Heidi Ellison
Paris Museum Openings
The Return of Real Art
Paris is still transitioning between full lockdown and full freedom of movement. Parks, restaurants and cafés remain closed, but little by little, life is returning to near-normal – to the chagrin of those who were enjoying the new tranquility, clean … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. X
On the Streets and in the Galleries
Paris is still in a strange in-between post-lockdown period. People are out on the streets en masse, distressing the health authorities and the police, who have temporarily banned the consumption of alcohol in certain areas swarming with fêtards (hearty partyers) … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. IX
Poetic Therapy and Non-Virtual Art
Here’s something we all need in these stressful times: poetic “therapy.” The Troupe de l’Imaginaire has been offering its “poetic consultations” for free by telephone during lockdown through the site of the Théâtre de la Ville. Anyone can sign up … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. VIII
Gardens Galore and Outlets for Artists
If you feel like you’re missing out on the joys of springtime this year, you can pay a virtual visit to some of the most beautiful gardens in France. Here’s a walk through the garden of the Château de Chaumont, … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. VII
A Few Laughs, Movies, Music and Cave Bears
We wanted to start our quarantine activities list this week with a few laughs: the collection of jokes about lockdown in France pictured below (click on the image to enlarge it). Translation of a couple of examples: “They say we … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. VI
Flowers for Earth Day, At-Home Ballet, French Music Festival
Today is Earth Day. While Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future has made a video with a strong message called “House on Fire,” the French and Québecois Jour de la Terre and the city of Nancy have joined forces to create … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, v. V
Notre Dame, Notable Authors, Sights to See and Songs to Hear
We have a variety of activities for you this week. First of all, to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic fire that nearly destroyed the millennium-old Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, Paris Musées has put together an … Read More
Interview with David Lebovitz
French Culture in a Glass
One of the world’s best-loved food bloggers, Paris-based pastry chef David Lebovitz started his career at Chez Panisse, Alice Waters’ temple of fresh, local, seasonal cuisine in Berkeley, California. Since then, he has published a slew of cookbooks, including The … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, V. IV
Food for Thought
With much of the world in lockdown, Paris Update continues to seek out French or France-related virtual content for our readers. History buffs and anyone who loves Paris will enjoy four wonderful short video clips from films made by André … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Quarantine, V. III
Nourishment for Body and Soul
We continue our ongoing feature to keep everyone who loves France and/or wants to keep their French-language skills in good shape with entertaining cultural nourishment from this hexagon-shaped country. That great treasure house of French culture, the Bibliothèque de France, … Read More