Life in Paris

Each summer, the city is overtaken by 1,000 cyclists in 1930s costumes, as part of its annual "Beret and Baguette" ride.
Join us on May 24th-25th 2014 !

“Desires and Pleasures: Victorian Masterpieces from the Pérez Simón Collection,” presents examples from the most extensive private collection of Victorian paintings in the world, inviting visitors to discover the artists famous in England during the reign of Queen Victoria such as Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Edward Burne-Jones, Sir Frederic Leighton and Albert Moore. 

Those paintings reflect the common desire of these nineteenth century English artists, against a backdrop marked by puritanism, to pay homage to the, “cult of beauty,” expressing a sensual aesthetic through sumptuous decorative paintings of nude women that stand in sharp contrast to the strict conservative attitudes and social mores of the day regarding sex and gender.

http://www.gwel.fr/peregrinations

Currently in Paris, there is a sucessful theater play at the Theater of the Madeleine called Diplomacy, written by Cyril Gély. It is the fictional discussion between Dietrich von Choltitz (German military Governor of Paris) and Raoul Nordling (Swedish diplomat) concerning the destruction of Paris that Hitler ordered. Let me tell you more about this historical fact. In deed, Paris could have disappeared...

At the end of the Second World War, when the Allies were about to arrive in Paris on August 25, 1944, Dietrich von Choltitz was the German Military Governor of Paris. He received the order from Hitler to destroy Paris. Choltitz's family heritage of generations of Prussian militarism left little room for an independent spirit. He had been raised to do as he was told. How Choltitz finally thought of disobeying a direct order for the first time in his life?

Hitler was arguing:  'Why should we care if Paris is destroyed? The Allies, at this very moment, are destroying cities all over Germany with their bombs.'

On August 17, 1944, Choltitz was given the order for the destruction of Paris for the prupose of slowing up as much as possible the advance of the Allies.
: sappers were mining the 400-year-old Palais du Luxembourg with its priceless trove of literary and art treasures, the Chamber of Deputies, the French Foreign Office, the Eiffel Tower, the telephone exchanges, the railroad stations, the aircraft plant and every major factory in the area. The first structures mined were the centuries-old bridges spanning the Seine. Without these bridges, the broad, meandering loops of the river would be a troublesome obstacle for an advancing army. A tunnel beneath the city was filled with U-boat torpedoes that, if ignited, would produce a titanic explosion and tremendous devastation.

Added to this, a newly drafted law, the Sippenhaft law was legislation that in effect made hostages of the families of front-line soldiers. These draconian measures provided the death penalty for the next of kin of men who surrendered, deserted or merely performed at levels below what was dictated. Choltitz mumbled that if Germany was resorting to such bestial measures, she was reverting to the Middle Ages. Choltitz felt a tension from his family since he had a wife and three children!

Destroy Paris, the most beautiful city in the world? Choltitz realize that to obey would be a bestial act of mass vandalism for which he would be eternally held responsible. 

Pierre Charles Tattinger, the mayor of Paris was alarmed at all the explosives being deployed throughout the city. Leading Choltitz onto the balcony for some fresh air in his Hotel Meurice headquarters, Tattinger looked down on the lovely sculptured garden of the Tuileries and had an inspiration. Gesturing at the captivating vista, he made his point. Below them a lovely young girl was riding her bicycle on the Rue de Rivoli; on the manicured grounds of Le Notre, children played by the pond with their sailboats; across the adjacent Seine was the glittering dome of Les Invalides; and beyond that stood the landmark of the City of Light, the Eiffel Tower.
The Frenchman's appeal was powerful: 'Often it is given a general to destroy, rarely to preserve. Imagine that one day it may be given you to stand on this balcony again, as a tourist, to look once more on these monuments to our joys, to our sufferings, and be able to say, 'One day I could have destroyed this, and I preserved it as a gift to humanity.' 

Raoul Nordling, a Swedish businessman and diplomat, played an important role in mediating between French and German forces during the occupation and Liberation of Paris. During the uprising of the French resistants in August 1944 he negotiated with the German commander General Dietrich von Choltitz, to try to limit the bloodshed and damage to the city. Many accounts of these events attribute him a major role in doing so, and he was honoured by France after the Liberation. 

Choltitz disobeyed Hitler's order to leave Paris in rubble during this last stage of the war. A common account holds that Hitler phoned him in a rage, screaming, "Brennt Paris?" ("Is Paris burning?")

Hopefully, Choltitz still had highly placed friends in the military, however, and they managed to delay the trial so that the war came to an end before the court-martial could come to order, thereby saving Choltitz's wife and children from execution or imprisonment.

Pariescapes, the famous american website about Paris created by Cheryl Montgomery, is talking about Esprit de Paris...

Paris Escapes

"Paris is a seductive and enigmatic city. The mysteries of Paris whisper to you as you wander along cobble-stoned streets named in centuries past, peer into gated courtyards surrounding elegant salons, and hear the discreet laughter of Parisian couples sipping champagne in a local cafe. As a tourist, how can you step off the tourist treadmill of museums and monuments to experience the true essence of Paris?

A 27-year old Parisian local and graduate of the Sorbonne, Adeline Marchand has the answer. She created Espirit de Paris tours to share with Americans the effortless sophistication, cultural heritage and modern spirit of Paris.

Adeline Marchand of Espirit de Paris standing in the Place des Vosges.

On a recent tour with Adeline, we traveled by Velib, the comfortable, rental bikes that Parisians use to navigate Paris, to tour Adeline's childhood home, the chic and artsy Marais area on Paris' right bank.

Cruising through Paris on our bikes, we sampled rich, mouth-watering chocolates at a local chocolatier, shopped for the latest fashions in chic boutiques, toured off-the-beaten track museums, peeked into secluded gardens and learned about the history of the Marais. During the 3-hour tour, Adeline passion for her home and effortless ability to switch between discussing 18th century architecture, Parisian fashions, historical figures and cafe etiquette, gave us a unique perspective on Paris "past and present."

The major benefit we found from taking Adeline's tour is that she is a native Parisian - not an American expat like many tour guides. Her anecdotes and choice of which stores, gardens and buildings to tour gave us an insight into Paris manners, education, and culture that seems to be lacking in other tours.

When asked what she wished that Americans could take away from their visit to Paris, Adeline replied "I wish Americans would understand the spirit of Paris, the Parisian state of mind, and the essence of Parisian casual chic...French luxury is discreet...not ostentatious and not about money...in Paris what is hidden is the most desirable." Adeline's goal is to show you the hidden secrets of Paris and share with you the "joie de vivre" and "espirit de Paris."

Esprit de Paris Tour Information

Whether by bike, car or on foot, Adeline will design a tour around your specific interests. For a 3-hour private tour, the price is 150e for a small group. Adeline also offers themed tours such as:

Marie-Antionette Tour - One of Adeline's favorite tours, she explores her specialty, 18th century France. Walk back in time by winding through the maze of streets in the Marais stopping at private mansions from the 17th and 18th century. You'll learn about the history of this tumultuous time period and the aristocracy's passion for fashion and objects d'arts. On this 4-hour tour, you also indulge in a chocolate and a macaroon tasting.

French Kitchen Workshop - A hands-on cooking workshop with a Parisian chef in an exclusive glass-domed loft. You'll learn the techniques and secrets of producing gourmet French dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Classes are restricted to 10 people.

For more information on these and other tours, contact Adeline at her website Esprit de Paris. "

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http://europetravel.net/interview-with-adeline-marchand-of-esprit-de-paris/

Adeline Marchand is the owner of Esprit de Paris, a unique tour guide service offering visitors the opportunity to experience Paris from the eyes of a local and to be truly immersed in Parisian culture. Having grown up in the trendy, creative and historic Paris neighborhood of Upper Marais, Adeline shares her expertise and understanding of Parisian life in a way that cannot be found on the standard tour bus.

Adeline has a master’s degree in 18^th century French history from the Sorbonne with a focus on the Grand Tour, an aristocratic rite of passage in addition to having educated herself through experiences with the curator of the Louvre Museum, working with collectors at the International Contemporary Art Fair and even assisting writer Olivier Cadiot and director Ludovic Lagarde at the Festival of Theater in Avignon.

She enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge of the City of Lights with visitors with a strong awareness of what it’s like to be in a foreign country having traveled throughout the world herself. Her goal is to allow tourists to become locals during their holiday while catering to their particular interests.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Adeline more about her company and she kindly provided me with additional insight.

Europe Travel: How long have you had your business, and what made you decide to start your Parisian tour company?

Adeline Marchand: I started my business of private tours of Paris two years ago. My father, who used to work for an American multinational banking corporation, started a new life a few years ago, and created  a Bed & Breakfast in our family house, in the Marais (the historical center of Paris), Bonne Nuit Paris. One day, he told some of his clients that I studied history at the Sorbonne. The mother and her daughter, who were from the USA, asked me if I could go around the area with them to give some explanations about the buildings, and to make them “feel” and understand the city. And I had a lovely time! The cultural exchange is very exciting for me.

Europe Travel: Do you cater to specific types of tourists?

Adeline Marchand: I receive travelers from the USA, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand – all types of travelers make it an interesting experience for me. I appreciate and understand the couples, the families, and the women traveling alone. I have noticed that people who travel often are more open to alterity; they often seem to be more curious and they will ask very respectfully how things work here (in Paris) instead of trying to get what they have at home. I particularly enjoy spending time with teenagers on their own because they are very receptive. It often happens that parents frequently ask me to introduce Paris to their teenagers.

Europe Travel: What are some of your more unique tours?

Adeline Marchand: I try to make each and every one of my tours unique! Far from the traditional tourist route (unless it’s a client’s request), my clients gain entrée into the authentic life of real Parisians and feel more like a local. In Rome, it is said that you need seven generations to be considered as a real Roman! With Esprit de Paris, my clients will become a little more Parisian in a few hours…

Europe Travel: What might tourists expect to get out of your tours that they may not be able to experience with others?

Adeline Marchand: My tours are exclusive because my clients will discover the essence and soul of Paris, this special way to be sophisticated but nonchalant. I will try to reveal the mentality and customs of the French. The cultural and intellectual life of Paris needs context and history to be fully appreciated. We will visit private mansions, museums, secret places, lovely gardens, cafés, and I will help tourists to discover the cultural heritage, lifestyle, sophistication and creativity of Paris.

Europe Travel: Which of your tours tend to be the most popular?

Adeline Marchand: It is the Marais tour and the Château de Versailles tour. They are my favorite tours too! I have been raised in the Upper-Marais, a very creative, trendy and historic area, said to be shabby chic. So I know its charming places and their secrets… And I received a master’s degree in 18th century French history, which the period when the Château de Versailles was inhabited by the King and the Royal Court. I love this time of sophistication, pleasure, refined decadency and violence.

Europe Travel: Do you recommend a particular time of the year that might be best for travelers visiting Paris?

Adeline Marchand: Paris is the most visited city in the world because each time of the year is wonderful! It rains, although lightly, often in Paris, and the city is still charming. We take an umbrella and life goes on!  And the color along the riverside is amazing on a rainy day!

In spring, summer, and autumn, the monuments are really crowded, but you can enjoy the liveliness of the terrace of the café and experience the favorite hobby of the Parisian: people watching. Each Parisian has the feeling of being someone important. Self-confidence, conviction, enthusiasm and a mysterious allure, that’s the characteristic of the Parisians.

Europe Travel: What are a few of your favorite spots in Paris?

Adeline Marchand: The Pont des Arts offers one of my favorite views. I love the Ile Saint Louis for the charm and the quietness of the riverside. The Place des Vosges is incredibly beautiful and this is where I spent my teenager years.

As far as bars, restaurants, and clubs, it is continually changing in Paris. Parisians are like bees with flowers! I have dinner in the 7th or the 17th arrondissement that tend to offer very good restaurants and then I go out in the 2nd, the 3rd, and the 6th arrondissement (various districts of the city).

Esprit de Paris and Adeline Marchand can be reached via email at: adeline@esprit-de-paris.com. Her website iswww.esprit-de-paris.com.

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