Top 5 Films of “Modern Paris”
Paris is classically portrayed in films as the romantic City of Lights and in the last century has seen plenty of exposure in the international silver screen. There are literally hundreds of movies set in Paris; either in glamorous Paris apartments for rent, hotels or following the same iconic Parisian backgrounds. They typically have some (or full) reference to love.
Of course people fall in love in Paris, but people fall in love everywhere. Although the scenery does lend well to sentimental matters of the heart, this should not be the end-all portrait of Paris. So without further introduction, here are my top 5 films that let you see a more modern-day Paris.
5. Not quite escaping the love aspect, but with enough charm and humour to make this an enjoyable film, French Kiss is a nice introduction to some Paris views, if you don’t mind Meg Ryan’s chirpy acting or Kevin Kline’s goofy French diamond thief. And it gives a taste of Paris and the French countryside.
4. For those who like graphic action thrillers, Dobermann offers a shocking cinematography. It has been dubbed as one of the best live action comics ever made and portrays a team of criminals and their heroic leader, “Dobermann” (played by Vincent Cassel), who pull off a huge bank robbery in Paris. They are then pursued by a vicious police inspector (played by Tchéky Karyo), who is more corrupt and evil than they. A film full of car chases in the Parisian streets, transsexual Paris nightlife and total violence.
3. One of the greatest sequels in modern cinema, Before Sunset is the Paris version (made 9 years later) of Before Sunrise; a coincidental meeting of two people in Vienna. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delphy star as two young travellers who spent a day together in Vienna and fell for each other, arranging to meet six months later without swapping details. Years have passed and, tortured by the mystery of the girl who never turned up, he writes a novel about it and comes to Paris for a book release, where she meets him again. The dialogue between the two, along with the Parisian scenery, creates an unforgettable chemistry.
2. Marking a revolution in hard-hitting French cinema, La Haîne (directed by the then 28-year old Mathieu Kossovitz in 1995) is a young and gritty look at the issue of racism in France. Set in Paris’ grim suburbs, the story unfolds as a group of mixed race friends try fend for themselves in the gutter, in terms of how they are seen in French society. The film focuses on the lives of the teenagers and their hardships being treated as second-rate citizens in Paris, especially by the police. The film leads to a heartbreakingly bitter and brutal confrontation.
1. But the number 1 spot for a modern film set in Paris, both for its true-to-life Paris scenery as its imaginative and inspiring Parisian plot, has to be the pure feel-good movie Amélie Poulain. Set in Montmartre, the young and lonely day-dreamer Amélie spends her days working in the Café des 2 Moulins. She spends her spare time alone with her imagination, working on plans to achieve the happiness in others, until she meets her match during an unexpected encounter and creates elaborate schemes to introduce herself. A brilliant narrative, an everyday Paris setting and a charming dialogue makes this the best film you can watch for an authentic Paris feeling.
Doggie Doo’s and Don’ts in Paris
As much a fashion accessory must-do in Paris as clutching a Luis Vuitton bag or going to soirées in chic Paris apartments in Le Marais; man’s best friend, the humble pooch, is one of the most beloved possessions of nearly any Parisian.
Parisians take their dogs to cafés, to the bank, and even to work. If you’re planning a trip to Paris and you just don’t want Rover to miss out, a little advance organisation ensures a hassle-free doggie holiday in Paris. What’s more, your dog will probably be your pass to a friendlier standard of service from certain snooty-nosed Parisians!
So read first this brief guide, for what you need to know to bring your dog to Paris.
Firstly, getting your dog to Paris. There are many airlines that will allow dogs under a certain weight into the cabin, provided they are documented and in a proper carrier.
However you will always need to check the rules of carriage and call your airline. It is common to pay a supplement and your dog will need its passport, papers and rabies vaccinations planned at least a month in advance. You’ll also need to get your dog a check up at the vets around a week before travel.
Once in Paris, you’ll need to follow the correct conduct of Parisian dog owners.
Many hotels in Paris will charge a fee per night for the dog. For a more dog-friendly option, some short stay apartments in Paris, such as parkside Grâce Gazan, trendy Faubourg Rose and the cosy Haussmann Attic apartment, allow pets and have useful dog conveniences such as a terrace and kitchen.
Although you will see dog doo on the pavements in Paris, it has recently been clamped down pretty strictly and you can expect a large fine for not picking up after your dog.
If you are taking public transport, be aware that only the RER lines allow (muzzled) dogs and there is a dog fare. You can take your chance on the metro or the bus and although a small dog in a bag can go almost anywhere legally, you could be fined.
Museums and many Paris parks do not allow dogs. Parisians may be crazy about their dogs and you will be able to enter nearly any café or shop with your canine companion, but please view access with your pooch as a privilege.
If you want to let your dog get some proper exercise off the leash, take a trip to the Paris woods; either the Bois de Vincennes or the Bois de Boulogne. Smaller parks in Paris’ city centre that permit dogs are the Parc Buttes-Chaumont (19th), Parc Montsouris (14th) and part of the Luxembourg gardens. Georges Brassens park (15th) also has a dog run.
Finally, for more information or if you encounter problems, the City Council has a great resource for dog and pet owners in Paris. “Allo Animaux” offers an information service with any dog-related enquiries in Paris, such as laws, veterinary advice and requirements. Bon Voyage!
Confessions of a Paris “Badaude”
Joanna Walsh, illustrator and writer of one of the most popular blogs about Paris, Badaude, took time out of her busy schedule to give us some insight into her recent projects and share some of her local knowledge of Paris.
What was the motivation behind your blog?
I started my blog, www.badaude.typepad.com a couple of years ago when one of my regular illustration contracts ended. I wanted to re-examine the way I worked which is something every artist does from time to time. I started using old-fashioned rotring pens to sketch whatever was happening around me (badaude means something like, ‘gawper’) and found that I’d discovered my métier.
How do you divide your time between Paris and London?
I’m based in the UK right now; spend a lot of time in Paris. The work on my site remains about Paris for the moment because I’m writing/drawing the story of how I first got to be there, but I think work about the UK is going to filter in…
Can you tell us more about your involvement with the IVY artist network in Paris?
I met Susie who runs the network, through artist Matthew Rose. Susie’s a real powerhouse and that rare breed, a highly creative entrepreneur. She’s collected a fascinating staff of Anglophone Parisians – writers, artists and bloggers – to work on her site, and I’m delighted that she uses my writing and illustration. I’m currently working with her on a secret project to do with her upcoming relaunch..
What were your thoughts behind your latest project, Stylebible?
Amanda Zuyderfelt, who has been running the luxury guide website since 2005, asked me to put together some reviews to cover the city. I thought it was time I saw the luxury side of Paris and it’s been a hoot.
What are your favourite types of projects and why?
I’m torn between collaboration and independence. My work is very personal and has an element of memoir: I’m currently writing/illustrating a book about my time living in London for the Tate (www.tate.org.uk) which is also a book of walks that people can actually take. However, whenever I meet someone with whom I click, I instantly want to collaborate with them. I’ve just started thinking about a project with writer, James Attlee, whose book, Isolarion, is about journeying through a city in time and space, and whose preoccupations are very similar to mine.
If I had 1 day to see Paris, what would you advise me to do?
Walk, walk, walk. Just pick a metro station, climb the steps and toss a coin for left or right. Take a map but only use it if you get lost. Take a guide book in case you come across anything really interesting you need explained. Then, when you get really tired and hungry, sit down at a café and order their dish of the day. Doesn’t matter what it is. It’ll be good.
Thank a lot to Joanna for answering my questions.
Festival of Imagination Paris March 2009
The Festival of the Imagination (Festival de l’Imaginaire) is an event that is held annually in the Maison des Cultures du Monde, Paris. The event showcases traditional music and cultural practices from all over the globe, with the fundamental emphasis based on arousing curiosity in the visitor and widening our vision on the world. The event takes place from the 3rd of March until the 10th of April, so there is still plenty of time to start hunting for affordable holiday apartments in Paris and cheap air fares.
The events programme for this year will offer a particularly interesting variety of artists, with many performing for the first time on European soil. Many events and their performers have been asked to return due to overwhelming success in past editions. It is an excellent opportunity to see the “Grand Masters” of a particular practice performing alongside young artists eager to revive old traditions and art-forms.
The event not only offers demonstration but also acts as a platform for wider debate with symposiums, conferences and workshops, all taking place throughout March and into April. This is an opportunity for visitors, guest speakers and organisers alike to highlight global issues and international concerns. This event bridges a gap between what we can see from afar and what we can interact with, audience participation in some of the events is actually encouraged.
Some of the highlights in this year’s programme include:
Performed by the Chewa secret societies, the Gule Wamkulu is a masked dance where the performers kick up dust in a bit to disguise themselves. The dance is a symbolic act which has its roots in communication with ancient spirits and is often performed at the funerals or when new village chiefs are appointed.
This is a showcase of traditional music from Algeria that is performed by flautists that support a singer, called a ghannay. Eight flautists and 2 singers will perform this ancient Algerian musical tradition over 3 days of the festival. The music is hypnotic as flautist and singer become one; this is traditionally played during Berber celebrations.
Alfredo Vilchis is a Mexican folk artist and he will be showcasing a retrospective of his career form the 3rd until the 29th of March at the festival. His work depicts the history and heritage of Mexico through themes including, wishes, troubles, pain and miracles. This showcase aims to demonstrate the rich tradition of superstition in Mexican culture.
The Festival de l’Imaginaire provides the perfect opportunity for parents to make the short trip to Paris and stimulate their children’s imaginations. With such a varied programme of events, this festival is not to be missed.
Information on other Paris events in this Paris travel guide.
Apartments in Paris share their secrets of the art world
Monet, Degas, Picasso, Lautrec, Miró; many of the European greats in modern art history lived in apartments in Paris at some point during their career. Their prolific identities have shaped the very Paris neighbourhoods in which they worked. The artists’ ateliers and homes, along with the museum collections in Paris, should be a staple visit during any art-lover’s Paris visit.
Toulouse Lautrec lived in Montmartre, at that time the hub of Paris “bohemia”; the artists and philosophers. Montmartre’s segregation from city-central Paris, in terms of its setting, history and demographics, marked its destiny as Paris’ most exciting sub-culture that arose in those years. Lautrec became known as “the soul of Montmartre”, having painted ladies at the Moulin Rouge and brothels in the area.
Some of Lautrec’s historical contributions include his painting of Louise Weber “la Goulue”, who invented the Can-can dance, as well as the use of monoprint as a means of creating posters. His works can be seen in the Musée D’Orsay, or catch a show at the Moulin Rouge for the ultimate Toulouse Lautrec ambience in Montmartre.
After studying art in Madrid as a teenager, Pablo Picasso made his journey to Paris in 1900, which was then the art capital of Europe. His first Parisian friend, the journalist Max Jacob, became his room-mate. Taking it in turns to use the space, Max slept at night while Picasso slept during the day and painted at night.
In later years as an acclaimed artist in Paris, he took an atelier in Rue Gabrielle, up in the heights of Montmartre. The Pablo Picasso Loft can now be rented through WayToStay, for the ultimate Picasso experience with sublime city views. A visit the Musée National Picasso de Paris is a must in Le Marais. This State-owned museum opened in 1985, after acquiring thousands of the artist’s works after his death in 1973.
Barcelona painter Joan Miró was drawn towards Montparnasse in 1920. After moving to Paris he developed his own unique style within the Surrealist movement. The founder of Surrealism, André Breton, described Miró as “The most surrealist of us all”.
Although he denied his own inclusion in this movement, his methods of painting did fall under the same ideals: “How did I think up my drawings and my ideas for painting? Well I’d come home to my Paris studio on Rue Blomet at night, I’d go to bed, and sometimes I hadn’t any supper. I saw things, and I jotted them down in a notebook. I saw shapes on the ceiling…”
Miró frequented the 15ème arrondissement, where he lived, as well as the 18ème, Montmatre. Miro’s wall murals can be seen in and outside of the UNESCO building in Paris.
Of the founders of impressionism, Edgar Degas and Claude Monet have been paid homage to throughout Paris, with a score of monuments and art collections in their dedication.
L’Orangerie, also known as the Musée de L’Orangerie is a circular gallery situated in the Louvre arrondissement’s Jardin des Tuileries. Its highlight must be Monet’s Waterlilies, although a score of other Impressionist’s can be seen and appreciated here.
Degas’ life-long home south of Montmartre unfortunately did not survive the turn of the last century, however his subjects can be felt in the Opera houses and his works seen in Musée D’Orsay.
Paris apartments and their neighbourhoods tell a profound tale in world art history. Traces of many artists’ genius can be found in the spirit of today’s Parisian culture.
Paris Travel Tips and Paris Apartments Guide 