#Marais District Paris
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goingplacesfarandnear · 9 months ago
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4 Days in Paris: Wandering the Marais District Highlights Day 3
Paris’ Marais District is a colorful combination of trendy cafes, a mélange of architecture, and historic sites © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com On the third and last full day of my stay in Paris, I could have planned a visit to Versailles, but I just want a day to wander without a plan. Still, I have on my list several…
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dlyarchitecture · 2 years ago
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official-penis-posts · 1 month ago
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In Paris gays district (le marais) there’s a bakery that does phallic bread
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desirees-world18 · 5 months ago
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An Affair- Antoine Lambert
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Show: Emily in Paris
Pairing: Antoine Lambert x OC
Warnings: minors DNI 🔞. cussing, smut, fingering, p in v, unprotected sex, begging, overstimulation, cheating, affair, and age gap. i think i got everything if not please let me know so it can be added. this is my very first written post on here so please be nice but critiques are always appreciated :)
NSFW content underneath line. enjoy:)
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Anastasia Kingston had always dreamed of moving to Paris. The allure of the City of Love or The City of Lights, with its charming cafés, beautiful architecture, and rich history, had captivated her since she was a child. So, when she received a job offer from Savoir, a prestigious marketing firm in Paris, she jumped at the opportunity. It was a chance to leave her small town in England behind and start anew in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
With a mixture of excitement and nerves, Anastasia arrived in Paris on a crisp autumn morning. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the distant hum of city life. Her new apartment, a quaint studio in the Marais district, was everything she had hoped for-cozy, stylish, and quintessentially Parisian.
On her second week at Savoir, Anastasia was introduced to some of the clients they had been working with. Among them was Antoine Lambert, a charismatic and strikingly handsome man with an easy smile and an air of confidence. Antoine was the owner of Maison Lavaux, a perfume company renowned for its luxurious scents. Known for his charm and persuasive skills, he quickly caught Anastasia's attention.
One afternoon, Anastasia, Antoine, Sylvie, Luc, Julian, and Emily gathered in the Savoir conference room to discuss new scents for Maison Lavaux. The meeting was intense, filled with debates and discussions. Finally, it was Anastasia who convinced Antoine on the new perfume scent. Impressed and relieved, Antoine decided to celebrate. "How about dinner to celebrate your brilliant idea?"
Antoine asked Anastasia with a twinkle in his eye after the meeting had concluded. Anastasia hesitated but then agreed, feeling a flutter of excitement. They found themselves at a chic bistro, sharing a bottle of Bordeaux and talking long into the night. As they sipped their wine and exchanged lingering glances, the tension between them reached its peak.
Unable to resist any longer, they found themselves entwined in a passionate embrace, kissing as if the world around them had ceased to exist. Their affair began that night when Anastasia invited him back to her apartment. As they entered her cozy studio, Antoine pulled her into a passionate kiss, which quickly turned into a heated make-out session. His hands roamed her body, while hers wrapped around his neck.
He placed his hands on her hips, moving them against his growing bulge, causing her to break the kiss and moan. "You have no idea how long l've been waiting for this," he whispered, still moving her hips against him. He pulled her shirt over her head, kissing down her chest as Anastasia's moans grew more frequent and her movements more frantic. He paused to unbutton his shirt, tossing it aside, and Anastasia did the same with her bra.
He took her nipple into his mouth, alternating between her breasts, eliciting more moans from her. "Fuck, Antoine," Anastasia moaned, grinding her pant-covered core against him. Antoine pulled away from her chest to pull down his pants, and she followed suit, both discarding their bottoms, leaving only their underwear.
Antoine lowered Anastasia onto his covered erection, grinding her against him. Anastasia moved faster, pressing down harder as she felt her release approaching. One of her hands tangled in his hair, pulling at it and eliciting a low moan from him. He curled his finger upward, slowly thrusting it in and out. "I think you can handle another one," he murmured. Anastasia nodded quickly, desperate for more. He added a second finger, curling both upward before thrusting them deeper.
"What's wrong? Do you have to come?" he teased. "Y-yes, please let me come," Anastasia begged, and Antoine shook his head with a smirk. He added another finger, thrusting faster, her legs starting to spasm again. She finally released all over his fingers, which he slowly withdrew, bringing them to his mouth. "You made quite the mess," Antoine remarked, sucking her juices from his fingers while maintaining eye contact. He pulled her into a kiss, letting her taste herself on his tongue.
He then removed her panties and his boxers, tossing them aside. Antoine ran his tip through her folds, lubing himself up before pulling Anastasia closer by her hips. He lifted her and slowly lowered her onto his cock, ensuring she felt every inch and vein. Once fully inside, he let go of her hips, allowing her to adjust to his size. "Show me how good you can ride my cock, sweet girl," Antoine urged, leaning his head back with a smirk.
She lifted herself almost to the tip before lowering herself back down, riding him harder and faster. When Anastasia started growing tired, Antoine wrapped his hands onto her hips, planted his feet onto the floor, and started roughly pounding up into her. Anastasia moaned out in shock but when she leaned her upper body back, they both moaned out as his cock hit even deeper than before.
By the time they were done, they had gone multiple rounds, tried multiple positions, and had multiple orgasms. Their encounters were filled with a mix of exhilaration and guilt. Anastasia knew Antoine was married, but she couldn't deny the magnetic pull she felt towards him. Antoine, for his part, was equally captivated by Anastasia, finding in her a sense of excitement and freshness that had been missing in his life. Months passed, and their clandestine relationship grew more intense.
They would steal moments together whenever they could, always careful to keep their affair hidden from their colleagues and, most importantly, Antoine's wife, Catherine. One afternoon, as Anastasia and Antoine lay tangled in each other's arms in her apartment, Antoine's phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it and froze, his face draining of color. "It's Catherine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She knows." Panic surged through Anastasia. "What are we going to do?" she asked, her mind racing with the possible consequences. "We need to talk to her," Antoine replied, his tone resolute but calm. "I'll handle it." Later that evening, Antoine returned home to find Catherine waiting for him. Her expression was composed, almost serene. "Antoine," she began, "I know about you and Anastasia."
Antoine braced himself for an onslaught of anger and accusations, but to his surprise, Catherine remained calm. "I've known for a while," she continued. "And I've had time to think about it. I'm not angry, Antoine. In fact, I'm relieved." Relieved? Antoine couldn't believe his ears. "What do you mean?" he asked, bewildered. Catherine took a deep breath. "Our marriage has been more of a partnership than a romance for some time now. I've come to realize that I want more from life, and so do you. If Anastasia makes you happy, then I won't stand in the way. I approve."
Antoine was stunned. He had never expected this reaction. Catherine's understanding and acceptance felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. He nodded, gratitude and relief flooding through him. The next day, Antoine shared Catherine's response with Anastasia. She was equally shocked but felt a sense of relief and hope for the future. Their relationship, once shrouded in secrecy and guilt, now had a chance to flourish openly.
With Catherine's blessing, Anastasia and Antoine continued their romance, their bond growing stronger each day. Anastasia's life in Paris had taken an unexpected turn, but she embraced it with open arms, knowing that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.
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hopefulkidshark · 10 months ago
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The Place des Vosges, originally the Place Royale, is the oldest planned square in Paris, France. It is located in the Marais district, and it straddles the dividing-line between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. Wikipedia
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beatmyfeet · 1 year ago
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FLR: Led by Her, Flourishing Together
In the heart of Paris, nestled in the serene Marais district, Adèle ran a bookstore specializing in feminist literature. Every shelf brimmed with volumes on women's empowerment, feminine prowess, and the gender revolution. The place had become a sanctuary for many souls seeking answers and fresh perspectives.
On a crisp autumn day, as the wind playfully twirled the golden leaves outside, Lucas, a history professor, stepped into the store. Driven by curiosity, he sought resources for a new course he was designing on the evolution of gender roles across the ages.
As Lucas was skimming through a book, Adèle approached to suggest some of her favorite titles. A spirited conversation ensued. Adèle, with her profound knowledge of the subject, and Lucas, with his eager thirst for learning, found an innate harmony between them.
Their friendship swiftly blossomed into love. As they got to know one another, Lucas was taken by Adèle's strength and resolve. She, on the other hand, appreciated Lucas's willingness to question established norms and embrace a fresh outlook on life and love.
They naturally drifted into an FLR dynamic. Adèle, with her assertive nature and desire to lead, became the dominant figure in their relationship. Lucas, recognizing her strength and wisdom, was more than happy to follow, finding an unexpected freedom in this setup.
Led by her, their relationship flourished. They learned together, supported each other in their aspirations, and built a life rich in love and mutual understanding. Far from being confined by traditional roles, they found that true strength lies in adaptability, trust, and shared growth.
Over time, Adèle's bookstore not only remained a hub for literary discovery but also became a place where many couples sought insights and perspectives on FLR relationships. Adèle and Lucas, with their inspiring tale, became a beacon of a love that transcends norms, proving that when led by the heart, anything is possible.
In the vast landscape of human relationships, the FLR (Female-Led Relationship) stands out as a testament to the evolving nature of love, trust, and partnership. Rooted in the idea that the female partner takes the primary leadership role, an FLR challenges traditional gender roles, empowering women while creating a harmonious balance between partners. "Led by her, flourishing together" captures the essence of this dynamic, a phrase that celebrates mutual growth and interdependence.
Empowerment & Leadership
Traditionally, society has often viewed men as the default leaders, not only in the workplace but in the confines of the home as well. The emergence of the FLR, however, offers a refreshing shift. By consciously choosing to let the woman lead, couples are making a powerful statement. It's not about subverting the status quo for the sake of it, but recognizing that a woman's leadership can be just as valuable, strategic, and nurturing as that of a man's.
Trust & Vulnerability
For an FLR to thrive, an unparalleled degree of trust and vulnerability must exist. The male partner, stepping away from the expected role of leader, places his trust in the hands of his female counterpart. This surrender isn't a sign of weakness, but of strength. Recognizing that trust is a two-way street, the female partner must also understand the weight of her leadership and ensure that it's exercised with love, respect, and fairness.
Growth & Interdependence
"Flourishing together" isn’t just a hopeful ideal—it's a tangible outcome of many FLRs. With distinct roles and responsibilities, partners can focus on their strengths, which often leads to personal growth and a stronger relationship foundation. Instead of getting caught in power struggles, couples can channel their energies into mutual goals and shared dreams. The beauty of an FLR is that even though one partner leads, both individuals grow—personally, professionally, and romantically.
Conclusion
The FLR is more than just a relationship dynamic—it's a reflection of the changing tides in our understanding of gender, power, and love. It proves that leadership doesn't have a gender, and that by embracing new paradigms, we can find harmony and balance. "Led by her, flourishing together" isn't just a statement—it's a beacon for all couples looking for a roadmap to mutual respect and growth.
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callimara · 1 year ago
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The Setting
Bougainville
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A quaint town with a population of 10,000. Located in the Pas-de-Calais department of Northern France, it is an amalgamation of days past and modern times; preserving its original construction from 150 years ago while intertwining with modern-day advancements.
History
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The town was founded in the late 1800s by Olivier Bougainvillea: a renowned physicist from Paris who led a scientific expedition to the area that would later be known as Bougainville. The goal of his expedition was to study unusual electromagnetic radiations within the area. He set up a research base that would inadvertently grow with the influx of scientists and researchers Bougainvillea recruited to participate in his research. The growing scale of Bougainvillea's research necessitated better infrastructure and living facilities; resulting in the arrival of more labor for construction. The rapid influx of people now requiring long-term accommodation in the area demanded more housing, and soon the base had transformed into a small hamlet. Thus, began the settlement of Bougainville. As time passed, the families of the workers and researchers had relocated to the area; operating independent businesses to fill demands such as clothing, food, and other essential supplies. And as the economy grew, so did the settlement. More merchants and businesses settled in the hamlet, and soon, what was once a research base became the town of Bougainville: named after the lead scientist that pioneered the settlement of the area and powered the town with his discoveries and innovations. In honour of his legacy, Bougainvillea flowers line the front of almost every street, creating a beautiful sight at every turn.
Geography
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Bougainville has Calais to the north, Le Portel to the west, Lumbres to the east, and Desvres to the south. It is nestled adjacent to the Parc naturel regional des caps et marais d’Opale. As such, lazily drifting fog and chilly weather are a permanent fixture in the small town, perfectly complementing its slow, leisurely lifestyle. A river divides the town into two sides: West and East. Western Bougainville is its central business district; housing the entertainment district and the shopping district; as well as the town hall, Bougainville bank, and police station. Eastern Bougainville is the town’s health and education district; being the location of Bougainvillea University, Bougainville General Hospital, and the Bougainvillea Foundation’s central laboratory; which is open to the public as a science museum. To the north of the town is the Emilie Francoise Nature Reserve, which is 1000 acres of protected marshland and forest. It is also here that the Bougainvillea Power Plant is located; which provides electricity to the entire town.
The Bougainvillea Foundation
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A multinational conglomerate with subsidiaries in a variety of industries.
Including, but not limited to:
pharmaceuticals
medical equipment
electronics
non-profit organizations
military equipment
firearms.
Central Laboratory
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One of the crowning jewels of Bougainville, the Bougainvillea central laboratory is a marvel of modern engineering. From its humble beginnings as a research tent, it is now the primary location for all of the Bougainvillea Foundation’s science exhibitions. Thus, it is a famous field trip destination for many educational institutes. It is the oldest and largest lab of the Bougainvillea Foundation. It has contributed much to the lifestyle advancements in Bougainville by: supplying power; being the primary supplier of medicine, medical supplies, and funds the Bougainville healthcare system; and founding Bougainvillea University.
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Bougainvillea University
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Founded in the honor of Olivier Bougainvillea for his contributions to modern science and the founding of Bougainville, Bougainvillea University strives to shape brilliant minds that will pave the way to innovation and discovery. Graduates of this university may receive highly coveted employment with the Bougainvillea Foundation.
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Bougainville General Hospital
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From its humble beginnings as a small 3-bed health clinic, the facility has grown to an impressive 300-bed general hospital with an emergency department and specialist operating theatres. Though it has maintained its original exterior, its interior has been refurbished with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities thanks to the generous donations of the Bougainvillea Foundation.
Shopping District
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The location of most of the shops in Bougainville. It is the most popular tourist and student destination in town, boasting an array of grocers, book stores, bakeries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and wineries.
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Entertainment District
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The centre of Bougainville’s nightlife, this area is where most of Bougainville’s adult recreational businesses are located. From bars, taverns, and billiard, to nightclubs, strip clubs and gambling.
Emilie Francoise Nature Reserve
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Named after the town founder’s wife and fellow scientist, Emilie Francoise nature reserve is 1000 acres of protected marshland and forest. The reserve is a popular hiking and camping destination for locals and visitors alike. In honor of Olivier Bougainvillea's beloved wife, fellow scientist, and Parisian ecologist, the nature reserve aims to continue the conservation efforts of Emilie Francoise Bougainvillea in protecting the town’s natural landscape.
Key Locations
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Luna Lake A crystalline lake that is 30 km wide that reflects the sky like a mirror. At night time, it seems to hold the moon on its surface. It is populated by diverse aquatic life, making it a popular fishing spot.
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Bellevue Valley A valley covered with flowers all year long. Different flowers bloom during different seasons and months.
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Celine Falls The biggest, most scenic water fall in the nature reserve
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Labyrinthe Marshland The largest marshland in the nature reserve and home to a diverse population of wildlife.
The Underground
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There are whispers of an underground black market where illicit goods and services are distributed. Though its location is largely unknown…
▶ Wildward Master Post
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damnamour · 5 months ago
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Hey so I'm from the US and I was wondering what it's like being lgbt in france? I've never been abroad and I'm so curious! Do you guys have big queer cafe/bookstore culture too? Or fave gay tv shows? Or big pride celebrations? Are people more accepting in cities vs rural areas? I live in a big metropolitan city and even here there are places I'd prefer not to be "out", but also Americans aren't big on PDA in general. Hope this doesn't feel invasive- pls ignore if so!
hi! being lgbt here is generally positive, especially in cities like paris with a strong queer culture, cafes, bookstores, and pride events. in paris there is a famous district "le marais" which is full of lgbt stores, cafes ect.
you'll see plenty of gay characters in french soaps (more lesbians than gays surprisingly) but less in tv shows.. cities areas are generally more accepting than rural ones, kinda like in the us! pda is more accepted in france, but it can depend on where you are.. there are some cities where i would never do it!
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whatpandorasaw · 1 year ago
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Clock of the church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, Marais district, Paris, France
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pariswitch · 2 years ago
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Exploring the Magical Bookshops of Paris 📚🔮
Paris is known for its charming bookshops and literary culture, but did you know that the city is also home to some truly magical bookstores? From occult tomes to spell books to tarot decks, these bookshops are a must-visit for any witch traveling to the City of Love.
One of my favorite bookshops is La Magie du Livre, located in the heart of the Marais district. This cozy store is filled with occult books, tarot decks, and other magical supplies. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, and there's often a tarot reader on hand for readings.
Another great bookshop is Le Bûcher de la Reine, which specializes in rare and hard-to-find magical texts. The store is small and intimate, and browsing its shelves is like stepping into a hidden corner of the magical world.
And of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to Shakespeare and Company, the iconic bookstore located on the Seine. While not specifically a magical bookshop, Shakespeare and Company has a long history of attracting literary and artistic types, and it's always a pleasure to browse its shelves and see what treasures I can find.
So if you're a witch visiting Paris, make sure to add these magical bookshops to your itinerary. You never know what hidden knowledge you might discover! 📚🔮
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goingplacesfarandnear · 8 months ago
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ego-856 · 9 months ago
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Paris: The Dream of a Dazzling City
Paris is renowned as one of the most romantic and enchanting cities in the world. With its atmosphere of love, historic streets, and stunning architecture, Paris offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Here are some treasure spots to discover in this magical city:
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The Legendary Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, this magnificent iron tower attracts millions of tourists every year. Climbing to the top to admire the breathtaking views of the city skyline is a must-do during your visit to Paris.
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Romantic Montmartre: Montmartre, one of Paris's bohemian and artistic neighborhoods, best reflects the city's vibrant and creative atmosphere. Famous for its colorful streets, art galleries, and quaint cafes, this area has been an inspiration for painters and writers alike. Take your time to explore this historic district with the backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for an unforgettable experience.
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The Louvre Museum: As one of the largest art museums in the world, the Louvre mesmerizes visitors with its collection of thousands of years of art history. Make sure to visit iconic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Hall of Sculptures, and the Venus de Milo. Lose yourself in the fascinating corridors of the Louvre, where the magic of art and history comes to life.
Chic Shopping: Paris is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. The Champs-Élysées Avenue hosts flagship stores of renowned global brands and is the epicenter of luxury shopping. Additionally, neighborhoods like Marais and Le Marais offer unique boutiques and antique shops waiting to be discovered.
Delicious Gastronomy: Parisian cuisine is filled with world-renowned delicacies. Bakeries and patisseries across the city offer fresh bread and pastries. Starting your day with a classic French breakfast of croissants and coffee at a café is an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to indulge in the most delicious dishes of French cuisine at various restaurants across the city.
Paris offers a unique experience to every visitor. In this enchanting city, you can find romance, history, and culture all in one place. With its legendary landmarks, delectable cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere, Paris is truly a city of dreams. Get ready to create unforgettable memories as you explore the splendor of this dazzling city.
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beardedmrbean · 6 months ago
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Speaking on Wednesday, prosecutors said the suspects were caught on security footage as they moved through Paris before "departing for Belgium from the Bercy bus station" in southeast Paris.
The investigators added that the suspects' bus reservations "had been made from Bulgaria".
On 14 May, red hands were found daubed on the Wall of the Righteous at the Paris Holocaust memorial, which lists 3,900 people honoured for saving Jews during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II.
Prosecutors are investigating damage to a protected historical building for national, ethnic, racial or religious motives.
Russia suspected of graffiti campaign
Similar tags were found elsewhere in the Marais district of central Paris, historically a centre of French Jewish life.
The hands echoed imagery used earlier this month by students demonstrating for a ceasefire in Israel's campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
Their discovery prompted a new wave of outrage over anti-Semitism.
In February, Paris' internal security service suspected Russia's FSB security service of being behind an October graffiti campaign tagging stars of David on Paris buildings.
A Moldovan couple was arrested in the case.
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goodgarbs · 9 months ago
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Design| Anti Public Library is Paris' New Book & Vinyl Store-Bar
View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANTI PUBLIC LIBRARY (@antipubliclibrary) In the heart of Paris’ Le Marais district, the hub for French artists and the art community, a rare bookstore and bar has surfaced. Dubbed Anti-Public Library, the new boutique-style location plays as an art bookstore and vinyl shop dedicated to many areas in art history. Lead by artist Henri Levy, this…
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robster2016 · 8 months ago
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Extraterrestrial Eden at Eventide
As the esteemed head of Galerie Lumière Céleste, nestled in the heart of Paris’s vibrant Le Marais district, it is with great pleasure that I, Étienne Lefèvre, offer my insights into the captivating oeuvre titled “Extraterrestrial Eden at Eventide,” an extraordinary otherworldly landscape painting. My tenure in the Parisian art world has been marked by an insatiable quest for works that defy the…
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argyrocratie · 9 months ago
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"Lola: It all began for us in the early days of 1971. A woman friend invited us to a meeting of the Women's Lib Movement ["MLF" in French]. The whole group went, but the boys had to stay in the café next door. Three of us walked in, plus that friend. We started by saying:
-Sorry, but, as far as we're concerned, we live as a group with boys, some are gay, others aren't totally gay, and we'd rather not be separated from the boys who fight these battles.
-We stand for gender-non-mixing.
-OK then…
I wouldn't say we were pleased. Then we took a look at ourselves: "Shit, see how badly dressed we are, don't we look down and out!!…" As a matter of fact, we did look like tramps compared to all these young women. And then we heard absurd statements such as "I am a Lesbian by political choice", until one of us, me probably, cried out:
-And not for pleasure, you idiot !?
Some time later, we heard about the birth of the FHAR [the Homosexual Front of Revolutionary Action]. Of course we rushed in headlong. We went there with our bunch of friends, we threw ourselves body and soul into this struggle: what attracted us was that it was not a homosexual liberation front, but a homosexual front for revolutionary action. We thought the same about Women's Lib: it's positive for groups to organise for specific causes, provided the specific is not there to stay, provided it eventually merges into the general revolutionary course - remember we believed revolution was round the corner. We were sure the existence of Women's Lib was important and positive, if it worked as a specific tool within a broader range of activities, i.e. if it was gender-mixed. Similarly, we thought the existence of the FHAR was important and positive, if it was also gender-mixed.
G.D.: Mixed in the sense that it was open to non-gays ?
Lola: That's right: open to all walks of life. In fact, the early FHAR supported polysexuality. At the time, we moved into a flat rue Charlemagne (in the Paris 4th district, the Marais area): lots of people would live there or come to sleep over, and the place became a sort of annex of the FHAR. This was where I met the very young man who later became Hélène Hazera. The FHAR had district committees, so we created the FHAR Marais committee. In those days, the Marais was a working class neighbourhood where you heard Yiddish on every street, we had no idea that the area would later morph into a hub of homosexual commodification. Our place became an awful mess where people debated, smoked pot, had mescaline, made love and intermingled, where the district committee held its meetings and prepared its actions. We kept proclaiming how free our sexuality was. I remember, I used to go out wearing big boots, naked under a cassock - a gorgeous dress. In short, we were engaged in permanent no-holds-barred provocation. We fucked in public places - we'd been doing it for a long time.
G.D.: What actions did you prepare ?
Lola: For instance, creating havoc in the ghetto. The gay ghetto, I mean: the specialised homo clubs. We'd go to the club door and tell the guys: "Get out of the closet !" Other actions too. One day, we heard that gay-bashing was taking place in the Buttes-Chaumont park. Some of our friends went. Suddenly gay-bashers were faced with a troop of screaming fairies - even those who weren't fairies overdid it a bit - and the homophobes got beaten up. That was fine. Bashing gay-bashers
(...)
G.D.: And what about class struggle ?
Lola: For us that was part and parcel of our life and activity… When friends happened to be working, we were involved in whatever occurred in their work-places. I personally was doing surveys. We'd become part of a sort of informal gathering of casual data-collectors - similar to what is now called a coordination - which met once a month. As all data-collectors were in intermittent employment, that gathering helped them register with the social security system, get unemployment benefits, etc. And it also provided information about the companies which mistreated us, how they tried to screw us, and how to fight back.
(...)
We acted where we worked. Unlike the gauchistes, we did not take action everywhere, we acted if we were called upon. When a friend of ours was employed somewhere and needed some help, we were ready. Wherever we worked, we were of course involved in struggles as soon as they occurred. That was our class struggle. In the post-68 situation, everything was being challenged. And as (despite our anti-work stand) we had to work now and again, we weren't inactive in the work-place.
We also did a lot of shop-lifting, we did "free check-out" actions. Often on the spur of the moment. We would decide "Let's go !", and we went. We were always on the go because our purpose was to exist as a group in order to be able to act. We helped abortions to take place, we provided shelter for very young people, one who'd run away from social services, another from a seminary, we housed various kinds of homeless guys. Daily life was a big issue.
For us, summer 71 was like an incredible Summer of Love. Anyone could land on our door-step, debate, fuck and use drugs a lot. This was when the Gazolines came into being: the following year, we marched together for the funeral of Pierre Overney, with the Gazolines dressed as merry widows. (14)
G.D.: This was 1972. The FHAR was launched at the beginning of 71, and you left…
Lola: …after about 5 or 6 months…
G.D.: …so this was all happening…
Lola: …in the blink of an eye.
G.D.: A year, at the most.
Lola: Less. Our communal life and all the rest of it… it was all in the blink of an eye"
-"Revisiting Sex and Class", On a gender-fluid childhood, May 68, women's lib, radical gays and Lesbians, identity, #MeToo, and a bit more: an interview with Lola Miesseroff
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