Heidi Ellison
French Bistros and Cafés
Can the Traditional French Bistro Be Saved?
A move is afoot to stave off the demise of traditional French bistros and cafés by having them classified on Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. After a failed attempt in 2018 to do the same for Paris bistros and … Read More
La Force du Dessin: Chefs-d’Œuvre de la Collection Prat
On the Drawing Board
The new exhibition at the Petit Palais, “In the Drawing Room: Masterpieces from the Prat Collection,” takes us on a tour of drawings by French artists from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th, showing … Read More
Brasserie Rosie
Dining Out – At Last – Post-Lockdown
After reading a few rave reviews of the new restaurant Brasserie Rosie before France went into lockdown in March, I had to wait until last week (when restaurants were finally allowed to reopen) to go there. What a pleasure to … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Après-Quarantine, V. III
Live (Distanced) Art, Theater, Music & Film
The excitement is palpable! Paris restaurants, which until now only had permission to serve customers on their terraces or sell takeout food, were finally able to fully reopen on Monday. That momentous event, along with the reopening this week of … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Après-Quarantine, V. II
Real, Virtual and "Fake"
“Members of the public should be aware there has been a recent spate of Banksy exhibitions none of which are consensual. They‘ve been organized entirely without the artist’s knowledge or involvement. Please treat them accordingly” (quote from Banksy’s website). You … Read More
Francophiles’ Guide to Après-Quarantine
Aux Cafés, Citoyens!
Paris is on the move again. Yesterday, the terraces of restaurants and cafés reopened, to the collective joy of the Parisians. After all, what is Paris without café terraces, and what Parisian doesn’t rush to the first available table to … Read More
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