What is the highest point in Paris? Montmartre? La montagne Sainte Geneviève? None of those... It's 40 rue du Télégraphe, in the 20th arrondissement (148,48 m - 162.4 yards). Montmartre is only second (130 m - 142 yards). The interesting part is that this "summit" is precisely located in La rue du Télégraphe, because that is where the first telegraph was used by its inventor, Claude Chappe. I could not believe it was already 2 centuries ago, in 1791, between Paris and Lille (north of France)!
Highest point in paris? Hmm, that is kinda intresting. Certainly something I didn't know!
ReplyDeleteInteresting historical note, Eric.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, I really have to sleep now. Good night. ;)
ReplyDeleteI believe that we can also thank the French for inventing the digital calculator, braille printing, and the bikini. What a great country!
ReplyDeleteHmm. But why does the sign say it's only 128m?
ReplyDeleteHmmm not everybody looks good in a bikini, you know! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat is the highest point? Good question! Is it Tour Montparnasse or Eiffel Tower? (La Defense excluded, of course)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I found your blog, but am enjoying reading about your Paris. I visited Paris last March for the first time and absolutely LOVED it!! I am definitely coming back! Of course I did most of the touristy things but also relished the community where I stayed in the 15th arrondissement! As a Canadian who parles francais un petit peu, I had no problems in Paris. I found you Parisians very friendly, as long as I clarified "Je veux du Canada"--excuse my horrible French spelling mistakes!!!! thanks for introducing us to this Paris!
ReplyDeleteA geographic post is a good post. I like to know these things.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I'll admit to being a little confused by "Je veux du Canada". My French is rusty to the point of being absolutely laughable, but doesn't that mean "I want some Canada"?
ReplyDeleteI know that I can count on the brilliant PDPers to enlighten me!
Congrats Alexandra...I knew you wanted GF so I typed S L O W L Y!
ReplyDelete;-)
Coltrane you let Alexandra win on purpose?! Woww you're a real gentleman!!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've been to the other highest points of Paris. This one I really don't know. But if you were there Eric, then it certainly must be interesting!
Lynn you take care of yourself, you hear?
ReplyDeleteHope you get better real soon and don't stay in the hospital for more than one day tops. We can't stay away from you for too long.
Lois, the Festa Sertaneja is because of the celebration of Saint John (here we say Festa junina, the word junina comes from João, that is, John) that takes places in June here. Usually there are great typical food at these parties, so if you go make sure to try it.
I've been to the Golden Gate Park once by the way, lovely place!
Rose, we sure will translate it if Lois sends the scanned article!
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, are there natural elevations in Paris? (like hills). At 148m, it must be quite flat. What about the environs? Are there are hills or mountains near Versailles or 50km around Paris?
Monica..."gentleman"? Merci, but you know I have to be with two little girls (16 months and 3 1/2yrs)running around the house...or is that running the show? :-) Plus, I really am SLOW at typing. ;-) Hope you're having a good week in Brazil. You know we have good friends in Septua Lagos(sp?).
ReplyDeleteHistory, fascinating as always!
ReplyDeleteColtrane, with two little girls I bet they are running around the house AND running the show!!! How fun it must be!
ReplyDeleteSo you have friends in SP? What's the name of the city again? Septua Lagos?
I don't recognize the name, will check it.
I am having a good week, actually I even got flowers today, what a surprise it was... I guess there are some gentlemen left in the world!!!
Very cool and interesting information today, Eric. I am also on vacation, so I'm just checking in when I can. Thanks so much for keeping us supplied with lovCely photos!!
ReplyDeleteSete Lagoas...(my Portuguese is horrid!)Ciao!
ReplyDeleteLynnie, I'm holding your hand virtually all the way through surgery. This is so traumatic. You are so brave -- I would be freaking out if they told me that I was going to have surgery. I got shot once when I was living in NYC. A sniper -- the hospital nun said. I was shot in the neck while getting into a cab on Park Avenue (of all places). I was with a Moroccan prince (that's another story). Anyway, my doctor told me that I was not to worry about the surgery. He said he was Picasso. I said that could be a good thing or a bad thing -- depending on what period of work. His early work was classical. His later work had noses going out the side of peoples faces. That is a bad thing. The bullet was lodged next to my trakya [sp?]. I was in denial. Had it not been for Curtis (a painter) who came over to my studio and dragged me to the emergency room, I don't know what would have happened to me. This story has a long version and a short version. I'm giving you the condensed version. I stayed in the hospital for about five days. Love you -- you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMerci Eric...There is always time for a history lesson or learning experience in my book! I also finally had the time[very busy lately] to look at the archives of Marc Riboud [Mai '68]that you posted previously and I must thank you again for that. They were absolutely fantastic!! Hope you aren't getting too much sun in Turkey! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteswile67 meant "je viens du Canada" not "je veux du Canada" ("I come from Canada", not "I want some Canada").
ReplyDeleteTF
Photolicious : it's still early in France, just give it a few hours, someone will probably log in and answer. As far as I know there is Montmartre, and Buttes Chaumont. I can't think of anything else right now.
ReplyDeleteWoops. I put the wrong comment on the wrong post. I was looking at two at once! this is the one where I meant to say: I love these little bits of factual information. I'll bet most Parisians don't even know about this. and it's so cool.
ReplyDeleteEric, even though I lived in Paris for several years (a l'epoque), I learn something new from you practically every day. I hope some day to return and spend many days visiting spots (like this one) that I now know about thanks to you.
ReplyDelete(Coincidence: I've been going through your archives, and just today I was looking at 14 April 2007, when you posted a beautiful shot of Sacre Coeur & said that the Butte Montmartre was the highest point in Paris!)
Lynn -- even though I just "met" you, virtually at least, please let me add my good wishes for a speedy recovery.
Lynn in hospital? Surgery? Egads! Fill me in please.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I'm confused by the caption and the sign. Maybe Eric will check in and let us know.
Ok, I just read about Lynn's surgery. Thank goodness she left out the "girly" bit!
ReplyDeleteSorry, one more comment then I'll shut up. PHX-CDG and others, you MUST go to Tomate's blog and see the Eıffel Tower purse. I'm sure it would go well with those 2008 glasses of yours Lynn!
ReplyDeleteInteresting info. I actually thought that Montmartre was the highest point in Paris. Then we all learned something new today too, thanks to Eric and PDP. Thats why it's such a shame to miss out a day or two.
ReplyDeleteLynn, hang in there ! How awfull you have to go to hospital. Hope you feel better soon !!! All the best wishes !!! :)
Hey, I like this kind of information! I thought it was montmartre actually. Now I could seem intelligent if someone asks me! :)
ReplyDeleteBut is it 128 or 148m Eric?
Lynn, don't give up. You're so cute with your (painful) children's disease... ;)
oh no! lynn is in the hospital? i never bookmarked her blog. i always just clicked on her smiling profile picture. can someone send me the link? pretty please with sugar on top?
ReplyDeleteI don't know you all very well yet, but reading Lois' post mentioning a Moroccan Prince as an aside, it made me think of the bookshop bookkeeper in "You've Got Mail" where she finally replied her former lover had ruled Spain, but only after further questioning!
ReplyDeleteI was introduced to the president of Belgium by the Foreign Minister of Turkey at a Turkish seaside house once. It was 1977. That's all I've got. There is no long story.
photolicious, yes, we do have hills in Paris.
ReplyDeleteMontmartre is one and Belleville, where Eric took the picture, is another one.
We also have "la Montagne Sainte-Genevieve" close to Quartier Latin, which is not a true mountain of course despite it's name.
You also have to climb up la Butte-aux-Cailles (not so much) and more in Passy, where a few streets are actual staircases like in Montmartre.
The highest building is Eiffel Tower, no comparison with Montparnasse tower nor la Defense 300 meters vs 100 approx.
duhhh. i just realized that all i have to do is go into old pdp comments to find lynn.. duh and a half!
ReplyDeleteThe facts are interesting, but I LOVE this photo! I have a real tactile reaction to it. I want to trace my finger around the bricks like a labyrinth, and over the words letter-by-letter as the blind would read braille.
ReplyDeleteLynn, hope you are better soon. I was saddened to read today you were in the hospital. Lois, I loved your story. wish I could hear the longer version. Eric, interesting post! I wouldn't have guessed.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the lowest part of Paris is the Corner of Rue le Blanc and Rue St-Charles in the quinzième.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what history this address may be hiding ?
Has someone brought Lynn's laptop to the hospital?
We miss you, dear girl !!
Interesting Eric and M.B - these things seem to fascinate the fellows.
ReplyDeleteLois: Moroccan prince? Shot in the neck? Gosh, how fascinating it would be to hear the long version.
USelaine: I bet you have more than that. I bet that 1977 story is very, very interesting :)
Lois..
ReplyDeleteYou will have to tell the story now... we are all dying to hear the rest!
Eric, mon ami, tu a faux. The highest point in Paris is the annual PDP picnic. I got home early in the morning after thirty hours awake. After five hours of sleep, my second cup of coffee awaits. (Not like an express in Paris, however.)
ReplyDeleteMissed many days of comments. I'll try to find the completed video of the picnic. Need coffee.
Bonjour to all my friends.
Lois...this is some amazing story! More please.
ReplyDeleteLois,
ReplyDeleteWe are all ears.
One could start with a chapter a day !!
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI agree - but didn't want to bring up the P word again. Well, we've restocked our supply of fresh Paris memories, which will start to get stale just in time for next year's picnic. Oops, I said it.
Here's opening another can of worms but can people let me know if Nespresso is as popular elsewhere in Europe and the US as it is in France? I've visited two homes, and both have these quick, funky and idiot-proof espresso makers front and center on the kitchen counter.
Everyone talks about George Clooney (who apparently pitches Nespresso). And buying a supply of coffee capsules is quite the experience!
Thanks,
Barbscoot (who still can't find anyone to go scooting in Paris with!!!)
barb! they are all the rage in germany too. people like senseo machines there as well. that's what i have. i think that the pods are a bit greener. you can toss them into your compost. the nespresso whatchmacallits leave behind a little plastic cup. i don't really like the senso brand pods though. carte noire simply makes a better coffee. the machines are cheap too!
ReplyDeletejeffffffffffff! it's so nice to see you again!
ReplyDeleteand how do i get a hold of craig! i want to buy a vintage watch from him!
ReplyDeleteWhere is buzzgirl these days. I haven't heard from her since the picnic.
ReplyDeleteI spent the hours between 3:30 pm and 7 pm at a sidewalk cafe yesterday. I just didn't want to go home. The weather is so lovely. I could stay outside all day and into the evening.
USElaine, What was the president of Belgium like -- and the Foreign Minister of Turkey, and the Turkish seaside house? I think Eric will find that interesting since he is in Turkey.
My story really is a book, and now you have me thinking about my Moroccan Prince, Saed. We use to share a loft together in NYC. He use to also import art from Morocco. The crates in the loft would have "Casablanca" stamped on them in big black letters. Saed loved to cook. He always had something yummy on the stove. I loved the way he made Moroccan tea too. When I knew him, he had just written a cook book and another one was on the way. He said being a prince was no big deal as he had many brothers who were also princes. He showed me a family photo of his siblings -- about 30 or 40 (and that wasn't all of them of course). I looked at him in disbelief. He said, oh, yes, my father has many wives -- a harem, you know.
Ahhh Haaa, Turkey, - Harems. - Eric. - ERIC !!
ReplyDeleteQue faites-vous là ?
Hi everyone, I promised myself I would not touch a computer during my vacation but, of course, I could not really help it LOL!
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, I did edit yesterday's title, because it suddenly became obvious that the photo did not show ALL about Eve!!
And today I had a look at your comments and thought I owed you a little explanation...
1) as you noticed (Jef P. the first) then Guille, then probably most of you is that my caption says 148 meters whereas the sign says 128 meters! Eh eh...
Well the explanation is simple: the 148 meters is the hight above the sea level, whereas the 128 meters is the highest point in Paris from its lowest point (which, as M. Benaut pointed out is either in the 15th arrondissement 30.5 meters - if you consider the street level) or at the Seine level (26 meters).
Of course, if you do your maths correctly you will notice that it's still not right: 26 meters (Seine level) + 128 meters=152 meters and not 148! I am unable to explain this difference!
2)Photolicious, yes Paris is quite flat and we have very little hills around it. But... We have the Alpes - 4,5 hours away from Paris by train!
3)Alexa, you're right, my mistake. I honestly thought Montmartre would be the highest point in Paris. I changed the caption (April 14). Thank you very much
5) Tomate, yes, as Lili said the Eiffel Tower is by far the highest artificial point. As a matter of fact the law now prohibits buildings that are higher than 37 meters.
That's it, let me go back to the swimming pool, I still have two days of vacation and I want to take advantage of them;)
Last word for Lynn of course who I already wrote an email to. She knows we're all supporting her;)
Coltrane, haha, thank you! ;) Yes, I didwant it. Who doesn't?
ReplyDeleteYes, isn't he, Monica? ;)
Hmm ... the sign makes me confused as well. Hope Eric will clarify ones he gets back from Turkey. It feels like if he's been gone for way too long now!
Wow, Eric just checked in - coincidence!
ReplyDeleteHeh, I'm not sure if I am any wiser from that explanation, but I suspected it might be something along those lines ...
ReplyDeleteLois - I also loved the way you just sort of tossed in the reference to the Moroccan prince. He sounds lovely, actually. I lived in Morocco for a while in the Sixties -- but definitely no prince. Lots of hippies, though.
ReplyDeleteRe all the SATC stuff yesterday: I just saw the cover of the current issue of Time Out New York. There's a picture of the 4 of them, with duct tape over their mouths, and the cover line says "NO SEX! Enough already -- we love 'em, but it's just too much. Inside, 1,965 ways to enjoy your New York, guaranteed Carrie-free."
Well said Lydia. Such depth to this photo, you really feel you can reach out and touch the bricks.
ReplyDeleteMonica: I am still waiting :( But will definitely let you know.
The things I've already learned here!!! Thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWait a minute: flowers, Monica? We need more info, please ;)
ReplyDeleteLois, I want to read that book. Let us know when it's ready. Moroccan food is super - how lucky to have that at home! Say, your book could include recipes!
ReplyDeleteMy encounter with the dignitaries (the minister's name meant "waterfall" in Turkish - can't remember how to spell it) was brief, but my summer home-stay with the Baysinop family of Bursa was wonderful, frustrating, and world expanding for an 18 year old who had never been out of the US before. I was so lucky to see as much of the country as I did, and the food is marvelous. I recommend everyone to follow in Eric's footsteps.
Hey! There's an idea for the next PDP picnic!
Eric -- Seems you're just as addicted to PDP as the rest of us! Hope you don't think I was trying to point out a mistake or anything. Just thought it was a funny coincidence that I had just been looking at that particular post.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you're not even reading this. You're enjoying your well-deserved vacances.
In the US, our telegraph was invented in 1837 by Samuel F. B. Morse. He spoke his first words through it in 1844.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what type of stone those bricks are made of in Eric's photo; and where they got the stone for those bricks. Is it the same stone used in the Seine river's quay wall?
Eric, je n'ai toujours pas compris...mais je suis littéraire plutôt que matheuse, ceci explique cela. :) Hope your holidays are good. I'm sure of that.
ReplyDeleteOK, nothing to do with this topic or anything, but you can always say you heard it on PDP first!
ReplyDelete"California State Supreme Court has declared that same-sex couples have right to marry" as of an hour ago!!!
It is safe to say there will be much celebration in the near future in the City by the Bay! It's big news here (well, that and the heat wave) so I thought I'd share. Sorry about the change of topic.
(yeah, I thought I'd post this here since half of the commenters seem to be from California!) ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my, there is some seriously interesting reading here today! Highest point in Paris, point from sea level, the P word (lol), Eiffel Tower purses, Nespresso machines and George Clooney, Eric posting from Turkey, Lois getting shot in the neck (ouchie), a Moroccan Prince and his father’s harem (oh do tell more!)…and 101 other reasons to love PDP!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing Lynn a successful surgery and quick recovery {hugs and a bouquet of pink Peruvian lilies for you today}. We need you back here a.s.a.p. :)
LOL Guille!!!
ReplyDeleteEric, nice to hear from you! BTW, since when 128+26 = 152 ??? :))
Well, you know, I am just teasing you !!! That's okay, vacation and maths are not well together!
I couldn't resist to pop in, that's all ;)
A new high!!! Great! Sorry that I could not make the PDP picnic, not my Spring to go to Paris....Next time....in meanwhile, more pix if dogs! ddble
ReplyDeleteCorinne, the math expert. That's funny. Eric - yep, he's blown away.
ReplyDeleteUSElaine, Interesting. Did you meet him on the beach, was he with the Belgium President. Or, did you meet them at a dinner or party? It sounds like you had a life changing experience in Turkey at the age of 18. I had one of those too. It was in the UK and France -- flying with and being with the Cousteau Society, Jacques Cousteau team of divers and cameramen. I was the only female artist. There were women there of course, they were wives to the men. It was a large entourage. That's why they have their own jet. They have their own chef (French of course). It was a safe way to travel for a young woman. It was like being with your family.
Did you read in the press, divers found in the Rhone River next to Arles, a head of an aging Jules Cesar
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080514/ap_on_sc/france_caesar_bust
Tomate, it's a huge and an extremely good news!! I mean it's SO important that the rights are the same for straight and gay people. The right to have a private life, including the fact to marry whoever one wants, is one of the most important things (according to the DUDH-Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l'Homme).
ReplyDeleteIt made my day... What about France now?!
Salut Corinne! :) I notice that you are better in math than me! I even didn't see that the calculation was wrong (hm hm Eric, literary too?!)...When somebody speaks about mathematics, I just BLINDLY trust him. LOL
Lois, I lied. Pierre Harmel was formerly Prime Minister, and was a Senator at the time I met him. He was with his family, in swimming trunks, at "Waterfall"s water-facing garden, next door to the garden of the friends of the host family I lived with, but found myself at without prior warning that I would be spending the weekend away (I didn't know Turkish, their daughter plead ignorance). It was just a courtesy greeting between neighbors with the exotic guests. At that moment, their greatest virtue was their fluent, kindly used English. I wore a borrowed dress, having just recovered from 36 hours of gut explosions. There's a snapshot somewhere of me with Waterfall.
ReplyDeleteYour synopses are much, much more compelling and glamorous!
Already an article
ReplyDeleteWow, there is just so much information on PDP today! First of all, I love happening upon little signs like this in Paris that tell you something interesting.
ReplyDeleteMonica - Tu as recevoir des fleurs??? Details, s'il te plait ;)
Lois - loved your tale - did le prince provide you with a bodyguard after?
And what's this about dearest Duchess Lynn?? I have been busy at work and missed out on the news - wishing you the speediest of recoveries!
Thanks for the heads-up Tomate! That is good news.
ReplyDeleteLucio Conte di Crispino, if you drop in here, I have a sad news I wanted to share with somebody who will understand my sadness: Rauschenberg died 2 days ago...A big loss.
ReplyDeleteGuille..."Rauschenberg" the artist?
ReplyDeleteUSElaine, I can picture the snapshot. Must look like those postcards we see at Katie's blog.
ReplyDeleteLynn must be in the hospital -- last I heard she was headed in that direction. She sure is quiet.
Pont Girl, I too love happening upon little signs like this in Paris that tell you something interesting. We have them in SF as well. For instance the ones showing where the water line of the Bay use to be. Those are a trip.
Michael, yes. To me one of the most important artist of the 20th...
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of this Russian artist you told me about at the picnic? I think I heard things about him at school but was not sure.
Bonne fin de vacances. ;)
artistS*
ReplyDeleteI remember Rauschenberg. He use to hang out at Max's in the POP days -- 1960's. I remember one of his sculptures was left behind. It was a big red wiggle tube type thing hanging from the ceiling. It was made out of plastic. Max's was the place to be for artists. Everybody who was anybody -- hung out at Max's. Remember when I said I got shot in the neck while getting into a cab on Park Avenue -- Well, it was in front of Max's. We were just leaving to go to SOHO for dinner.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting life you lead Lois!
ReplyDeleteGuille, we were discussing André Lanskoy at the picnic. I can't make links very easily on vacation but sure you can find something about him online.
Off to bed now...
Michael, Your life is exciting from my vantage point. Eric's too. Where are you on vacation. We know that Eric is in the pool somewhere in Turkey. I don't remember you saying where you were going -- oh yeah, you are going to bed. Which bed, where?
ReplyDeleteLois, where can I place an advance order for your book? ; )
ReplyDeleteYes, tomate, such good and highly unexpected news! I looked out my window and saw pigs flying, and I just heard on the news that hell has, indeed, frozen over. George W. Bush must be crying in his soup over this.
ReplyDeleteI've have never called myself a "Californian" before (I grew up in Rhode Island), but today I am very proud to say I am a Californian.
Suzy, cynical? Serious? Upset?
ReplyDeleteI think I didn't catch your comment... :S
Hi all.
ReplyDeleteMay be there is an other explanation about the difference between 148m and 128m
The official Paris's web site says the highest point is 148 m. OK
The sign on the wall says 128m OK
The difference, 20m, is the mean high of a parisian building. So the sign, at street level is 128m and the highest point, 148m, is on the top of this building, that's all.
Anyway, the next PDP meeting should take place on the top of the Eiffel tower so we could all discuss about this question !
Life can be simple.
Michel, from www.spirit-of-paris.com, who likes to scoot in Paris !
I wanted to cheer up Lynn with a 'devinette' not a math problem to solve.
ReplyDeletewhat is little red in wool or cotton and smells fishy ... back to front tah der elttil s'uaetsoc tandnammoc ... i will try to find something more parisian chic for tomorrow Inge
Michel!!!!! Hi! I still have that picture, you know?! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the 3rd level will be too small to accommodate all the PDP fans by next year. The picnic seems to be growing every year.
Wow definetely a lot of fascinating info today at PDP. How impressive.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lois, you have so many interesting, adventurous stories to tell. I think it's incredible to live life like this, to have memories like this.
Eric, thanks for popping in, enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Lynn, I know everything's going just fine with you. Come back soon.
(while Lynn is alway Guille is entertaing us with several different profile photos of her!!)
From Cali and Point Girl, des fleurs indeed! This guy that I have a big crush on showed up at my job bringing me flowers (the specific reason why I will not tell..!)
ReplyDeleteIt was a delightful surprise, it might be a cliché, but it works!!!
PS: Rose, in case you're reading this, the guy is not who you're thinking)
Then who is it Monica?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteYes, Monica, do tell! ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL Michael and Alexandra, you don't know him so what's the point in telling!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't be so mysterious Monica !!!
ReplyDeleteRose knows and I don't?! Whereas you know things about my sentimental life... :)
Guille, Rose doesn't know. It's a guy who show up in my life after a few months away. It was a nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteI do know a little about your sentimental life..! But rest assure I'll let you know if things develope a little more!!!
Très romantique, Monica. How exciting!
ReplyDeleteYes, I meant Je viens du Canada...it was a typo...not sure why I wrote veux!! thanks for correcting me!!
ReplyDeleteswile67, I found myself saying the same thing when I visited Paris in '06, and I'm from the States!
ReplyDeletePetrea...I think the French appreciate our attempt to speak their language!!!:) They were forgiving of all my errors!!!:):)
ReplyDelete