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.

A villa in the south

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Parisian Fields

When we say the south, we don’t mean the south of France, we mean the southern parts of Paris, particularly the 14th arrondissement. And when we say “villa,” we don’t mean a detached house. The villas of Paris are cul-de-sacs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris art, Paris gardens, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Men in green

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Parisian Fields

The first one we noticed was right under the window of our hotel room. It was 1995 and we were staying on a narrow street in the 6th. Actually, it was the broom that caught our attention first. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris civic functions, Paris popular culture, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Finding the world in Paris postcards

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Parisian Fields

Last week we showed a picture of a bridge, which was on my list of must-sees in Paris. And I wondered how many of those who flock to the Eiffel Tower also visit the 1867 suspension bridge over the artificial … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris bookstores, Paris bridges, Paris flea markets, Paris history, Paris nostalgia, Paris parks, Paris postcards, Paris shops | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Finding Paris in old postcards

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Parisian Fields

“Pssst. Dirty postcards, monsieur?” Is that your image of Paris postcards? Les cartes coquines (naughty or saucy postcards) are still for sale if you know where to look, but there is much more to old Paris postcards. Many of them … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris history, Paris nostalgia, Paris popular culture, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Hiding in plain sight

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Parisian Fields

When we rented an apartment near the Val-de-Grâce, the lady who owned the flat told us that the church and buildings there were very beautiful, but the only way to see inside was to go for mass on Sunday morning. … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris art, Paris churches, Paris gardens, Paris history, Paris hospitals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Are these the souvenirs I left behind?

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Parisian Fields

Last week’s blog talked about some of the things we have brought home from Paris. But I have also left behind many fascinating and varied things. I have photos of some, but even when I don’t, their memories are still … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris bookstores, Paris flea markets, Paris popular culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bringing home a taste of Paris

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Parisian Fields

Remember that old grade-school assignment, “What did you do on your summer vacation?” The mind tends to go blank. Similarly, when the customs officer at the airport us, “What did you buy in Paris?” our minds go blank. What did … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris food | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Life in a quiet Paris quartier

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Parisian Fields

We are back in Canada, but still enjoying our memories of Paris. We stayed in a comfortable apartment in an area of the city we had never before explored, not far from the intersection of the Boulevard Port-Royal and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris gardens, Paris history, Paris hospitals, Paris quartiers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Child’s Play

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Parisian Fields

We never cease to be amazed at the persistence of traditional children’s pastimes in Paris. Merry-go-rounds (known as manèges) are found throughout the city. Some offer children the added enjoyment of spearing brass rings as they go around the circle. … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris popular culture | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Rudolf-free Noel

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Parisian Fields

We’ve been asked many times why we decided to spend Christmas in Paris this year, and we have all kinds of answers. “We didn’t want to do another turkey.” “We thought it would be fun to spend Christmas just the … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris food, Paris hospitals, Paris music, Paris popular culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment