Paris Gay pride 2008

Between 500 000 and 700 000 (depending on the sources) people took part in the Paris Gay Pride last Saturday (it usually takes place on the last Saturday of June). Of course, it's primarily a political movement (this year's theme was "homophobia at school"), but it's also a very festive moment, full of music, colors and costumes. Needless to say it's a super occasion to take great photos (see here my little Animoto) . FYI, Homosexuality in France has been made legal since 1981 and same sex partners can sign a civil union contract pretty similar to a marriage except that it does not allow them to adopt children.

Paris' protector

I realized today that I never showed you a very important historical character in Paris: Sainte Geneviève whose statue can be seen at the entrance of Paris - on the Seine (see this photo). Geneviève was born in... 422 and according to the legend she saved Paris from a few enemies (Attila and the Huns, Childéric...) and that is why she is now the "official protector" of Paris ;) I'm not sure that many Parisians know about her though...

Fête de la musique 2008

OK, you may think it's not very original to post a photo of the Fête de la Musique as you probably experienced it yourself in your own country (if you look at these posters, you'll see that it took place in more than 100 places all over the world). You may not know, however, that it was "invented" in France (by Jack Lang, a former French culture minister) in 1982. Principle? Very simple: on June 21 (which is also the longest day of the year in the north hemisphere) everyone can play music in the street, in gardens, places... or churches' backyards like in this photo, that I took near Saint Séverin church. It looks like the virgin Mary too, is enjoying La fête de la musique!

True gems!

See the pearls on the upper left of this box? They belonged to Marie-Antoinette... And this obscene sapphire in the little black box? Louis the XIVth used to wear it! I know it's hard to believe but most of the French crown jewels (at least the ones that have not been stolen or lost for good during the French revolution) are to be found in this not much to look at box. How do I know? I've been fortunate enough to see them last evening at the French Mineralogy museum! But don't be jealous, you too can visit the place, even if you're not in Paris, thanks to the incredible website that this museum just released. Not only does it allow you to visit the virtual gallery, but also to "play" with some stones (10% of them for the time being) in 3D. Cherry on the cake; the website is even in English! Watch the trailer here.

Free Cone Day in Paris

Just like everywhere in the world apparently, anybody could walk into a Ben & Jerry's today and get a free ice cream! I went to one of their sales points today in the Saint Germain area to check and, well, yes, it was true! Of course, it was not exactly the best day to do this in Paris because not only has it been pouring all day, but it was very cold too! Of course you will ask "why on earth would a Parisian go to Ben and Jerry's whereas the best ice creams are to be found at Berthillon?" Well, maybe because Berthillon has only one outlet (and a few resellers, OK), because they have a lousy website with no English version, because they're not open on Mondays and Tuesdays, because they don't deliver, they don't accept credit cards...). LOL!

Mai 68 celebration

In 1968, in France, students started a mini revolution that became pretty successful throughout the month of May. That is why it's now referred to, by all historians, as "Mai 68". It's been 40 years now and "those who've done it" (called "Les Soixantehuitards") dream of a repeat in memory of their youth! All what's coming, though, are... anniversaries. This year, there are several exhibits, including this one that shows several photos by famous press photographer Marc Riboud who took great shots at the time. I chose this angle because you can actually see 2 photos of La Sorbonne with the actual Sorbonne in the background!

A place with a silver dining

There are many high-end restaurants in Paris, but to me, La Tour d'Argent (the Silver Tower) is the most mythical one - and one of the oldest (it was founded in 1582!). It is known not only for its food - and more precisely its "Canard au sang" (duck in blood sauce) - but also for its spectacular view on the river Seine. Of course, La Tour d'Argent also owns what is probably the largest wine cellar in Paris (half a million bottles!) which I have been lucky enough to visit about 10 years ago. Of course a meal there is not exactly cheap (about 120 - 150 € per person including wine), but if you come to Paris for the first time I would definitely book a table there well in advance!

Smallest Paris street

Every city has one, Paris makes no exception! You're looking at the narrowest street in Paris, la rue du Chat-qui-Pèche (The fishing cat street)... It was built in 1540 (yes, 1540!!), is located in the 5th arrondissement, close to La Seine and is only 1.80 m wide (slightly less than 6 feet). You won't be surprised to hear it's a pedestrian only street and that it's one of the many tourist attractions! Have a good weekend everyone.

Have Giant Flies taken over Paris?

No, this is not a real fly, but a mock up that I photographed by the Jardin des Plantes, on the Grande Galerie de l'évolution museum side (a museum that shows the different steps of animals and man evolution throughout the ages). And to think this giant fly probably existed at some stage...

Strange animal

Don't we have weird creatures in Paris? I photographed it on the Quai des Bernardins, in the 5th arrondissement where it was performing together with its "master" as you can see in this photo. It was really amazing to see it acting like a real animal, even trying to steal food from people in the audience.

On the way out...

"Sortie" (Way out). "Poussez" (Push)... are two words you'll see on most French doors in public places. This door actually belongs to Saint Severin Church where I already took this picture. I kinda liked it, so here it is. Today is Friday and tonight France is playing another world cup rugby match (against Ireland). Please cross your fingers!

A little music for the weekend?

In Paris there are classical and choir music concerts almost every night. These concerts are often given by good amateur - or semi professional - musicians who like to perform in front of an audience and cannot afford to rent big concert halls nor to advertise. That is why most of these concerts take place in churches and are simply promoted with bright posters like on this photo. It's a simple shot but I like the colors and the dirty old wall!

Praying

I am not a religious person but I love the feeling of peace that you experience when you enter a religious place. That's exactly what I felt a couple of days ago when I walked in the Saint Severin church and took this photo. They made this special room on the side of the church for the people to pray in peace. It works and... it makes a nice set for a photo too ;) I wish you a peaceful day.

Have you seen Kitty?

Well, if you have, you should report it to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, a fantastic place that I have been willing to mention on PDP for a long time. It is located in the Latin Quarter (rue de Buci) La Bûcherie, sells English books (well books written in English!) and has an interesting history (check their website). Anyway, someone there apparently lost his/her cat and put several posters in the area. I hope Kitty will soon return to his home...

Walk on by

You may have visited Paris and just walked on by this wall on the Left Bank. As it turns out, you may have just walked by a bit of history that displays itself throughout all of Paris. The walls of Philippe Auguste can be found throughout the city, depicting history that has long been forgotten by many. This fantastic site will show you where to find pieces of the wall that surrounded Paris, some even in a restaurant or two you may have frequented while here.