roundabout (called Place de Clichy and located at the crossing of 4 arrondissements: 8th, 9th, 17th & 18th) was found a 3/4 year old kid called Ryan. He was left in a fast food restaurant (Quick Burger) and stayed there one hour before the manager started wondering about the kid and call the police. He speaks French but is unable to say who his parents are. The police are still investigating... I can't help thinking of what is happening in England with Madeleine McCann only there the child is missing, not the parents.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Happy 4th of July


A special post for my American visitors today, although many of them won't see it, precisely because today is a holiday and that many seem to have taken the week off. This statue is part of a monument dedicated to the American volunteers who, as far as I understand fought during WWI. I am not quite sure why you can also see a plaque dedicated to WWII fighters on this monument but what matters is that it helps us remember. If you plan a trip to Paris and want to see it, it's located on the Square Jefferson (where I took this photo).

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

A new Metro ticket


The news came as a shock to me this morning... the good old metro ticket (the one that you can see in this photo) is officially dead since yesterday! The new one (see it here) is white and... big improvement, allows you to take any public transport you want (bus, metro, Express train (RER), tram...) within 90 minutes. Before you had to buy a new ticket each time. This will not sound like a revolution to a lot of visitors as many other European cities already adopted this principle but to us, Parisians, it does! If you're into purple don't worry, the old ticket will only disappear progressively. And the bad news is... that the price increased by almost 2% 7.1% (from 1,40 to 1,50 €...)
Discuss Paris public transportation (download the complete guide to Paris transports) and many other topics in the PDP forum.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Revoir Paris...


I loved California and Boston but after 2 weeks I am happy to go back home (besides, I'm short of photos!). If everything goes well (I hear there has been attacks in London - which I'm not going through, but still...) I should hit Charles de Gaulle airport around 11 am French time. 2 hours later I may be passing by this sign, that I love. It is to be found above the Gare Saint Lazare in the 17th arrondissement, near the rue des dames.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Theme Day: the color red


That is the easiest theme day I ever had to cope with since we started all this. I chose one of the most Parisian things: a Metro entrance. And believe me, you don't find that many like this in Paris (this one belongs to the Madeleine station). Like always, there are several participating city daily photo blogs and this month I think we reached a record: 100!
Here they are (don't forget that due to time differences the city daily photo blogosphere will not turn red at the same time...). If you want to have a global view, check the portal (www.dailyphotoblog.com)
Shanghai, China - Mumbai, India - New York City (NY), USA - Manila, Philippines - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Hamburg, Germany - Stayton (OR), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Hyde, UK - Oslo, Norway - Brookville (OH), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Stavanger, Norway - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Joplin (MO), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Selma (AL), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Seattle (WA), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Arradon, France - Evry, France - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Boston (MA), USA - Grenoble, France - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Hilo (HI), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - La Antigua, Guatemala - Brisbane (QLD), Australia - Singapore, Singapore - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hong Kong, China - Sequim (WA), USA - Paderborn, Germany - Saarbrücken, GermanyRotterdam, Netherlands - Tenerife, Spain - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Sydney, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Mainz, Germany - Toruń, Poland - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Singapore, Singapore - North Bay (ON), Canada - Jakarta, Indonesia - Montréal (QC), Canada - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Baziège, France - San Diego (CA), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - New York (NY), USA - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Sharon (CT), USA - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Villigen, Switzerland - Chicago (IL), USA - Torquay, UK - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Paris, France - Seoul, Korea - Manila, Philippines - Milano, Italy - Austin (TX), USA - Chennai, India - Madrid, Spain - Seoul, South Korea - Wailea (HI), USA - Toronto (ON), Canada - Ajaccio, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Zurich, Switzerland - Sydney, Australia - Budapest, Hungary - Moscow, Russia - Auckland, New Zealand - Torino, Italy -