Promenade: Yves Saint Laurent's Paris

Yves Saint Laurent was an amazing designer, and a powerhouse in the late 20^th century. The Foundation Pierre Bergé- Yves Saint Laurent website says it best, by saying, “by making use of masculine codes, he brought women self-assurance, audacity and power, whilst preserving their femininity. These clothes are part of the 20th century history. They have accompanied women's emancipation in every domain, be it personal, social or political.”

As someone interested and passionate about fashion and style, when it comes to women’s clothing, Yves Saint Laurent is king. He is the basis and the inspiration for many of today’s designers. Women all over the world wear his chic and flattering clothing. Though I personally do not own and Yves Saint Laurent garments, I appreciate him for being one of the most important designers of the 20^th century. He turned heads making the safari look popular, revolutionized women’s wear by introducing the tuxedo (Le Smoking) and was one of the first designers to use African Models on the runway. His standard of excellence was unparalleled, making his garments precise and perfect. I absolutely love Yves Saint Laurent and his clothing line, and I think even though he has now passed away, his legacy will continue in the world of fashion, inspiring little girls everywhere to dress chicly no matter where they are going.

The first stop is:

Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne

119 Rue Réaumur

75002 Paris, France

Saint Laurent was born on August 1, 1936 in Algeria, He displayed early promise in 1953 at age 17 by winning a cocktail dress design contest. A year later he enrolled in fashion school at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Christian Dior spotted him three months into his education and was so impressed with Saint Laurent that he hired him to work at his fashion house, thus ending Yves Saint Laurent’s formal education. However, this school is the premier institute in the field of fashion design. The Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture created this school in 1927 for the training of making high end couture garments. Couturiers and Fashion Designers have constantly attached considerable importance to the provision of technical training for the highly-qualified personnel needed to design products with highly-complex structures, to the fostering of new talents and to the durability of their labels through fashion various evolutions. Some of the renowned designers that graduated from the school include: Adeline André, Issey Miyake, Stéphane Rolland, and Valentino.

Head west on Rue Reamur towards Rue Leon Cladel and turn left on Rue Vivienne. Take a right on Rue des Petit Champs and then a left on to Rue de Richelieu. Take a right on to Rue Saint Honore to reach the next stop.

Eglise St. Roch

296 Rue Saint-Honoré

75001 Paris, France

This is where Yves Saint Laurent’s funeral was held on June 5^th, 2008. Saint Laurent died at the age of 71 after being diagnosed with brain cancer for a year. Over 1000 mourners gathered to pay their respects, including many designers and celebrities. Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Hubert de Givenchy, and Alber Elbaz were a few fashion names in attendance, along with big names such as President Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, Catherine Deneuve, and Claudia Schiffer. Many women in attendance wore trouser suits (Le Smoking) in homage to Saint Laurent's revolutionary design. Saint Laurent was cremated before close friends and family, and his ashes were sent to a garden in Marrakesh at a house he bought with Pierre Bergé (his lifetime business partner and lover).

After leaving the church, head northwest on Rue Saint Honore (towards Rue Saint Roch) and continue on to Rue du Faub Saint Honore, where your next destination will be in about 900 meters.

A Boutique! Treat Yourself!

32 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

75008 Paris, France

Get swept away in the world of Yves Saint Laurent as you walk in the doors. As his muses include chic women like Somali supermodel Iman (whom he once described as his "dream woman.") and French actress Catherine Deneuve, you know that the clothes that bear the Yves Saint Laurent name represent timeless grace and elegance.

Yves Saint Laurent designed his couture collections until his retirement in 2002, when he closed his Couturier. Rive Gauche (the prête-a-porter line) was designed by Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz for three seasons starting in 1998 and then by Creative Director Tom Ford. Saint Laurent criticized Ford’s aesthetic for being too sexually provocative in regards to the clothing design. The current designer is Milan-born Stefano Pilati.

The Gucci Group bought the Yves Saint Laurent brand in 1999. The Gucci Group also owns the Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Venetta, Boucheron, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, and Stella McCartney labels. At his final show in 2002 at the Pompidou Centre, around 2,000 attendees (and the several thousand more outside in front of a giant screen) witnessed a career summation without comparison—a tour through 40 years of fashion. Saint Laurent showed highlights from his entire career: pieces from his first show (a pea coat and trousers), Le Smoking, Safari Dresses, as well as the huge hits like the Mondrian dress and the nude backed dress.

In 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy awarded Saint Laurent the rank of Grand Officier de la Légion d'Honneur.

From the Boutique, head back in the direction from which you just came and take a right on to Rue Royal, then another right onto Champs Elysee. Enjoy the stroll under the trees, and then take a left on to Avenue Montaigne, where your next destination will be on the left!

House of Dior

30 Avenue Montaigne

75008 Paris, France

Yves Saint Laurent took the helm of House of Dior at only 21, when Dior died. He introduced the trapeze dress in his first collection for Dior in 1958, reinventing the name of the House of Dior and launching himself into stardom at the same time. St. Laurent worked at Dior until he opened his own haute couture fashion house with Berge in 1962, with the first show on January 30^th. Yves Saint Laurent met Pierre Bergé in 1958 while still working at Dior.

From Dior, continue down Avenue Montaigne until you reach the Alma Bridge. Take a right on to Avenue du President W. Wilson, then take an immediate right on to Avenue Marceau.

Foundation

5 Avenue Marceau

75116 Paris, France

When Yves Saint Laurent bowed out of designing in 2002, he reopened his fashion house as this foundation, exhibiting Picasso and Warhol paintings with the dresses they closely inspired. Every sketch and every garment was catalogued, and many famous women and friends donated some of their garments to add to the collection. At The Foundation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, over 5,000 garments, 1,000 rive gauche models, 15,000 accessories and 35,000 sketches that bear witness to Yves Saint Laurent's creativity are conserved.

This heritage is kept in rigorous museum conditions: a constant temperature of 18 degrees, 50% humidity, dust-free storage cabinets, acid free archive boxes. The conservation areas are not open to the public, but may be viewed on private group tours booked in advance. What you can see here are temporary exhibits that change every few months, most with themes related to the fashion house. The current exhibition is called “Saint Laurent Rive Gauche” and is 35 Euro (which includes entrance to his gardens). The exhibition shows many of Saint Laurent’s prêt-a-porter collection.

Tues.-Sun. 11-6 (Late night Thursday til 9:00)

Extra: House

55 Rue de Babylone

75007 Paris, France

If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to the famous duplex St. Laurent called home for the second half of the 20^th century. Though it is empty and most of Saint Laurent’s personal art collections were sold off at Christie’s in the 2008, this apartment is where he did a lot of designing, hosted a lot of private fashion shows, and was inspired. Take a walk around the neighborhood, and imagine a time where you could walk down the street and see Saint Laurent walking by you. Who knows, maybe he could have been inspired to create something great by what you have on!

To get to his house from the Foundation, head back to the Alma bridge and cross it to the Left side of the Seine. Walk down Avenue Bosquet until it continues into Ave Duquesne. Take a left onto Rue d’Estrees (after about 1000 meters), which will continue on to be Rue Babylone. 55 Rue de Babylone is just past La Pagode movie theatre.

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the amazingly inspiring Yves Saint Laurent. His designs are wonderful, and he revolutionized the world of fashion in the 20^th century for women everywhere and the rest of the fashion community.

Promenade - Julia Child

     The most influential woman in my life is undoubtedly my mother. From the very first day, she has been the most wonderful mother I could have asked for. She has served as a role model in every way imaginable and has taught me how to be a passionate, kind individual, how to apply myself wholeheartedly to everything I do, how to craft and sew, and how to cook.

     Ever since I can remember, she had me in the kitchen learning, at first, to bake cookies, then, gradually, my Grandma’s pear cobbler and eventually dishes like my favorite ranch chicken and noodles. Even if there was, much to my Dad’s dismay, a flower dusting on the floor, cooking was and still is important to her, and she wanted to pass along that passion to me.

My Mom's Birthday Blueberry Poud Cake

     Now, as I am beginning to establish my own independence, my mom continues to remain an essential part of my life. I am currently studying abroad in Paris, one of the major fashion and cuisine capitals of the world. As such, I wanted to trace the steps of one of my mom’s culinary heroines, Julia Child, throughout her Paris days.

     Julia Child first arrived in Paris in 1949 after her husband Paul, who worked with the Office of Strategic Serives, was transferred to the American Embassy in Paris. The French cuisine to which Julia was exposed inspired her to learn how to cook.  She was one of the first women to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu, only to begin her own cooking school, L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes, with the help of Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. They later published Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which became the first French cookbook written in English. This was revolutionary, as it suddenly gave American women, like my mom, access to French cuisine. As PBS’s Lessons with Master Chefs: Julia Child states, she “encouraged ‘home chefs’ to practice cooking as an art, not dread it as a chore.” Julia Child further revolutionized the way American women cooked through her multiple television shows and cookbooks.

The Culinary Bible

     For a tour of Julia Child’s Paris, begin your journey at Place de l’Ecole Militare in the 7^th Arrondissement, or section of Paris. The best way to get is here by taking Line 8 on the Métro to Ecole Militaire. Then, take a right onto Avenue Bosquet and look for Rue de Champs de Mars, the first street on your left. Take a left here and continue to 24 Rue de Champs de Mars on your right.

24 Rue de Champs de Mars

This is the original location of Le Cordon Bleu, and is where Julia Child would have come to take her cooking courses. Even though Le Cordon Bleu is currently located at 8 Rue Léon Delhomene in the 15^th Arrondissement, it remains one of the premier French cooking schools in the world. The culinary school was founded in 1895, following the success of the magazine La Cuisinière Cordon Bleu. Today, there are thirty-five Le Cordon Bleu schools in fifteen different countries, training over twenty thousand students each year. For those of you who are also black and white movie fans, Audrey Hepburn filmed on location at Le Cordon Bleu for the 1954 film Sabrina.

Julia Child Boning a Duck

     Retrace your steps back to Place de l’Ecole Militaire. Walk in a clock-wise direction around the traffic circle across Avenue Bosquet and Avenue de la Motte Picquet. Take a left on the next street, Avenue de Tourville, and continue until it intersects Boulevard des Invalides. Be sure to enjoy the Jardin de l'Intendant on your left as you walk.

     Take a left on Boulevard des Invalides, and then a right at the first street on your right, Rue de Varenne. Fron there, take a left onto Rue de Bourgogne, the first street on your left. Continue on Rue de Bougogne until you reach Place du Bourbon. In the 1950’s, Rue de Bourgogne housed an open-air market which Julia preferred to another, larger market at Les Halles. Although it is common in the United States to buy all of your produce, meat, and dairy at one store, it was, and still is, common for Europeans to buy these different items at either separate stores or at market vendors. The food sold at markets is often more fresh, more natural, and more flavorful than its superstore counterpart. The market also served as a cultural  and social hub for Paris, adding to its already delicious appeal.

Markets are a great way to experience a city's culture!

     From Place du Bourbon, take a right onto Rue de l’University, which Julia affectionately called ‘Rue de Loo.’ Continue across Boulevard Saint Germain, Rue de Solferino, and Rue de Bellechasse. Once you cross Rue de Bellechasse, look for 81 Rue de l’Université. Although there is no plaque to commemorate the building, Julia and Paul child used to live in the top two floors of the apartment during their stay in Paris. In fact, Julia loved Paris so much that she considered it her home. L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes also met here, as it is where Julia first began experimenting with and teaching the art of cooking.

Julia's Old Haunt

     Continue on 'Rue de Loo' across Rue de Beaune and turn right on Rue des Saints Peres. Next, turn left on Boulevard Saint Germain and continue to Place Saint Germain de Près. At 6, Place Saint Germain de Près is Le Deux Magots, the restaurant where Paul and Julia ate at their first night in Paris. They ordered café complet. It is also where Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, and other intellectuals used to meet to discuss their work. Pable Picasso also used to dine here. In keeping with its literary reputation, each year since 1933, a French novel is given the Deux Magots literary award.

Les Deux Magots

     From Les Deux Magots, turn onto Rue Bonaparte and continue to Qual Malaquais., which turns into Qual Voltaire. Continue on Qual Voltaire until you reach Pont du Carrousel on your right. Take a right onto the bridge, cross the bridge, and cross over Quai Francois to the Louvre. Enter the Jardin du Carrousel and continue around Place du Carrousel and exit on Rue de Rivoli. Cross Rue de Rivoli to Rue de Rohan, take a slight left, and continue onto Rue de Montpensier. Continue strait on this road until you reach Rue de Beaujoulas. At 17 Rue de Beaujolas is Le Grand Véfour, one of the most beautiful and most exclusive restaurants in Paris. The restaurant, which was opened in 1724, remains as it was when Julia visited there once a month with her husband. In addition to the Childs, it was also visited by Victor Hugo, Napoléon,  and Jean Cocteau Colete.

The restaurant has not changed much since the 1950's.

     From Rue de Beaujolais, take a left onto Rue de Deux Pavillons to Rue Feuillade. Continue to Place des Victoires and turn right onto Rue Croix des Petits Champs. Turn left onto Rue Coquillière. The last stop on the tour, E. Dehillerin is located at 18-20 Rue Coquillère, and it is where Julia Child purchased her cookware. The best chef must have the best cooking utensils, and even though the store was established in 1820, it remains one of the most popular cookware stores in Paris. Be sure to explore the dazzling rows of copper pans and unique cooking gadgets that are sure to thrill even the most loyal Pampered Chef enthusiast.

E. Dehillerin at 18-20 Rue Coquillère

Copper Pots and Pans on Display

     I hope you have enjoyed wandering the streets of Paris, as Julia Child would have done in the early 1950’s. She truly is one of the most influential women in the world of cooking. Her death in 2004 was, indeed, a mournful day for the culinary world, but Julia can rest in peace knowing that she continues to inspire generations of women with joy of cooking.

As only Julia herself could say, “Bon Appetit!”

Promenade - Robespierre

I chose to create a walking tour about Maximilien Robespierre. He was a very influential political figure during the French Revolution. Robespierre acquired many of his political ideals and the idea of direct democracy from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the famous Genevan writer, philosopher and composer. Montesquieu’s work influenced Robespierre as well. Robespierre studied law like his father and proved to be a very intelligent individual even from a young age. In the town of Arras where he was born and raised, Robespierre was very involved in the local politics. He was appointed criminal judge in the Diocese of Arras in March 1782, and inDecember 1783, he became a member of the academy of Arras. In 1788, he was took part in the discussion concerning how the French provincial government should be elected. He was elected 5th deputy of the Third Estate of Artois to the Estates-General. He became heavily involved in the Society of the Friends of the Constitution, which eventually became known as the Jacobin Club. After the fall of the monarchy, the Committee of General Security was created and managed the internal police of the country. Even though all members were considered equal by definition, Robespierre was often regarded as the de facto dictator of France, which increased his influence during the Reign of Terror that followed. Unfortunately, anyone who was considered an “enemy of the revolution” was unmercifully executed. Robespierre had a way with words and could change the minds of almost any crowd. Famous quotes from Robespierre include “To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is barbarity,” “slowness of judgments is equal to impurity,” and “uncertainty of punishment encourages all the guilty.” As part of his revolutionary change, Robespierre established the Cult of the Supreme Being as the official religion, which is heavily based upon the Rousseau’s The Social Contract. In response to the excesses of the Reign of Terror, there was a revolt known as the Thermidorian Reaction in which the Committee of Public Safety voted to have Robespierre executed along with several other political leaders.

My personal connection to Robespierre is that I really admire his passion and drive to pursue what he believed to be true. I find his life extremely interesting life. From a young age he studied hard and wished to radically change the political spectrum of France. I am inspired whenever I read and learn about individuals like Robespierre. Those sorts of individuals went hard after their dreams and aspirations. They are the ones who are in the history books as people who changed the world, and they will forever be remember for their amazing efforts. I do not agree with everything about Robespierre. I believe he had a corrupt viewpoint during the Reign of Terror, which led to many individuals being killed for no real reason, and I do see creating a new religion like “The Cult of the Supreme Being” to be the answer to anyone’s problems, but it is at the heart of his efforts where he sought to stand up for the poor that I find respect and admiration for him. I firmly believe that life is too short for everyone to not live every day to the fullest. If someone has a dream to do this or that, they should not let anything hinder them from pursuing. I see Robespierre and his efforts as someone who did just that.

To begin the walking tour, go to 1 Rue Cujas in the 5^th arrondissement. The quickest way to get there by metro is to take line 10 to Cluny La Sorbonne and walk East down Boulevard Saint-Germain until you reach Rue Saint-Jacques. Take a right onto Rue Saint-Jacques. The first stop for the walking tour, Le Lycée Louis-le-Grand, will be on your right as you approach Rue Cujas. Take a left onto Rue Cujas and you will see a large door to your left with the words “LYCEE LOUIS LE GRAND” in large letters above it. The Parisian walking tour begins here because this school played a crucial role in the early years of Robespierre’s life. Le Lycée Louis-le-Grand is a very demanding public secondary school. It was formerly known as the Collège de Clermont in honor of king Louis XIV. It prepares students who wish to enter the Grandes Écoles that are not obligated to accept all candidates who hold a baccalauréat in France. Founded in 1563, it is located in the Latin Quarter, which is traditionally the area for students in Paris and includes other educational establishments such as the Sorbonne and the Collège de France. The school holds a long list of pupils who went onto to become famous writers, artists, politicians and scientists. Robespierre is included in that list. In October of 1769, Robespierre was able to obtain a scholarship to the Le Lycée Louis-le-Grand thanks to a recommendation from the bishop of Arras. It was at this school that he learned about the Roman Republic and many classical figures such as Cato and Cicero. He was exposed to the works of Rousseau during this time as well. He admired these studies at this school, which were fundamental in his growth as a radical political leader. Fellow pupils of Robespierre include famous names such as Camille Desmoulins and Stanislas Fréron. At the age of 17, Robespierre was chosen out of 500 pupils to give a welcoming speech at the school to the king Louis XVI after the king’s coronation. The young Robespierre and the waiting crowd had to stay in the rain for several hours until the king finally arrived. The royal couple stayed in their comfortably dry coach for the entire ceremony and quickly left once it was over. Ironically, Robespierre would later be instrumental in the execution of the king and the fall of the monarchy. Walk around the building and admire it as you try and fathom the history makers like Robespierre who started their careers here as young pupils.

The next stop on the walking tour is Le Club des Cordeliers. From Le Lycée Louis-le-Grand, walk North-West on Rue Cujas until you reach Boulevard Saint-Michel. Take a right onto Boulevard Saint-Michel and walk until you reach Rue Des Écoles. Take a left onto Rue des Écoles and walk until you reach Rue Hautefeuille. Le Club des Cordeliers will be on your right. There will be a plaque identifying it as well as a sign with a little bit of history about it in French. The club was formally known as the Société des Amis des droits de l’homme et du citoyen or the Society of the Friends of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Simply put, it was a populist club during the French Revolution. It lies in what was known as the Cordeliers district, which was led by Georges Danton, a man who played a crucial role in the Storming of the Bastille. Camille Desmoulins, a close friend of Robespierre, called it “the only sanctuary where liberty has not been violated.” It was the meeting place of many important figures of the French Revolution like Danton, Desmoulins and Robespierre. In November 1789, the district issued a declaration stating its objective to “oppose, as much as we are able, all that the representatives of the Commune may undertake that is harmful to the general rights of our constituents.” It was in constant conflict with the Parisian government during the winter and spring of 1790 until that summer when the district was abolished during the restructuring of the 60 districts into 48 new sections. Before the restructuring, the leaders of the Cordeliers district started the club in April 1790. Since they met in the Cordeliers Convent, it soon became known as the Club des Cordeliers and soon adopted the popular phrase “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.” The Cordeliers took part in many significant events such as the drafting of the petition to remove the king and the planning and execution of the August 10, 1972, besiege of the Tuileries palace. In short, it was here that Robespierre, among many other French political leaders, met and took part in the major events of the French Revolution. Try and picture the important discussions that took place and the vital decisions that were made that went on to make real history.

The next stop is the Église Saint-Sulpice. From the Club des Cordeliers, walk North-West on Rue des Écoles and take a left onto Rue Dupuytren. Take Rue Dupuytren until you reach Rue Monsieur le Prince. Take a right onto Rue Monsieur le Prince. The road will curve right and turn into Carrefour de L’Odéon, which quickly curves left. Take a left onto Rue de Condé. You will quickly take a right onto Rue Saint-Sulpice. Take Rue Saint-Sulpice until you encounter the church on your left. L’Église Saint-Sulpice is a Roman Catholic church founded in 1646 that is actually the second building built on the site. It was built over the original Romanesque church that was there before. It is 113 meters long, 58 meters wide and 34 meters tall, which makes it the largest church in Paris after Notre-Dame. It was here that Camille Desmoulins married Lucile Duplessis on December 29, 1790, with Robespierre as his best man. Robespierre went on to be the godfather of the Desmoulins’ only child, Horace Camille. Robespierre and Desmoulin were close friends since childhood and both attended Le Lycée Louis-le-Grand together. The closeness of that friendship is evident in Desmoulin choosing Robespierre as his best man and his only child’s godfather. These two men were instrumental in the workings of the French Revolution, and this site gives us a little look into their personal lives that went on outside of the politics they are typically known for. Walk in and around the church and try to imagine the wedding that went on inside this beautifully and historical church and the influential individuals that attended it.

The next stop is the Champ de Mars. From the Église Saint-Sulpice, walk West thru the Place Saint-Sulpice onto Rue du Vieux Colombier. Take Rue du Vieux Colombier until you reach Rue de Sèvres. Take a left and walk South-West on Rue de Sèvres until it you reach a fork. Take the road on the right of the fork. Rue de Sèvres will run into Rue de Babylone. Walk West on Rue de Babylone until you run into Rue d’Estrées. Walk South-West on Rue d’Estrées until you reach Avenue Duquesne. Take a right onto Avenue Duquesne and walk North West until you reach Place Joffre. Take a right onto Place Joffre and walk South-West until you see the large park of Champ de Mars on your right. Walk thru the park and enjoy all there is too see. Among the many events that have taken place at the Champ de Mars, the nationwide “Festival of the Supreme Being” was one that took place on June 8, 1794, in honor of Robespierre’s new faith called the “Cult of the Supreme Being.” The faith was based on Deists beliefs and the ideals outlined in Rousseau’s The Social Contract. June 8 is the day originally set for the Christian holiday of Pentecost. The Champ de Mars was renamed the Champ de la Réunion or the Field of Reunion for that day. The religion was based upon the idea that God created the universe to proclaim His power and that humankind should live harmoniously and reach happiness by way of virtue. Everything for the event went to plan and is considered the most successful event of its type that took place during the Revolution. The best thing to do would be to walk up to the Eiffel Tower and turn around and look at the garden with the tower to your back since it wasn’t built until many decades later. You wouldn’t want it to distract you from imagining the festival that took place to celebrate the new religion of France created by Robespierre that embodied the new principles of liberty, equality and brotherhood.

The next stop is the house of Maurice Duplay. From the Champ de Mars, walk North-East on Place Joffre and continue straight onto Avenue de la Motte-Picquet. Walk North-East on Avenue de la Motte-Picquet until you reach Rue Fabert. Take a slight left onto Rue Fabert and walk North until you reach the Siene river. Take a right onto Quai d’Orsay and walk East until you reach the Pont de la Concorde on your left. Walk across the Pont de la Concorde until you reach Place de la Concorde. Take a right onto Place de la Concorde and walk South-East. Continue to walk on Place de la Concorde as it turns left. Yo

u will soon encounter Rue Saint-Florentin. Walk North-East on Rue Saint-Florentin until you reach Rue Saint-Honoré. Take a right on Rue Saint-Honoré and walk until you see number 398 on your left. There is a plaque designating the location as the place where Robespierre lived in Paris until his death. He moved to this house on July 17th, 1971, after the massacre on the Champ de Mars, so that he could be in closer proximity to his political obligations. The house was owned by a cabinetmaker named Maurice Duplay who greatly admired Robespierre. Some sources say thatRobespie

rre got engaged to Duplay’s oldest daughter, Éléonore Duplay. On July 28th, 1794, Robespierre was guillotined without trial. The cart that carried him to the guillotine made a stop in front of the Duplay house before bringing him to Place de la Concorde for his execution. Stand outside the door of his old house and try and picture the 18th century Paris that he saw on a daily basis. Think about how this house was one of the last things he saw before being executed.

Our next and final stop is at Place de la Concorde. It is a short walk from Maurice Duplay’s house. This is most likely the path that was taken by the cart that carried Robespierre to the Place de la Concorde for his execution, so look around at your surroundings and think about how it was some of the last things that Robespierre saw before being guillotined. Walk North-West on Rue Saint-Honoré until you reach Rue Saint-Florentin. Take a left onto Rue Saint-Florentin and walk South-West until you reach the Place de la Concorde. This is where the guillotine was erected during the French Revolution by the new revolutionary government. The statue of Louis XV that was originally located there was taken away and the area was given the name “Place de la Révolution.” It was here that many significant figures like King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette and Robespierre were executed. Robespierre was a member of the Assembly, which served as the executive power of the French First Republic, and had once resided as president of it. On July 26^th, 1794, he gave a two-hour speech to the Assembly defending himself against charges of dictatorship and tyranny but it was to no avail. They soon declared him and others with him to be outlaws, which means Robespierre could be executed within 24 hours without trial after being verified. In his attempted flee of the troops that we sent after him, Robespierre tried to commit suicide with a pistol but ended up only shattering his lower jaw. In order to clear Robespierre’s neck, the executioner tore off the bandage that was holding his shattered jaw together. This caused him to give a loud and agonizing scream until the blade cut his head off and silenced him. Look around you and imagine the guillotine, the cheering crowds and all that Robespierre must have seen as he contemplated his impending death and screamed in pain. It’s a horrible picture to imagine.

Promenade - Julia Child

Julia Child’s Perfect Paris


Julia Child is undoubtedly one of the most famous chefs in the world. Her passion and drive to “master the art of French cooking” for herself and then proceed to bring fine French recipes and techniques to us “servant-less Americans” changed how we prepared a meal. In 2006 the book “My Life in France” by Julia Child was published which allowed people a glimpse of Julia Child’s time spent in Paris, France and it served as a accidental tour guide to Julia’s most visited and memorable places in Paris.

While watching the movie, “Julie & Julia” last summer and seeing all the beautiful scenery in Julia’s Paris, something struck me. I had always wanted to go to Paris for as long as I could remember so why hadn’t I gone? Julie had decided to pursue her passion in life as well as Julia, so I decided to follow suit. While still viewing the movie I purchased four Paris tour books, researched the Clemson in Paris program and promptly emailed Susan Clay. Thanks to Julie & Julia, I have finally lived out my dream and found a new movie to love.

Since the movie’s storyline came from the books”Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously” by Julie Powell and “My Life in France” by Julia Child we will be visiting the places depicted in both the movie and Julia Childs book. What is so wonderful about the places on this tour is that many of these places remain unchanged and are still Parisian institutions to this very day.


“Roo de Loo” Julia’s First Apartment in Paris
81 Rue de L’Universite- Start out at metro Solferino on line 12.Upon exiting the metro onto Rue de Solferino, walk towards Rue de L’Universite and take a left and you’ll find number 81 on your left.
We start our tour here in Julia and Paul Child’s first apartment in Paris, where they referred to the address as “roo de loo”. Upon arriving in France, Julia Child did not speak French and she could barely cook. After realizing she needed a hobby to occupy her time while her husband was at work, she enrolled in classes at Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu (the original)

24 Rue du Champs de Mars- from Julias apartment, continue walking straight on R de l”Unisersite and make a left onto Ave. du Mal Gallieni. Turn right onto Pl. des Invalides. Pl. des Invalides becomes Rue Fabert. Turn right onto Rue de Grenelle. Turn left onto Ave. Bosquet Turn right onto Rue du Champs de Mars and number 24 is on the right.

On the way to our next stop, you will catch a glimpse of the Pont Alexandre III and Hotel des Invalides.

Here we will find the original building for Le Cordon Bleu. It was moved to the 15th arr. But it was here where Julia learned to become the French chef that we all know and love. Julia was one of the first women to introduce French culinary techniques that were taught to her at Le Cordon Bleu to the American public. Julie Powell was presented with an honorary Le Cordon Bleu diploma for her dedication and passion in her culinary pursuits.

Brasserie Lipp

151 Blvd St. Germain- From 24 Rue du Champs de Mars, go back to Pl. des Invalides and walk straight through until it becomes Rue de Grenelle and follow that to ue du Bac and make a left. Then turn right onto Blvd St. Germain and continue walking until you see Les Deux Magots on your right.

Brasserie Lipp is where Julia and Paul would often come and get oysters and wine.

Les Deux Magots

6 Place St. Germain des Pres- Continue up Blvd St. Germain and make a left on Place St. Germain des Pres and you will see Les Deux Magots.

This is where Julia and Paul went on their first Saturday in Paris and ordered café complet. They then continued to visit this historic institution and this is often where they would start their day. Ernest Hemingway was also known to frequented Les Deux Magots as well as Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.



E. Dehillerin

18-20 Rue Coquillere- Continue up Place St. Germain des Pres on to Rue Bonaparte. Cross the street, and to your right you’ll see Pont Des Arts. Cross and continue across the street and then go right. Make a left onto Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny which turns into Rue du Louvre. Follow that until you see Rue Coquillere on your right.
On the walk over, you will go on the Pont des Arts which contains locks with hopes for lasting love all over the bridge. You will also catch a glimpse of the Louvre.

This is the legendary shop where Julia stocked up on all of her kitchen tools, like her copper pots. Although the store is featured in the film, it does not even begin to capture the sheer size of this time honored institution. It is mostly for restaurants and hobby chefs like Julia so it is not your typical Williams Sonoma but it is heaven for any kitchen enthusiast

Promenade avec Mlle Elizabeth!

Bonjour !

Je m’appelle Elizabeth Emanuel. Aujourd’hui, nous allons faire une promenade comme le film « The Pink Panther. » Ce film est mon favori. Je l’aime parce-ce que Steve Martin est mon acteur préfère. Le raison pour ca est parce-ce que j’aime l’émission de télévision « Saturday Night Live. » L’émission est la raison pourquoi je connais Steve Martin. Après les saisons de SNL, il a joué le rôle du gens d’armes français, Inspecteur Jacques Clouseau. Quand je suis en Paris, je vais regarder les sites qui a l’histoire de « The Pink Panther. » Ce film est mon favori, mais il y a une relation de la culture des français. Dans le film, les sites qui sont les plus célèbres sont en vedette. Ce film a inspirée moi apprendre français. Une scène dans le film, a une vedette de l’Inspecteur Clouseau essayant de se prononcer le mot « hamburger. » Quand j’ai vu ce scène, il est important à moi apprendre le langue français, mais pas comme Inspecteur Clouseau. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCDhvbQFmU

En français, ce film s’appelle « Le Panthère Rose. » Quand le film était nouveau, il y a deux versions. Le film en italienne, qui s’appelle « Le Pantera Rosa » et le film américain, « The Pink Panther. » L’histoire de ce topique est complexée. La sériés a commencé en 1963 quand Blake Edwards (mort en 2010) a écrit les films. Dans la sériés, il y a onze films. Dans ces films, il y a des caractères qui sont importante au sériés. Le premier caractère est Inspecteur Jacques Clouseau. Clouseau est un idiot, mais il est supérieur dans la résolution des crimes. Dans ces comédies, Clouseau a une adversaire. Inspecteur Dreyfus. Pour cette promenade, nous faisions attention aux films « The Pink Panther » et « The Pink Panther 2. » La raison pour ce choix est-que ces films sont les deux qui sont les plus récents.

Pour le rôle de Inspecteur Clouseau, acteur Steve Martin a joué ce caractère. Le rôle de Inspecteur Dreyfus a joué par Kevin Kline. (Dans « The Pink Panther 2 » John Cleese a joué le rôle de Inspecteur Dreyfus.) Aussi, l’acteur français qui s’appelle Jean Reno a joué le rôle de Ponton. Les rôles qui ne sont pas principales sont Nicole Durant (l’actrice est Emily Mortimer) et Xania (l’actrice est chanteuse Beyoncé Knowles.) J’ai choisis parler sur ces films parce-qu’ils sont les plus significat à moi, et il a le plus grand impact sur la culture de Paris, et les français.

Il y a sept sites dans la promenade. Quand nous promenons, je vais parler dans ces sujets : l’erreurs dans ces films, l’historie de « The Pink Panther » et l’impact sur la culture de Paris.

Notre visite commence à la Préfecture de Police en Paris. Clouseau travaille dans la Préfecture de Police en Paris. Cette location est ou Inspecteur Dreyfus travaille aussi. A la commence du film, Dreyfus a dit à son assistant trouver un gens-d’armes qui est une imbécile. La raison est parce-ce que si l’imbécile ne peut pas trouver le criminel, quand Dreyfus le trouve, c’est bien pour Dreyfus. Il va gagner le médaillé d’honneur. (Il a nominées sept fois.) Une erreur dans ce films est quand Dreyfus a parlé dans le commencent du film, il y a une microphone visible au-dessus de la tête de Dreyfus.

Maintenant, on y va. Tournez gauche sur le « Quai du Marche Neuf. » Tournez droit sur « Rue de la Cité. » C’est le premier droit. Continuez sur le Petit Pont est tournez droit sur le « Quai Saint-Michel. » Tournez droit sur le « Pont St. Michel. » C’est rue est la même de Boulevard du Palais. Le Palais de Justice en Paris est dans la gauche.

Quand Inspecteur Clouseau commence la case, il a visité la Palais de Justice de Paris. C’est dans la scène quand Clouseau a dit (au criminel) que « Je vais vous trouver. » Il n’y a personne qui pensent qu’ Clouseau est le meilleur gens d’armes pour ce travaille.

On y va. Continuez en le Boulevard du Palais. Tournez gauche au « Quai de la Corse. » Continuez sur la rue « Quai de l’Horloge. » Tournez droit et vous êtes sur le Pont Neuf. (Vous passez par le Conciergerie ! Prenez-vous les photos !)

Ponton est Clouseau sont des partenaires, est dans un scène en le film (les deux films, mais pour ce promenade, « The Pink Panther. »), ils promènent sur le Pont Neuf. Ils ont parlé au sujet du crime. Bizu, le joueur de football, est mort. Aussi, le crime est le mort de Yves Gluant. Yves Gluant était le coache de la français quand ils jouent les chinoise pour le gagne en football. Yves Gluant a ballé dans la nuque après la victoire du français. Une erreur dans le film est la couleur des uniformes. Dans le film, il sont bleu est blanche. Ce n’est pas correct, parce-ce que ce ne sont pas les couleurs de l’équipe français. Aussi, dans le match, les avertissements sont à l’envers. Je vais parler des erreurs quand nous sommes arrêtes pour un moment. Quand ils promènent sur le Pont Neuf, ils essayer de résoudre la crime. Ca c’est pourquoi nous commençons cette promenade ici.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ob-AW5UAtZXc2LVhPH7SXn6bCIKF0REbmlP3Z8sEK9k359uiZJ1qk3zrzGdMXN9DuNI-oSJB0LNShiM3TH7XLnKGGodPcNYRN5-KFF7wZOmtEWUpzQtQQQh3AHI6-vLWxEPgVxiBp-M/s1600/Pont_Neuf_Paris.jpg

C’est possible que vous connaissez, mais les premier trois arrêtes dans ce promenade sont près de l’ile de la cité. C’est pratique pour nous, parce-ce que les locations dans le film sont près des autres.

On y va. Tournez droit sur le « Quai de Conti. » Continuez et vous passez pars le Pont des Arts. Si vous avez une clé, l’attacher sur le pont. Jeter la clé dans la Seine, et d’écrire vos initiaux sur la touche. Prenez des photos. Ce n’est pas une partie de notre rendez-vous. Continuez sur le Quai Malaquais. (C’est la même direction du « Quai de Conti ».) Continuez sur le « Quai Voltaire. » Vous passez par Pont Royal. Tournez droit sur le « Quai d’Orsay. » Vous promenez sur un pont. Continuez et vous êtes sur la Place de le Concorde.

Maintenant, nous allons promener. Alors que nous marchons, je parlerai sur le sujet de la culture de « The Pink Panther » franchise. Comme une œuvre d’art, les films Pink Panther, sont amusants. Depuis la sortie du film, il y a eu des braquages des bijoux de nombreux dans la ville de Paris. One comprend une chaine de 200 braquages accompli par un groupe de voleurs connus qu’ les voleurs Pink Panthers. Ils ont vole plus de 200 millions euros de bijouterie dans toute l’Europe. En 2009 les voleurs ont été pris à Paris. Ils s’appellent Nicolaï Ivanoic et Zoran Kostic.

Maintenant, nous passons par le Place de la Concorde. Cette place est dans le film, il y a des transitions qui ont filmé ici. Prenez les photos, est après ca nous allons continuer avec le promenade.

On y va. Continuez sur la rue « Avenue des Champs-Élysées. » Vous passez le Grand Palais sur votre gauche, tournez droit. Continuez, vous passez par « l ‘Avenue Gabriel » et continuez. Le Palais de l’Élysée est sur votre droit.

Nous sommes ici, à la Élysées Palais. Cet immeuble est ou la balle des présidents est. Dans le film, Clouseau et Ponton ne sont pas invités parce-ce que Dreyfus vas arrêter l’homme d’affaires chinois. Xania chantais ici quand Clouseau a réalisé que le meurtrier est Yuri (il est le formateur de l’équipe français) et il veut tuer Xania. Il est responsable des morts de Gluon et Bizu. Clouseau et Ponton entre le balle et s’habiller comme les rideaux. Ils sont ensuite capturés pas un gens-d’armes, et parce-ce que ca, ils faire semblant d’être des danseurs. Ils arrêter le mort de Xania, et commence avec l’arrestation de Yuri. Pendant ce temps, Dreyfus prétend que tout cela était son idée. Clouseau remporte le médaillé d’honneur.

On y va. Tournez gauche sur « l’Avenue de Marigny » près du « Avenue Gabriel. » Tournez droit sur « l’Avenue des Champs Élysées. » Continuez pour cinq minutes. Tournez gauche sur « le Place de Charles de Gaulle. » Prenez les photos. Apres ca, prenez le deuxième droit sur « l ‘Avenue Hoche. » Continuez, et tournez droit sur « Rue Beaujon. » Il y a une autre gauche sur « Avenue Bertie Albrecht. » C’est sur le droit.

Maintenant, nous promenons à l’Arc de Triomphe. L’arc de Triomphe est un symbole de la victoire de Napoléon. Ca c’est signifiant dans le contexte de ce film. Clouseau est victorieux dans la capture du meurtrier. Au début du film, Clouseau il conduit sur le Champs-Élysées. Cela montre la culture de Paris. Il rend la ville plus remarquable pour les citoyens d’Amérique. Cela a un impact de la culture, car elle symbolise la victoire, et rend la ville plus d’un point de reconnaissable. La plupart des gens pensent que « The Pink Panther » ne contienne pas de symbolisme ou l’histoire. Cela prouve qu’ils ne sont plus d’un culturel sur le film. Prenez les photos, et on y va !

On y va. Tournez droit sur « l’Avenue Hoche. » Prenez le premier droit sur « la Rue de Faub. Saint-Honoré. » Tournez gauche sur « l ‘Avenue de Friedland. » Tournez droit sur « le rue du Faub. » Tournez droit « l’Avenue Franklin Delanoë Roosevelt. » Tournez droit et vous étés sur les Champs Élysées. Continuez et prenez le premier droit sur « l ‘Avenue Montaigne. » Tournez gauche sur « Pl. de l’Alma. » Continuez et tournez gauche sur le Quai Branly. Tournez gauche sur « l’Avenue de Suffren. » Apres ca, tournez gauche sur « l’Avenue Octave Greard. » Et continuez sur « l’Avenue Gustave Eiffel. »

Enfin, nous avons atteint la ligne d’arrivée de la randonnée. Nous sommes à la Tour Eiffel. Il y a plus des scènes dans « The Pink Panther » lorsque la Tour Eiffel est montré. Par exemple, les scènes ou Clouseau se promené souvent des vues de la tour Eiffel. Au début du film, in conduit par la Tour. Ca c’est une autre symbole du film. C’est ici ou nous discutons un erreurs du film.

Il y a une scène dans le film où Clouseau gare sa voiture. Il épaves a deux reprises. La voiture de police qui est montré est différente dans les deux coups de la même scène. Nous avons marché autour de six miles, et a beaucoup appris sur l’histoire, la culture, et lest erreurs du film « The Pink Panther. » J’espère que vous avez vous amusez. Reposer vos pieds ! Au revoir, bon journée !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZvI9WLi1Kg

Promenade: Jardin du Luxembourg

Every day I pass it. It’s right outside my house. It’s my front yard. It’s also the second largest garden park in Paris. It’s the Garden of Luxembourg. This beautiful garden attracts many people every day, whether to sail boats, picnic, or simply marvel at the gardens undeniable magnificence. But to me, it’s my own personal backyard where I can go and just reflect and feel at peace.

The Garden of Luxembourg is located in the 6^th arrondissement. The park is the garden of the French Senate, which is housed in the Luxembourg Palace. Wandering the Garden is a free and frugal way to participate in a slice of French culture.

1. Take the metro to Luxembourg (RER B). You should see the gates to the garden across the street, directly in front of you and you should see a fountain in the center of the street (if not, you came out the wrong end of the metro, just keep walking straight ahead). Cross the street and enter through the first entrance gate.

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2. Keep walking straight and you should see the Grand Bassin. It’s a octagonal pond (this will be your center point). You can watch children sail rented boats or play games of chess and Jeux de Boules. I come here just to enjoy the view, as there are seats surrounding this area. Sail boats can be rented Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and on school holidays from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in winter and until 7 p.m. in summer.

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3. Looking to your right, it’s hard not to miss the Palais du Luxembourg which houses the French Senate. The palace has very striking architecture. The name of the palace comes from Francois du Luxembourg, who owned the mansion in the 16^th century. Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France and regent of King Louis XIII of France, bought the estate in 1625. Though you can’t go inside, you can visit the Senate (Palais du Luxembourg) once in the year during the open-door week-end (Journées du Patrimoine) in September.

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4. Standing directly infront of the Palais du Luxembourg, you will see two different walks ways. One on your right and one on your left. Go to the walk way on your right. You will see a long water runaway path, leading up to a fountain. This is the Medici Fountain. It was built in about 1630 by Marie de Medici. It was designed by a community of Florence artists. It really shows how Italians influenced Paris is the 17^th century. The fountain is perfect place for a photo op!

5. Coming straight out off the walk way, back in front of the Palais, go to the other walkway on the left. Going through the walkway, you will see the Petit Luxembourg and its garden. This building is the original mansion occupied by Frances de Luxembourg. Marie de Medici built a new palace which eventually became known as the Grand Luxembourg and the old mansion became known as the Petit Luxembourg.

6. Keep going straight through the walkway and you will see tennis courts and a little garden for kids 6 and under. There’s also large children's playground with a carousel located nearby. If you’re coming with kids this is great place to take them!

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7. Our last stop on this tour is the Musee de Luxembourg located directly on your left (on the right should be the children’s garden). The museum doesn’t house permanent collections; it’s a exhibition space that presents different artists twice a year! So there’s always something new to see, even if you’ve been there before. The exhibitions here are usually very successful because the works found here are rare, and arouse a variety of emotions in those who come to see them!

All in all, there is a lot to see in the Garden of Luxembourg that cannot be fit in a tour, but a day by day experience to enjoy it all. Everytime I come there I see something new. Go exploring, get lost, have a picnic! There is lot’s to see/do in this park. This is just my personal tour of my little (ok, not really) backyard!