Images

Bye Bye Love Locks: A New Look for the Pont des Arts in Paris

It had become a must-do while visiting Paris with the beloved one. One could not leave the City of love without hanging a lock on the Pont des Arts, which is the pedestrian bridge leading to the Louvre and offering some of the most beautiful views in Paris; then one threw the key into the Seine as a proof of indestructible love.

Guess how many love locks had been hung this way? Betweeen 700,000 and one million, representing a total weight of… 45 tonnes! Unfortunately this was too much for the railing of the Pont des Arts and a piece of it fell into the Seine one year ago. Since then the Mayor of Paris has decided to have the locks removed.

This happened last week. No more love locks, which will be replaced by a glass railing next Autumn. Meantime a temporary railing has been painted especially by four famous international street artists: Two of them are French (Brusk, who painted ‘Love is the key’ and Jace); the other two are the Tunisian El Seed and the Portuguese Pantonio. Do not miss this street art exhibition on the Ponts des Arts, from now until October: It’s colourful, a bit quirky but highly photogenic!

And don’t be sad. Whereas the locks are going to be destroyed and recycled, the keys remain at the bottom of the Seine forever as witnesses of your indestructible love.

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr

Experience the Unique Atmosphere of Roland-Garros!

From today and for the two coming weeks Paris and the Parisians will live according to the performances of the tennismen and tenniswomen competing in Roland-Garros. Indeed the French Open is still as famous and magical. The main question this year is to know whether Rafael Nadal will win the tournament for the 10th time… or not!

Spending one day in Roland-Garros during the French Open is really something to do once in a lifetime if you happen to be in Paris during the tournament. The atmosphere is so relaxed that it is like a holiday far from everyday life. And for those who are fond of tennis attending a match has nothing to do with watching it on television… even on a big screen!

The tickets for the tournament are sold out. However one can still buy tickets for the outside courts either on Viagogo, the official ticket marketplace, or as evening visitors. Both are available on the official website of Roland-Garros. A good way to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the French Open and the many activities offered by the sport village.

Also to be mentioned: An exhibition of 22 pictures taken last year by the British photographer Steve Hiett and showing Roland Garros in blazing colours and with an unusual look is taking place at Paris Rendez Vous, in the Paris City Hall. And during the tournament all the matches will be broadcasted on a big screen located on the Champ de Mars in 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr

Practical information: Roland-Garros – French Open 24 May-7 June 2015

Metro Station of the Month: Pont-Neuf La monnaie (line 7)

Our Metro Station of the month is located in the first arrondissement of Paris, on Metro line 7: Pont-Neuf. Its complete name is indeed Pont-Neuf La monnaie.

What I like in this station is the beautiful reproduction of huge golden and silver coins which decorates not only the walls on both platforms but also the vault. This decor refers to the Hotel de la Monnaie, which is located on the left bank only a few meters walk from the metro way out after crossing the Seine. One can also admire on each subway platform a showcase in which the last creations of the Monnaie de Paris are displayed: currently a coin with Asterix and Obelix’s faces on it.

Back to earth: Do not miss the Hotel de la Monnaie of course, which shelters the Monnaie de Paris. It is presently being renovated and partially open. On 19 May 2015 the famous 3-star restaurant Guy Savoy is scheduled for being transferred from the 17th arrondissement to the Monnaie de Paris!

To get there cross the Seine on the Pont-Neuf which is… the oldest bridge in Paris, unlike its name! When it was built in the second part of 16th century, the Pont-Neuf was really new as it was the first bridge with sidewalks and without houses on it. It is today one of the most beautiful bridges accross the Seine in Paris and was made famous by Christo who wrapped it in 1985 or by film directors, such as Léos Carax with its remarkable movie ‘Les Amants du Pont-Neuf ‘(1991).

Practical information : Website of the RATP

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr