A secret corner of Paris (by kerouac2)
May 3, 2009 16:30:58 GMT
Post by Deleted on May 3, 2009 16:30:58 GMT
I am often relieved when I read guidebooks or travel forums that say to avoid certain areas because there is "nothing interesting there." I am finding more and more that it is almost impossible to venture into the center of the city during tourist season. I was on Ile de la Cité yesterday, which was mobbed due to the long May Day weekend, and just trying to take the metro was an ordeal. There was a huge group of German tourists who were unable to determine which of their metro tickets were already used and which were not. Therefore, they had blocked all three turnstiles with 10 people backed up behind them, and they weren't moving until a metro agent came to resolve the problem.
Rant over.
This morning, I was happy to visit a place in the 20th arrondissement that tourists never find (they are generally advised not to set foot in the 20th arrondissement except to visit Père Lachaise cemetery). I went for a stroll through Menilmontant. The French know it as part of Parisian folklore as a small backward village somehow located inside Paris, yet it is fondly looked upon by all.
On rue de Menilmontant going up the hill is perhaps the most famous work of art by Jérôme Mesnager, famous in various parts of the world for his graphic art on abandoned walls. His "white bodies" have even been seen on the Great Wall of China.
C'est nous les gars d'Menilmontant... from a song by Maurice Chevalier.
There are still a number of old alleys that have not changed in 100 years, and that is what lovers of old Paris come to see.
One often ends up at a dwelling of charmless architecture, but the tranquil setting and the vegetation provide all the charm that is needed.
There are many doors behind which there may be a hidden paradise.
However, I came to see a precise little jewel of the 20th arrondissement, the Villa de l'Ermitage.
One could easily miss the charm of this little alley by passing it quickly on the street.
But please come inside and take a closer look.
Sometimes you can only imagine the fabulous garden hidden behind the walls.
I thought that this was a pleasant way to show that a gate and its driveway had been abandoned forever.
It is hard to believe that you are still in Paris when you look at some of this stuff.
Menilmontant was having a little village party this afternoon. They voluntarily made a mistake of 100 years in the date, but it's easy to understand why. I was sorry not to be able to attend.
There were other community messages, some understandable and some cryptic.
There are quite a few other little alleys in the area, and I hope to return soon.
Rant over.
This morning, I was happy to visit a place in the 20th arrondissement that tourists never find (they are generally advised not to set foot in the 20th arrondissement except to visit Père Lachaise cemetery). I went for a stroll through Menilmontant. The French know it as part of Parisian folklore as a small backward village somehow located inside Paris, yet it is fondly looked upon by all.
On rue de Menilmontant going up the hill is perhaps the most famous work of art by Jérôme Mesnager, famous in various parts of the world for his graphic art on abandoned walls. His "white bodies" have even been seen on the Great Wall of China.
C'est nous les gars d'Menilmontant... from a song by Maurice Chevalier.
There are still a number of old alleys that have not changed in 100 years, and that is what lovers of old Paris come to see.
One often ends up at a dwelling of charmless architecture, but the tranquil setting and the vegetation provide all the charm that is needed.
There are many doors behind which there may be a hidden paradise.
However, I came to see a precise little jewel of the 20th arrondissement, the Villa de l'Ermitage.
One could easily miss the charm of this little alley by passing it quickly on the street.
But please come inside and take a closer look.
Sometimes you can only imagine the fabulous garden hidden behind the walls.
I thought that this was a pleasant way to show that a gate and its driveway had been abandoned forever.
It is hard to believe that you are still in Paris when you look at some of this stuff.
Menilmontant was having a little village party this afternoon. They voluntarily made a mistake of 100 years in the date, but it's easy to understand why. I was sorry not to be able to attend.
There were other community messages, some understandable and some cryptic.
There are quite a few other little alleys in the area, and I hope to return soon.
perfectly illustrated for me the real truth of any city -- people going about their lives and making little pockets of beauty and quirky charm. Thank you!
