Place de la République

I passed by the brand new place de la République last evening and it was really beautiful so of course I stopped and took a photo! Like I already mentioned, this Place was totally renovated this year (well it lasted two years, but it was inaugurated this year) and it's a total success. The statue in the middle shows "Marianne", the young woman we usually represent the French republic with.

Marianne by Liox

Far from the art fairs that are currently running in Paris now (I will come back to them later...) I just discovered a new artist today. His name is Liox and, among other things, he loves to paint "Marianne" (that is the name we give to the lady who represents the French Republic - the equivalent to Uncle Sam in the US). I found two of these portraits near Saint Germain, but you can find many others (and buy them too!) on his website. I love them, but of course, I'm French, so I'm a little biased! Have a wonderful Friday, Paris will still be sunny and beautiful today!

Marianne, the French Republic

Once again I went to the Senate today, for a work thing. I really like this place; it's beautiful, perfectly located (within the Luxembourg gardens) and... full of history. Hence the amazing collection of Mariannes (Marianne is the generic name given to the French Republic) that they have on display on the lower floor. I did not know which one to choose... [8:00 am update] Sorry for the photo not showing! It's partially my fault and Blogger's!

Assemblée Nationale Shop

While I was taking yesterday's photo I noticed an odd shop around the corner: la boutique de l'Assemblée Nationale. This shop sells all sorts of items related to the Assemblée from very serious books to Marianne erasers (Marianne is the name we give to the French Republic), plates, aprons, chairs... even golf balls! See some of them here on the making of, and also a little video here - in French). A great place to visit if you're into blue white and red (7 rue Aristide Briand in the 7th) !

PS: In case you haven't voted for PDP in the Festival de Romans yet, please do so by Saturday, by clicking here. Merci beaucoup!

You're presently looking at "Marianne" the woman who symbolizes the French republic in many town halls throughout France. Depending on which story you listen to, Marianne was born either in 1792 or 1797, just after the French revolution, and is now represented by famous actresses each year. The bust shown here is a photo that I shot in the Senate, during the "Les blogs" day and is of Brigitte Bardot (a famous French actress who was a sex symbol in the 60's for those far younger than I care to imagine). If you wish to find out more about Marianne and other French Republic symbols, click here.