Finding a place to hang your hat in Paris
The first time you landed at Charles de Gaulle, it’s likely you taxied to a quaint little hotel on the Left Bank, spent the week visiting museums, shopping at the “grands magasins,” dining at the most written-about restaurants and getting to know the lay of the River Seine. Continue reading “Apartment hunters…”
William MacKendree’s “Vinyl Vocabulary”
“Vinyl Vocabulary” is an exhibition of paintings celebrating the release of a new monograph with that title by William MacKendree at the Vidal- Saintt Phalle Gallery in Paris (May 15-June 5, 2012). Continue reading “William MacKendree’s “Vinyl Vocabulary””
Interview with Cara Black
Cara Black, photo: Denis Hearne
Paris murder mystery author Cara Black has just come out with a new novel “Murder at the Lanterne Rouge.”·. Black lives in San Francisco but comes to Paris frequently to soak up the atmosphere, follow-up on promising leads, and interview anyone she can find – from prostitutes to river workers – that can offer her a glimpse into what really goes on in the dark corners of the city.··She will be back in Paris talking about her new book at The American Library (June 6, 7:30pm). Continue reading “Interview with Cara Black”
Eugène Atget Paris Retrospective
Paris’ Musée Carnavalet, devoted to all things Parisian, hosts an exhibition of 230 photographs by the legendary documentary photographer Eugène Atget (until July 29, 2012). This exceptional exhibition of Atjet prints, glass negatives and albums made between 1898 and 1927 brings together collections from the Carnavalet Museum, supplemented by Atjet photos purchased by Man Ray currently at the George Eastman House in Rochester and pictures from the Madrid Fundacion Mapfre collection. Continue reading “Eugène Atget Paris Retrospective”
Louis Vuitton & Marc Jacobs at Arts Decoratifs
What does an innovative French luggage maker from the 1800’s have in common with a cutting edge American garment designer operating today? The current exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs takes a look at the renowned luggage firm of Louis Vuitton, the fashion environment and products created by its founder in the 1800’s as they contrast those of its current artistic director, Marc Jacobs. Continue reading “Louis Vuitton & Marc Jacobs at Arts Decoratifs”
Helmut Newton at the Grand Palais
A Paris retrospective exhibition (until June 17, 2012) revisits the provocative, erotically charged photos of the German-Australian fashion photographer Helmut Newton. His pictures, marked by erotic, stylized scenes, often with sado-masochistic subtexts appearing in such magazines as Vogue and Harper’s Bazar, redefined fashion photography. Continue reading “Helmut Newton at the Grand Palais”
Berenice Abbott Paris Retrospective
Documentary photographer Berenice Abbott (1898-1991), best known for her black and white photographs of New York City architecture, is featured with a retrospective exhibition of her work at Paris’ Jeu de Paume. With over 120 black and white photographs, plus a selection of books and documents never shown before, this is the first exhibition in France to cover the many aspects of her work. Continue reading “Berenice Abbott Paris Retrospective”
Paris-Chien: adventures of an ex-pat dog
“Paris-Chien: adventures of an ex-pat dog,” a charming and engaging new book by Jackie Clark Mancuso, tells the tale of a Norwich Terrier’s year in Paris. From home sickness to French lessons to the struggle to make Parisian friends this book carries a message for children about how to cope with change in their lives. With a number of French words in the text, the book is a light intro to the language. Illustrated with colorful gouache paintings of Paris streets, parks, markets and cafes, the story will entertain children (and adults) who like dogs and Paris. “Paris-Chien” is Mancuso’s first book. You can visit her illustration website at http://jackiemancuso.com The book is available at amazon
Balenciaga and Comme Des Garcons
While the Palais Galliera which houses the Musee de la Mode et du Textile, is involved with the renovation of its building, it continues with its “Outside Walls” program, a schedule of fashion exhibitions held in a variety of spaces and around Paris. This spring, director Olivier Saillard has taken part of its archives and set up two shows at Les Docks, Cite de la Mode et du Design. On view until October 7, 2012 are two elegant and wildly contrasting fashion fexhibitions: “Balenciaga, Fashion Collector” and “Comme des Garcons: White Drama.” Continue reading “Balenciaga and Comme Des Garcons”
French estate agents & notaires
Excerpted from “Buying a Home in France ”
Only some 50 per cent of property sales in France are handled by estate agents (agent immobilier). However, where foreign buyers are concerned, the vast majority of sales are made through agents or handled by notaires ). It’s common for foreigners in many countries, particularly the UK, to use an agent in their own country who works with one or more French agents. A number of French agents also advertise abroad, and many have English-speaking staff (so don’t be discouraged if you don’t speak fluent French). Continue reading “French estate agents & notaires”
Finding a Rental Property in France
Renting in France
Excerpted from “Buying a Home in France 2006”
Your success or failure in finding a suitable rental property depends on many factors, not least the type of rental you’re seeking (a one-bedroom apartment is easier to find than a four-bedroom detached house), how much you want to pay and the area. France has a strong rental market in most areas, although rural properties are rarely available for long-term rental. Continue reading “Finding a Rental Property in France”