Stormy weather

We are going through a period of very unstable weather here in Paris - and in France in general - at the moment. Here is what I photographed tonight right outside my office. Needless to say I had to wait a little bit before riding my scooter! A few days ago a large storm struk a village in the north of France causing a lot of damage and yesterday a young girl was killed by a tree that fell because of a storm. Don't worry, Paris has not turned into Venice yet, though! Once again, let me offer you the soundtrack of this photo ;)

Seing Grace

Only a few more days, before the Grace Kelly exhibition closes at the Paris Town hall. On display: many photos (from when she was a Hollywood actress till when she became Princess of Monaco), clothes (her wedding dress) and a few letters she wrote to Jackie Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant… No less! Oh yes, I almost forgot, they also show the purse that then became to all the French "Le Kelly" by Hermès (which was not invented for her though). I know she was originally American, but she slipped into the French (well Monaco !) lifestyle with a lot of ease... (Bonus: the soundtrack!)

Walking Cello!

A very Parisian scene today and... a very odd way of carrying such a music instrument through the streets of Paris! I took this shot rue Montmartre (2nd arrondissement) while I was having a drink with friends on a terrace. Of course, I found out later that this lady did not just happen to carry her cello (is it really a cello?)... She was actually playing it in front of each café, to collect a few euros - (of course, I contributed ;).

Open Air Movie Theater

We don't have drive-in theaters in Paris but, during summer, we have "Le cinéma en plein air de la Villette" (open air movie theater of La Villette). For only 2 € - plus 5 € if you rent a lounge chair and a blanket! - you can see good old classics (mostly American and French). It's very nice to go there with friends and have a picnic before the movie starts (around 10:30 when it gets really dark, for obvious reasons... Check the complete program (in French) here.

Abercrombie & Fitch?

What's the connection between the current hippest clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch, and this beautiful golden door that I photographed at 23 avenue Champs Elysées? Well, according to some "well informed sources" that is where Abercrombie & Fitch should open its first shop in Paris. It's hard to believe though, as number 23 is located on the "wrong side" of the avenue (the one that does not get the sun) and in the lower part, that less people visit. At the same time, there is not much space available on the Champs Elysées, so they may not have that much choice. In any case they need to get a special authorization by the Paris town hall which is very picky on who sells what on the "most beautiful avenue in the world!"

Sunbathing in Paris

I may not be taking any vacation this year, but I still get to lay in the sun right in the middle of Paris (presently near Le Louvre). It's not that bad actually, considering how the city is almost empty and all I hear around me are people talking in everything but French. I feel like I'm a foreigner in my own country! Nice feeling actually. Here is my postcard to you. Wish you ALL were here! ;)

Restaurant "Le Saut du Loup"

Gee! Like some of you mentioned it, it has been 3 days in a row that I posted a photo expressing movement, I think it's time for a still one! I passed by this restaurant - Le saut du Loup - at night the other day and here is what I saw first at the entrance (of course my photo is a little darker than what it looked like in reality!). Le Saut du Loup is a very pleasant restaurant/bar especially in the summertime because you can have lunch or dinner outside, in the Louvre gardens - that is on the other side of the rue de Rivoli, where I took this photo (which reminded me of an old one I took in 2006.