Tag Archives: Champs Elysees

Vespasiennes: Does a Roman Emperor Deserve This?

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Parisian Fields

Our home offices are in two adjacent rooms. While exploring one of my favourite Paris websites, Paris en Images, I called to Philippa, “What’s a Vespasienne?” and was instantly told, “A public urinal.” There had to be a blog in … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris civic functions, Paris history, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Dreaming of Paris Bicycles

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Parisian Fields

As I write this, it is minus 23 Celsius outside, even worse with the wind chill. Earlier this week, when I took a walk beside Lake Ontario, the wind roared across the treacherously slippery boardwalk and cut through my coat; today when … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris streets, Paris travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

The Paris Bridge That Never Was

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Parisian Fields

It should have been the pride of Paris; a stunning suspension bridge leaping clear across the Seine. It should have been one of the crown jewels of both Paris and the career of Claude Navier, one of 19th-century France’s most … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris bridges, Paris history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The chariot on the Champs-Elysées

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Parisian Fields

For many people in Paris, owning a car is neither necessary nor desirable. Transit service is good and parking is difficult. But that means that when your groceries include, say, containers of milk or orange juice, bottles of wine or … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris food, Paris markets, Paris shops | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Missing Christmas in Paris

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Parisian Fields

Everything had been arranged for another Christmas in Paris—plane tickets, flat rental, friends to see—and then we had to cancel. We will spend Christmas in Toronto and will have a good time of it. But what will we miss about … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris nostalgia, Paris shops, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

One address, many stories

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Parisian Fields

“What’s that building with the dome, there, on the right?” Norman pointed to a building shown in a stereographic photograph of the Champs-Elysées he had recently bought at an antique photo show. The photo had been taken from the top … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris history, Paris hospitals, Paris hotels, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Propping up Parisian trees

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Parisian Fields

Paris. City of light? Yes. Bridges? Indeed. Trees? Absolutely. The trees and their changing colours are one of the marvels of Paris. But it is no accidental marvel. Parisians work hard at maintaining their trees. Paris abounds in small parks … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris gardens, Paris parks, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 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 →

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A Flâneur’s Advice on Parking in Paris

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Parisian Fields

Baudelaire’s nineteenth-century flâneur explored the city by strolling. A flâneur walked, observed, listened, and had no destinations, appointments or deadlines. With due respect to Monsieur Charles Baudelaire, I have proclaimed myself un flâneur de la circulation et du parking when … Continue reading →

Posted in Paris automotive | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments