Author Archives: MaNi

Hotel de Sens, Paris – not as it seems

Hotel de Sens, Paris – not as it seems. The Hotel de Sens in the 4th arrondissement of Marais in Paris, France, is not as it seems. It is not a hotel.  The Hotel de Sens is a medieval mansion that now holds the Forney Art Library. It was built as a hotel in 1345 forContinue reading “Hotel de Sens, Paris – not as it seems”

La Rotonde renovations, June 2020 – still a sign of the times

La Rotonde renovations, June 2020 – still a sign of the times. There is no direct mention of James Joyce visiting La Rotonde brasserie on the Boulevard du Montparnasse, nor is it mentioned in any of his books. It is on the edge of the 6th arrondissement, where the 14th arrondissement begins. Facing La Rotonde isContinue reading “La Rotonde renovations, June 2020 – still a sign of the times”

Paris Left Breathless – The Beatles and Club Castel in 1965

Paris Left Breathless – The Beatles and Club Castel in 1965. The famous Club Castel on rue Princesse (Princess Street) in Paris continues its nightclub tradition – but nowadays there is more emphasis on the bar and restaurant. Jean Castel established Castel in 1961 as a private nightclub for the rich and famous. It wasContinue reading “Paris Left Breathless – The Beatles and Club Castel in 1965”

Liberty Leading the People – Delacroix’s famous painting

Liberty Leading the People – Delacroix’s famous painting. “Liberty Leading the People” is certainly Eugène Delacroix’s most well-known painting, and perhaps of any French artist. It is housed in The Louvre in Paris. Painted in 1830, it depicts the French people, particularly Parisians, marching under the tricolour French flag, representing liberty, equality, and fraternity. It’sContinue reading “Liberty Leading the People – Delacroix’s famous painting”