The ParisSharing Blog

Archive for July, 2010

A sea of humanity gathered on the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower last night to experience the annual firework celebration. The were as many spots of light emanating from the people’s portable phones as they photographed the event as there were sparks in the sky.

For those of you were unable to make the trip or were unwilling to brave the crowds, there was ample coverage of the event, beginning with the slideshow of photos I took myself, followed by the video provided by the city of Paris. The only problem with the video is that it seems to have been filmed from the Eiffel Tower itself, which means you don’t see the tower as part of the spectacle. That’s a pity.

Previous firework celebrations have equaled or surpassed this one. If you are a fireworks connoisseur, you may enjoy comparing this year’s event with last year’s.

The bi-annual sales tradition is a French particularity as far as I know. The periods are set throughout the country by the authorities, so you mustn’t expect anything called “Soldes” outside of these periods. But if you happen to be a shopper and have planned your trip to France during one of these periods, you’re in luck. The discounts, especially this year, tend to be deep (-50% and more).

I’m not into shopping at the moment, but recently came across this surprising store in the upper Marais. It’s worth visiting, whether you are a shopper or not.  ”Merci”– a simple name for a truely novel concept store. In this magnificent loft bathed in natural light, you stroll from room to room as if it were a home. A designer dress in one corner, a few roses in another, a café tucked away among books where you can sip a refreshing drink. And it’s all for a good cause: the profits go to charitable works. The store creators rallied to their cause such names as Annick Goutal, Stella Mc Cartney and Yves St Laurent to make the project a success. All of these agreed to give up their profit margin…for your pleasure and the wellbeing of others.

Address : 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75 003 Paris

If you’d like to come to Paris during July/August to take advantage of the sales (and more!), consider a last-minute accommodation bargain in a cozy and authentic home, such as a four-bedroom apartment (ideal for families), or a one-bedroom flat next the the Ménilmontant church in the Bohemian east-side.

For more information about how the “Soldes” work in France, you might have a look here.

For other unique shopping experiences, check out my article on fashion-sharing.

The title may sound alarming, but the news is good as far as I’m concerned.

Over the next few years, there are several major public works projects that are likely to leave as much of a mark on the city as those that have already attracted millions over the centuries.  The most significant of these projects include the complete replacement of Les Halles, the transformation of the banks of the Seine into a pedestrian zone, a new urbanism for the place de la République, and another pyramide to be erected on the south-west border of the city. The city’s business district (La Défense) will also feature a new series of innovative skyscrapers, while the the city’s forsaken northeast fringe will undergo massive renovations.

La Samaritaine, the famous department store in the heart of the city, will also be renovated and re-opened by 2013.

As has always been the case, these projects will come into being with great difficulty. There are always just as many people against them as in favor of them.  Time will tell their worth. What is for sure is that the city’s daring projects of the past have made for its current reknown.

For me, the fascination and excitement of the Paris comes from the ever-present juxtaposition of the past and the future: an architectural repertoire spanning more than a millenium.

Seize your last chance to visit Paris before it all happens! Or, in case you needed one more reason to come back to Paris, plan a stay soon after one of the future inaugurations and be one of the first to take photos !