The century of Jazz – until June 28th
  • 23
  • May
  • 2009

This exhibition gives us a chronological idea how jazz and art did influence each other in the 20th century. 

All kinds of art are shown : paintings, graphics, photografy, graphic design and movies.

Musée du Quai Branly, 37, Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, M° Alma-Marceau

Chocolates from Debauve & Gallais
  • 21
  • May
  • 2009

Every year I have a congress at the Rue des Saint-Pères and do pass by Debauve & Gallais. At first glance the place looks chique and a bit old fashioned, but I don’t have something against class.

So I did try the truffles, they are deliciously rich and had a look at the very nice shop where back in 1818 a pharmacist opened this shop. Debauve & Gallais are one of the first chocolate manufacturers in Paris.

It’s pricey but exceptionally high quality for ” Pastilles de la Reine” and “Croquignoles du Roi”

Debauve & Gallais, 30, Rue de Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, M° Saint-Germain

Rural and unusual Paris
  • 08
  • May
  • 2009

A city in the country atmosphere: that’s Paris too, because the city is actually an amalgamation of many villages around a central nucleus. For a complete change of scene, this unusual walk in “la Butte aux Cailles” area is just the ticket. Be prepared for a few surprises !  Duration: 2 – 3 h

Don a comfortable pair of walking shoes, because the narrow paved street are quite steep. This is a fascinating walk even in winter; la Butte aux Cailles has a timeless charm and authenticity which gives you a different take on Paris. Start at the Porte d’ Italie metro station in the 13th Arr. ; leave the station by “August Blanqui” exit. The green-painted railings intertwine like lianas, as if to underline the rural character of this walk. They are the work of Hector Guimard, a champion of the art nouveau, who embellished most of Paris’ metro stations.

Walk across the square tot the Rue Bobillot, turn right into the Rue Paulin Méry and follow Rue Gérard: you are now in the heart of “la Butte”. There is a big contrast between the hustle of the Place and the tranquility of these  narrow streets.

The Rue Jonas on the right, leads to the Rue des Cinq-Diamants, further along on the right you’ll find Passage Barrault, a  narrow street lined with charming little houses. In the rue Barrault is a group of houses known as ” La Petite Russie”, they were built in the 20′s by a taxi company whose drivers were mainly Russian exiles. On the ground floor is a garage, upstairs the family’s living accomodation. Nowadays you need to be pretty comfortable off to afford one of these little houses with a garage – a rare luxury in Paris.

Turn right into Rue Daviel. Welcome to “La petite Alsace”, a cluster of some forty half-timbered houses built around a gardened courtyard in 1913. Next to it is the Villa Daviel, a charming cul-de-sac with brick houses, each with a small front garden. Cross over the Rue Barrault and walk down Rue Michal, another street lined with “dolls” houses osme in pure art-deco style. Walk up Rue de  l’Espérance to the Place de la Commune de Paris with its cast-iran fountain Wallace ( drinking water flows from it) .

Follow the Rue de la Butte aux Cailles to the Place Paul Verlaine. The art-nouveau buildings on the side of the square is one of the first swimmingpools to be built in Paris. The decoration outside but also inside has been preserved. At the end of the road cross the Rue Bobillot, follow the Rue Vandrezanne ant then the Passage. Where Rue du Moulin des Près crosses the Rue de Tolbiac on the right you see the Square des Peupliers, a triangle surrounded with small houses and gardens.

If you still have the energy return to Place d’Italie and go for a stroll in the largest Chinatown in Europe, between Av de Choisy an Av d’Ivry, home not only to Chinese but also to people from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, etc. Parisians come here for the countless Asian restaurants and exotic product on sale at the large Tang Frères supermarket.

L’Arôme
  • 08
  • May
  • 2009

To open a restaurant in the 8th Arr. in Paris is a suicide. The prices of the places are so high you hardly can survive if you only ask a reasonable price for your dish.

But Eric Martin and Thomas Boullault gave it a try some years ago, he came and did survive in a very quick tempo. His restaurant is always fully booked and with a Michelin star you only can enter when you make a reservation. 

L’Arôme, 3, Rue Saint-Pilippe du Roule, 75008 Paris, tel. +33 1 42 25 55 98, M° Saint-Philippe du Roule