May, 1944: Paris was a nervous wreck, overwrought with anxiety, tension, and hope as it continued to wait for le Débarquement. Rumours of an impending Allied landing had been whispered throughout the Nazi-occupied city all springtime long, but it was now summer, the weather stifling, the atmosphere oppressive. The German authorities were more wary and […]
Haute Culture
Joan of Arc: Beloved Saint, French Icon, and Paris Treasure-Hunt Inspiration
A French icon, Joan of Arc might never have lived in Paris, but she has made an indelible mark on the capital of the country she so loved. Artistic depictions of Joan abound and make for a fun treasure hunt for fans of the beloved saint. Place des Pyramides The most famous of all of […]
Paris Museums (the Nighttime Edition)
This Saturday sees the annual festivity that is Nuit des Musées, when Europe’s museums keep their doors open for an all-night celebration of all things cultural. If you’re in Paris, it’s the perfect chance to visit some of the city’s most enchanting museums, which often close at 6pm, and see them in a new atmospheric […]
The Parisian Beginnings of Impressionism
This year’s blockbuster exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay is Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism — a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the widely adored style of art. Impressionists are so beloved these days, in fact, that it’s close to impossible to imagine a time when their work wasn’t admired and acclaimed. But it took these […]