Victor is watching

A bust of Victor Hugo keeps an eye on this unusual family run bookshop.

Orange alert

Striking in bright orange garb they depart in single file.

A terrace lunch

Clockwise: sweet green peppers grilled in bacon; heirloom tomatoes in olive oil w/garlic toasts; roasted duck breast on bed of caramelized onions tartines; pickled vegetables

(Not shown: smoked salmon grain mustard cream tartines; chilled green pea soup w/fresh mint; red wines from Bergerac)

Barrel tables were pushed together so we could all sit together and share.

 

Dessert: pain perdu, forerunner of French Toast, served w/homemade vanilla (bean) ice cream; espressos

Night rain

 

Early this morning I was struck by the peacefulness of this square, still wet after a night shower.

The end of the street

The final curtain for "Graffiti Street," an ever-evolving Belleville legend that became a creative heartbeat of Paris, has fallen. It was a rare free-for-all where anyone armed with a spray can could unleash - no stress, no looking over their shoulder - just pure unfiltered art that was forever shifting with fresh colors and bold tags. Today, Paris bids farewell to a living canvas that captured the city's rebellious spirit. - BPJ 

 

Good news update 2025:

Thanks to neighborhood initiatives that have kept it going, the paint's still wet.

 

Rue Dénoyez 75020

Un café serré SVP

This tiny bit of coffee packs a punch and, in its tiny way, has come to symbolize the Parisian lifestyle.

More Fornasetti

With the Fornasetti retrospective winding up in less than a week I couldn't resist posting two more of my favorite photographs from this don't-miss exhibition.