In my new life as retiree my blog is my biggest entertainement and before anything else, I like to thank everyone of my readers and followers to stay with me over the years since November 26 2010 !!! Thank you !!! Especially my first likes from former travel forum friend Jeannette I decided to trim some of my older posts in my series Some news from France and condense them as not to lose the most important parts, me think, of them, Therefore, this is my new work, the condense news of my belle France, Hope you enjoy it as I.
Some news from France CCXV January 7, 2019
The Disney’s Hotel New York before it closes its doors for renovation work, which will last until the summer of 2020. Inaugurated at the same time as the Disneyland Paris Park in 1992, this hotel is the first of six that the amusement park has to be closed for renovation. More than just a facelift, it is a real makeover that will know the four star hotel, which will be redecorated in the colors of the Marvel universe. Disney’s 2009 comic book franchise is one of three universes in the planned expansion of the Walt Disney Studios between 2019 and 2025, with the Snow Queen and Star Wars. The hotel’s future logo, which will be renamed “Disney’s Hotel New York-the Art of Marvel”, surrounded by extras embodying several superheroes of the franchise universe. The spirit of New York will be preserved but all the spaces will be redecorated, with unique works such as posters, statues or derived objects. The hall will be embellished with comic drawings in black and white retro lit and superheroes engravings, on stainless steel plates that adorn the columns. Three Ironman armours will welcome visitors to the New York City Bar and a panoramic view from the top of a Big Apple skyscraper. At each of the eight floors of the art galleries work in the hallways recall a different Marvel hero like Captain America, Spiderman or Ironman.
The Parc Saint-Paul still innovates with a new attraction: Dino Disk’O. proof of the park’s good health. At Parc Saint-Paul, all the attractions are accessible to children over 1.20 meters (3ft 11 in). And it works. the park is off the road D931 in Saint-Paul, dept Oise 60 Hauts de France, and only 8km west of Beauvais , The largest private European collection of objects in the saga imagined by George Lucas is entering the Espace Expo Lafayette Drouot. A new exhibition site extending over 1000 m2 and which will host almost 600 exclusive objects, owned by Daniel Prada, an intergalactic fan of Star Wars. The Expo takes us into the universe of this iconic work through a series of mythical pieces and a unique scenography . Star Wars : The Fans counter-attack. Espace Expo Lafayette Drouot 44, rue du Faubourg-Montmartre 9éme arrondissement until February 28 2019 The Les Beaux-Arts de Paris (Paris fine arts) pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci and his contemporaries, exposing for the first time thirty drawings of masters of the Italian Renaissance, including four drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and those of other great painters. A prestigious and exclusive collection! Léonard de Vinci et la Renaissance Italienne, Beaux-Arts de Paris, 14, rue Bonaparte ,6éme arrondissement ; from January 25 to April 19 2019 , A landmark of many poets, musicians and painters, the Butte becomes, starting from 1870, a magnificent playground for all these artists. The Museum of Montmartre plunges us back into this artistically fast period, through a playful and poetic route where we can stroll through the village, from workshop to workshop. A nice way to rediscover the neighborhood! Artists in Montmartre, mythical places and workshops Musée de Montmartre 12, rue Cortot ,18éme arrondissement , Until February 10 2019, In three key periods, this expo focuses on the representation of black figures in the visual arts, the abolition of slavery in France (1794) to the present day. It is also interested in the dialogue between the artist and the model, through the major works of Théodore Géricault, Charles Cordier, Edouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and the photographers Nadar and Carjat. The black model, from Géricault to Matisse at the Musée d’Orsay 1, rue de la Légion-d’Honneur ,7éme arrondissement ; will be from March 26 to July 21 2019.
Some news from France CCXVI January 17, 2019
There are three weeks of filming in Paris for the production of Roman Polanski’s film, “J’Accuse or I Accuse”, a feature film devoted to the Dreyfus affair with the principal actors Jean-Dujardin and Louis Garrel. The shooting started last November 26th to end on March 7, 2019 for allow a release in early December 2019. The Church of Saint-Germain L’ Auxerrois, was in the spotlight. J’ accuse, the tribune of Emile Zola, denouncing one of the largest anti-Semitic cases in France, starring Louis Garrel in the role of Captain Dreyfus, accused of espionage. Jean-Dujardin is Colonel Marie-Georges Picquart, head of counter-espionage, who will eventually discover that the evidence against Dreyfus was false.
Some news from France CCXVII January 21, 2019
400 years is a celebration! To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the departmental estate of Sceaux (Hauts de Seine 92) where he lived, inaugurates an exhibition of family portraits of this minister of Louis XIV. Until April 21, 2019. Château de Sceaux stables.Every day except Monday from 13h. to 17h. until 28 February and from 14h to 18h30 starting March 1st
Some news from France, CCXVIII January 29, 2019
Salvador Dali, who died just 30 years ago, said: “The only difference between a madman and me is that I am not crazy.” Yet his face and that of the misunderstood genius Vincent Van Gogh appear on the poster of the event “The madness of the artist.” And “at the edge of the Abyss” at the Library des Batignolles 17éme, 30th January at 19H.
The Festival Jazz a Saint Germain des Prés ,Paris unveils the first names of the programming of its 19th edition, including Richard Galliano on May 17 or the Biréli Lagrène Trio on May 23rd. To not miss these concerts events, the passes are already on sale for a very jazzy spring.
Some news from France, CCXVIIII February 13, 2019
The 27th edition of the Paris Manga Sci-fi show awaits you at Porte de Versailles ,15éme on February 16 and 17, 2019. The 27th Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show celebrates the 80 years of Batman by inviting comedians (Cory Michael Smith, aka The Mystery Man, and Robin Lord Taylor says the Penguin), costumed cosplayers and superhero designers, like Tyler Kirkham. Two actors from the Buffy Slayer series are also highly anticipated, Anthony Head and James Marsters. Saturday, February 16 from 9h30 to 19h, Sunday, February 17 from 9h30 to 18h. Exhibition Park, Porte de Versailles , Hall 7.2. The 39th exhibition, Book Fair renamed “Livre Paris”, will celebrate the writers of the old Continent from 15 to 18 March at the Porte de Versailles. Have delivered the outlines of a show that will host 1 200 exhibitors, about as many journalists from around the world, and the Sultanate of Oman and the city of Bratislava, Slovakia, are the guests of honor.
The Hotel du Louvre will reopen in the spring of 2019, after two years of renovation, and will welcome the first Parisian address of the Paul Bocuse house. Closed for renovations for two years, the five-star style Second Empire operated by the Hyatt Group is expected to reopen in April 2019. The Brasserie du Louvre. Place André Malraux , 1éme.
Closed for a month for a full renovation, the wax establishment of the Grands boulevards reveals itself to visitors from February 9th. The Grévin Museum undertook a major restructuring operation of its building. In all these are almost 3000 m² of visiting spaces that have been redesigned, rearranged and refreshed with a musical scenography and immersive decorations. The museum now has 10 different worlds. The literature is rediscovered with a space filled with open books where children immerse themselves. Of the 250 wax statues, 30 new personalities integrate the museum; among them, Marcel Proust. Musée Grévin . 10, Boulevard Montmartre 9éme.
Some news from France, CCXX February 15, 2019
The Royal mansion has made a place in the sun. The Château de Versailles surpassed for the first time the bar of 8 million visitors in 2018, in the line of a record tourist year for the Ile de France region monuments, which saw the passing of 50 million visitors last year. It is the third most visited monument in the region, behind the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Louvre Museum in Paris. Now you know why crowded, the world wants to come here!!!! The Ile-de-France beat, for the second consecutive year, a record of attendance. The Ile-de-France is the locomotive of tourism in our country which attracted a total of 90 million people last year (2018). For the first time in 2018, hotels welcomed more foreigners (17.6 million, + 8.7%) than, French from other regions (17.5 million,-1.1%). In the Nationalities, the Americans arrived in the lead with 2.8 million, followed by the British with 2 million, the Germans with 1,220,000, almost equal with the Chinese at 1,190,000 ,and the Spaniards at 1,140,000.
Some news from France, CCXXI February 21, 2019
The Vincennes Racecourse, (a wonderful place to be anytime) has a date on Sunday February 24 2019. It is called the festival at the Hippodrome and puts in the spotlight this year ,Brazil. Between a capoeira dance, Batucada (Brazilian music and percussion), traditional dancers, pastries and a Portuguese-speaking carnival, families can attend the ten afternoon trotting races. Because this racecourse is the French temple of the Trotters and that it runs this Sunday the Grand Prix de Paris. A marathon, for horses, 4.1 km. At the Hippodrome de Vincennes, 2 route de la Ferme , 12éme arrondissement.
Vintage game consoles await the nostalgic of the first emotions to the controllers. Well my sons are into it but on the modern side, this should be interesting in my wife native town) They will be at the Retrogaming play on 23 and 24 February 2019 in Meaux (Seine-et-Marne dept 77). RGC (Retro-gaming Connexion), Replay and Chezmoa associations return on February 23rd (Friday) and 24th(Saturday) for retro gaming Play 2019. The retro and alternative video game festival will launch its 2nd edition at the Meaux Coliseum to promote the videogame heritage and the history of the video game, always in the same desire for sharing and conviviality.
Some news from France, CCXXII February 27, 2019
Le musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux (Seine-et-Marne 77) or The Museum of the Great War of the country of Meaux. Welcomes comics authors (BD) interested in the 14-18 period. The opportunity to meet them and to visit this great museum for free!! Great event indeed and wonderful museum.
The two cabins of the Montmartre funicular are as new! After three long years of work, the famous 18C funicular railway was completely renovated. 25 years after its operation in its current form, the new funicular, frequented by more than 4000 people per hour, announces its great comeback! The modern cockpit will undoubtedly appeal to travelers: New benches, new floor, LED lighting, more dynamic information screen and a stroke of paint on the outside. The renovations taking place every ten years, the next is planned for 2027 and 2028.
The Paris Music Festival is back! And with it, three days of celebration, music and love with a ton of concerts at a very sweet price, at all in the craziest places of the capital. A lovable program with a beautiful headliner, such as one named Bertrand Burgalat, talented musician and patron of the label Tricatel, who will perform at the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Crafts). You will also find Zombie Zombies on stage with a choir of teenagers, Bashar Mar-Khalifé in solo piano with Faraj Suleiman in the first part, a tribute to Rachid Taha. But also the wonderful Hugh Coltman, Apple, Sage, Ignatus, Louis Aguilar, Gael Faure, Barbara Carlotti, Silly Boy Blue or even Zaza Fournier. This year you have an appointment in places such as the American Cathedral, the College of the Bernardin, the archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité, the Hôtel de Lauzun, the Museum of Arts Deco or the Eugène Delacroix Museum
Cannes and its Croisette is in fashion! again! It is offering itself a big facelift. The old bathing establishments are going to be demolished to give way to harmonized dismantling structures. The main asset of the Croisette is their village sides, where you can do everything on foot, go from hotel to beach, shopping, join the Palais des Festivals. Nowhere else in France, even in Paris, we find on less than 3 km such a concentration of luxury shops with some sixty brands which, since 2016, can open on Sundays or in the evening with a golden square registered in the perimeter of the International tourist area. The Intercontinental Carlton, (owned by Qatari Katara Hospitality Fund now under my management accounting wise once!), has undertaken extension work (more than 13,000 m2) and modernization that should be completed in 2021 with an estimated investment of more than 250 million euros. Indeed a total facelift of an already glorious boulevard de la Croisette of Cannes!!
Some news from France, CCXXIII March 4, 2019
Born in 1977 , Olivier Giraud does not have his own way of observing Parisians. On stage for ten years, the comedian from Bordeaux pins with delight the mania, the snobbery of the inhabitants of the capital in his show “How to become a Parisian in one hour”. The success is such that it has just published “Guide (very) practical of the perfect Parisian” (French Arrogance Prod, 128 pages, 10€). A Provincial graduate of the Ferrandi Cooking School (6éme Paris), he worked for five years as a butler at a gourmet restaurant in Florida, USA!. ” How to become a Parisian in one hour, always programmed in the Théâtre des Nouveautés (24, Boulevard Poissonnière, 11éme) from Wednesday to Saturday at 19h (7p.m.) This is Olivier Giraud! And I have the pleasure of knowing him in person for many years now. Recommended for all visitors and locals alike to see his show. Parisians can be tough but only because 32M of you come to visit and run all over their neighborhoods over time they have become more used to you. I know I speak with them everyday lol!
The water of the Seine, retreated ,for half, it’s underground spring water. Four fountains also draw in the nappe of the Albienne such as Paul Verlaine 13éme; to the square of the Madone, 18éme; in the garden of Martin Luther King , 17éme, and at the Square Lamartine 16éme. The Wallace water fountain is part of the heritage with its 600 kg of cast iron, casting in three pieces (plinth, central part and hat). The Wallace fountain is always the same original mold that is used to create the new models. The first fountain, at boulevard de la Villette, no longer exists. And since then, we have multiplied the models such as Arceau, Totem, and Millénaire, including fountains of sparkling water. We have fifteen sparkling fountains in Paris, and four new ones will be installed this summer 2019. The water of Paris is one of the most controlled products. And now with 1 200 fountains of drinking water all over the city , make your choice !
Some news from France, CCXXIIII March 10, 2019
Greenery, sushi counter, Asian art collections or a specialized bonsai store, the Occitan capital (Toulouse) is a good-hearted opening to the traditions imported from Japan. The Japanese Garden Pierre-Baudis extends its 7 000 sq meters in the charming district of Compans-Caffarelli, between the exterior and interior boulevards that surround the city center. As for the Japanese themselves, they are about 400 to have settled in Toulouse, whether for personal or professional reasons. At the Georges-Labit Museum , the sculpture of the Amida Buddha, depicted standing on a lotus flower. In 1893, Georges Labit, the son of a wealthy Toulouse entrepreneur, built this Moorish-inspired villa near the Canal du Midi to house the pieces acquired during his innumerable voyages. After his death, the museum guides its collections towards the arts of Asia and Egyptian antiquities. The section dedicated to Japan is rich in the Edo era golden-wood Buddha Amida, scary Noh theater masks or forty prints in free consultation. Located at 17, rue du Japan. Open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays from 10h to 18h from June to September (17h from October to May)
The theater théâtre de l’Œuvre was born in 1893. At the beginning, it was only a small concert hall initiated by the Duc de Grama: the Salle Berlioz. It was on December 22, 1912 that Lugné-Poe moved to the Salle Berlioz, which became the théâtre de l’Œuvre. It creates a different theater, in an intimate atmosphere, without pub or star, among friends… Adapting to its time, the theater will present classic and then more contemporary pieces, like those of Camus or Sartre… Many will be rewarded by one or more Molières. The théâtre de l’Œuvre is more than 100 years of history, and very diverse shows. Nice to stop by , The theatre Le Ranelagh is more than 120 years of history. Concert hall, theater, cinema, this high place of French culture has seen many great artists parade. Imagine a theater all made of wood, with moldings coming from another time, with vintage traps and unsurpassed acoustics. Known for its projections of cult films like the Children of Paradise to name only one, it is a multi-cultural place. The theatre has 300 places held and preserved by Catherine Develay hosting numerous shows. Theatre Le Ranelagh, 5, rue des Vignes 16éme
Some news from France, CCXXV March 20, 2019
Last news that redraws the map, the Mairie de Paris (Mayor’s office of Paris) decided to merge the first 4 districts (1-4) of the capital after the municipal elections of 2020. After a citizens ‘ vote last October 16 , the name “Paris centre” was chosen.
Embark on the new 10-km hike from the Arboretum of Versailles-Chèvreloup and travel among the lush vegetation of three continents from April 1st. Visit the King’s vegetable garden (potager du roi) during the 11th edition of the very nature Esprit Jardin Festival at Versailles, May 4-5.
Share the deep admiration of Fellini for the genius of Picasso by reliving the imaginary dialogue of the filmmaker with the Spanish artist at the Cinémathèque 12éme from April 3rd to July 28 2019. ake off by immersing yourself in the exhibition “Ocean, an unusual dive” and go to meet the singular fauna of the great depths at the National Museum of Natural History ,5éme from April 3 to January 5 2020 To understand the conflicts of the 20C through the work of Pablo Picasso, following the guided tour of the Expo “Picasso and war” in the army museum or Musée de L’Armée, 7éme, from April 5 to July 28.
The departmental Council and ASO have signed a convention to have the final stage of the tour de France starts from the Yvelines dept 78 in the coming years. The TOUR went by here in 2012 from Rambouillet to Paris Champs Elysées 20th stage. 2013 from Versailles to Paris Champs Elysées on stage 21. In 2015 from Sévres to Paris Champs Elysées on stage 21, and in 2018 from Houilles on stage 21 to Paris Champs Elysées. And back this year to Rambouillet on July 28!
Some news from France, CCXXVI March 28, 2019
The Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées add to the art deco heritage; combining in 6,500 square meters, at the entrance an immersive tunnel worthy of the corridor of a spaceship of Kubrick, boxes of glasses hung on the second floor under the dome that was cleared of the false ceiling and a monumental staircase that connects the first and second floors. The atmosphere is airy and sophisticated. The 650 selected labels-from mid-range to luxury share the same aisles and the same connected hangers with a digital display showing the available sizes. The visual identity incorporates the very typographical logo. All staff are employed by Galeries Lafayette. No demonstrators. The man and the woman mix in the aisles. The dressing rooms like the toilets are unisex. The fluidity of the era of time… The basement offers 30 to 50 dining seats for 10 sweet or savoury brands such as Chocolaterie Ducasse, Marcolini, Kaspia, A la mère de Famille, Maisie Café, comptoir Vérot.etc
l’English-language Library in Angers. The largest English-language library in Western France lists 1 876 members of 74 different nationalities. Liz, has been living in Angers since 1995, but she is still not French. This week, she had even planned to go to Ireland to apply for nationality, and thus double her chances of staying European. Ken, for the regulars has been living in Angers for over forty years. He met Marie-Madeleine. They loved each other and then married. Ken is 65 years old today. At Swindon, they still believe that Honda’s departure has nothing to do with Brexit. There are 3 500 jobs which, in 2022, will disappear with the closure of the factory of the Japanese manufacturer. Sceaux Park organizes its Cherry Blossom Festival from April 21st to 22nd! As every year, the city of Sceaux welcomes the arrival of spring around many festivities. On the program, big festive picnic made by food trucks, at the rhythm of the taikos and the parades of Awa Odori… Ideal for tasting delicious sushi and drinking sake in peace, in an idyllic bucolic setting. More than just a party, it’s a real Japanese gathering that will be happening! This year, the festivities will also be punctuated by various workshops, dance, and many artistic and musical performances. The opportunity to discover Japanese artists who will accompany you to the sanshin (small guitar of southern Japan) and to the shinobue (traditional flute) all the weekend!
Cyclists discover on this occasion certain special rules of the Highway Code. The wearing of headphones is one of the most expensive tickets to which cyclists are potentially subjected. This offence is punishable by a fine of 90 euros in case of payment within 15 days, increased to 135 euros beyond and up to 375 euros in case of payment after 45 days. And it’s not the only one. Riding by bike, Scooter or trottinette on a sidewalk is forbidden, except for children up to 8 years of age. Ride in a forbidden direction and go to the red light… unless explicitly authorized. Cyclists are obliged to respect the traffic lights. Except when triangular signs allow them to go straight or right. Please note that bicycles are not required to use a bicycle path unless this requirement is indicated by a blue-bottomed circular panel (they should be). yet doubling the cars by the right when cycling is an offense. Circulate under the influence of alcohol. Drink or drive, you have to choose, even on a bicycle. But unlike a legend, a cyclist cannot get points on his license. While in Germany, the limit of alcohol allowed by bicycle is twice as high as driving (should be the same, but this is Europe!). The city of Paris has intensified the video-verbalization to enforce them. More than 23 200 fines (PV) have been compiled since January 2018.
The Vexin (wonderful natural park we enjoyed while at Versailles) crosses over the Seine. For the first time since its creation in 1995, the Vexin Regional Natural Park (PNR) will count from the towns on the left bank of the river. As part of an extension of this park which now counts 78 towns on the Val-d’Oise(dept 95) and 20 in the Yvelines (dept 78). Nine towns from the Yvelines will be added, by 2021, to this list; these are Bennecourt, Mousseaux, Limetz-Villez, Rolleboise, Méricourt, Freneuse, Moisson, With more than 45 000 visitors, the Cerny – La Ferté-Alais aerial meeting is one of the most popular events of the Essonne (dept 91). The 47th Edition of the “time of the propellers” will take place on June 8-9, 2019. On the program, aerial shows accompanied by pyrotechnic effects, baptisms of the air but also animations around the theme of aeronautics. Aerodrome de Cerny/La Ferté-Alais, 91590 Cerny
In honor of its 130th anniversary, the Eiffel Tower organizes a festive weekend on March 30th and 31st with concerts, animations and an adventure game. The goal? Discover the famous Tower in all its facets and uncover the secret of the Eiffel on workshops. Alone, or as a team, you will need to find the name of a confidential file by deciphering a series of puzzles scattered on the 1st floor as well as in the gardens of the tower. And bonus this weekend: the whole course will be scripted with comedians in period costumes in immersive scenery. An experience not to be missed for lovers of history and secrets!
There you go folks, a big task but a work of love to keep the best, me think of these wonderful older posts over the years, These are what I think worth keeping of my older Some news from France series, and I thank you, Again, hope you enjoy this post as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
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