Les Champs-Élysées in À Bout De Souffle

Here we go again. I'm watching  A Bout De Souffle for the 100th time. I still can't get enough of Jean Seberg walking up and down Les Champs Elysees screaming "New York Harold Tribune" and asking what "Les Champs" means with her thick american accent while Martial Solal's music plays in the background. Both her and Belmondo are quite perfect! They are so revolutionary for their times; so unapologetic and bold. I love watching Paris, its streets, and interiors filmed by Goddard. But as much as I love the majestic dimensions and stunning architecture of Les Champs Elysees - it's not where you want to be while in Paris. It may be the most famous street in Paris, but really it's such a touristy spot. I would only go there for specific things, like going to the Virgin Mega Store, going to La Duree for macaroons, L'Atelier Guerlain, or passing by while on my way to somewhere else; like Avenue Montaigne or rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré . Of course, if you are visiting Paris for the first, or second time, you may want to check it out, especially the view from the middle of Les Champs. The Obelisque looks insanely beautiful, and so does l'Arc de Triopmhe. But that's that!

Bastille and the 11th Arrendissement

Recently, I re-watched some of the shorts from Paris Je t'aimes and thought of my favorite districts of Paris. I realized I have never mentioned Bastille in previous posts. So, without further ado .... The 11th arrondissement was my home for a couple of years. It's always busy. It's also young and fun, and it is one of the 20 administrative districts of Paris. The 11th is close to my favorite Marais (3rd and 4th districts). Among parisians it is known as the cradle of local hipsters, Bobo (bourgeois-bohème), the 11th is also one of the most densely populated areas of the city. Situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, it's eclectic and vibrant and definitely artistic. It's main sights and attractions include: Place de la Bastille (shared with the 4th and 12th arrondissements), Cirque d'hiver, Oberkampf neighborhood (known for its nightlife scene), Edith Piaf Museum, Maison des Métallos (former metalworkers' house; currently an arts and culture center), Place de la République

Place de la République,  is linked to Place de la Bastille, by Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, with its large markets and children's parks. The Place de la Bastille and the rue du Faubourg St Antoine are known for cool cafés, concert halls, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and nightlife in general. The Oberkampf area of the 11th to the north is another popular spot for nightlife, or sunday brunches; check out Cafe Charbon, Les Couleurs, Ave Maria, Favela Chic, Le Pop In, etc... In recent years this district has become one of the trendiest regions of Paris.

In this video vignette from Paris Je t'aime by Isabel Coixet,  we see the 11th perhaps with a sad backdrop, but in a touching way that's evocative of the narrations used by New Wave directors as well as by Jean Jeunet

A Model in Paris

Paris fashion week just finished a few days ago, but my friend and model, Factor's Michelle S, took some beautiful photos to celebrate the Paris she encountered; the streets, the castings, the photo shoots, the strangers passing by, the irresistible macaroons...it's all here. take a look

The 14th in Paris Je T'aime

The 14th district of Paris was the cradle of "The Lost Generation".  The post war, often expatriate artists and thinkers like Stein, Hemingway, Modigliani, Sartre and many more lived there and played at legendary places like La Coupole. Today the 14th is mostly associated with La Tour Montparnasse, Parc Montsouris, or the Gare Montparnasse. Far less exciting then its WWI and WWII golden days. BUT, this vignette from Paris Je T'Aime by Alexander Payne always brings a smile to my face. It is probably the most touching piece in the anthology, and though it is far less about the 14th and much more about Carol, I think it is indispensable for any Paris lover to see it!

Je T'Aime, Moi Non Plus

I am not big on Hallmark holidays, such as hmmm...Valentine's Day...BUT, I am big on the affections of French film, music and culture. So, as an homage, I will use this "holiday" as an excuse to post images, of what I esteem as the most romantic couples, love triangles, lustful encounters, or even heart broken singles of the French big screen, from some of the most moving, and heart wrenching films ever made...

And, what better than to begin with the legendary, real-life French couple; Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, in their cult hit  "I Love You, Me Neither"


Here are the lover's from the big screen:
37°2 Le Matin - (Betty Blue), A Bout De Souffle (Breathless), Aimez-vous Brahms  (Goodbye Again), Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amelie), Bande à Part (Band of Outsiders), The Dreamers, Last Tango in Paris, Baisers volés (Stolen Kisses), Ma nuit chez Maud (My Night At Maud's), Le Souffle Au Coeur (Murmur of the Heart), Jules et Jim, A Nos Amours (To Our Loves)