Author Archives: Parisian Fields

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About Parisian Fields

Parisian Fields is the blog of two Toronto writers who love Paris. When we can't be there, we can write about it. We're interested in everything from its history and architecture to its graffiti and street furniture. We welcome comments, suggestions, corrections, and musings from all readers.

The Technology of Compassion

I had just finished typing when typewriter collector Martin Howard took the photo below. If you read Braille, you will see that it says “parisian fields.” The Pantheon is the final resting place of France’s heroes: Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Émile … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris history, Paris typewriters | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

On reaching 100 – blogs, that is

When we posted our first blog on July 27, 2010, called “The Sounds of Paris,” we had fairly simple objectives. We wanted to use our photographs of Paris, our shelf of books on the city, and our small collection of … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris markets, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Lost (and found) in translation

Among the pitfalls in learning French are what is known as “faux amis” (false friends) – that is, words that sound as if they ought to mean the same thing in English and French, but don’t. Like librairie, which is … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris popular culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Everyday Hats of Paris

While there is a Paris of high fashion, there is also the Paris of everyday life. And what could be more everyday (quotidien) than dry cleaning or having a dress or pair of pants altered? This little bellhop with his … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris flea markets, Paris popular culture, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ticket to ride

Here’s a question for contestants in a game of “Connaissez-vous Paris?” How many railway stations are there in Paris? Most people would say six: St-Lazare, Nord, Est, Lyon, Austerlitz, and Montparnasse (the original version of this station is shown above). … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris history, Paris metro, Paris travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The art and purpose of the colonne sèche

The Parisienne colonne sèche is not a medical condition or procedure. However, a colonne sèche could be very good for your health, particularly in the event of a fire. There is no need to look hang-dog about it. Paris is … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris civic functions, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

In Search of Lost Time

You don’t really need a wristwatch in Paris. For one thing, you are never far from a clock – on walls, towers, and in front of boutiques. Some are ornate. Some are utilitarian. Some are advertisements. Some are art. Of … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris history, Paris nostalgia, Paris postcards, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Finding Typewriter History in Paris

My five-year-old grandson doesn’t know what they are. Actor Tom Hanks collects them. And I am so captivated by their beauty and their astounding variety that I am writing a book about them, in collaboration with Martin Howard, another well-known … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris expositions, Paris history, Paris postcards, Paris typewriters | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Le Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville

Sooner or later, we know, we will end up having lunch at the Cantine in the BHV (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville). It’s central. It’s inexpensive. The food is good. The view from the big windows is magnificent. And of … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris architecture, Paris shops | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Berthe Morisot, an artist ahead of her time

Dear Parisian Fields subscribers, If you enjoy our postings about art, we hope you will enjoy an article on the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot that Philippa wrote for the website Girls’ Guide to Paris. The article begins: “It is said … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris art | 6 Comments