This Sunday marks exactly one year since I learned of the American artist Faith Ringgold while roving around Paris. After returning home, I wrote about the special exhibit at Le Musée Picasso that introduced me to her work. She died last week at age 93. So this week, I thought… Continue reading The post The Fanciful and Poignant “French Collection” of Faith Ringgold appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

The truth can be painful, especially for those dedicated to revealing it. French political cartoonist, Corinne Rey aka Coco, must once again worry about her safety. Last month, one of France’s leading newspapers La Libération posted a controversial drawing by Coco on its X (formerly Twitter) feed. The drawing is… Continue reading The post New Round of Death Threats For Coco appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

If you’re like me, you enjoy giving books as presents. A couple of years ago, it occurred to me to share a list of my favorite sensational reads related to France. I’ve updated the list in time for the holiday season. My latest entries are denoted by **. Don’t be… Continue reading The post 35 Sensational Reads for the Francophiles on your Gift List appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

Mention Paris, and people from around the world immediately conjure a mental image of the Eiffel Tower. Every year, 7 million visitors buy tickets to reach its upper levels where they can enjoy a breathtaking view of the ancient capital. Back in 1887, however, as construction of the monument was… Continue reading The post A Passionate Plea to Destroy the Eiffel Tower appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

Facebook says you’re gone, Like the many maddening horrors that mark the daily news, It can’t be true. Weren’t we just kids? You, pirouetting beneath a falling baton, Me, drawing glances with a waving flag. In the crowded hallways you caught my eye. Like a favorite sweater, you slipped over… Continue reading The post Well Worn Through appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

Historians claim that hanging on a wall of Victor Lustig’s Alcatraz cell was a postcard of the Eiffel Tower. Scribbled atop the iconic scene were the words “vendue pour 100 000 francs“. Lustig, a lifelong criminal who by age 20 had honed his charlatanry to P.T. Barnumesque acuity, was sentenced… Continue reading The post The Ultimate Hoodwinkery, The Crook Who Sold the Eiffel Tower appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

Last month, I finished reading the 6th and final book in the graphic novel series, L’Arabe du futur, by Riad Sattouf. Every volume of this autobiographical bande dessinée has been a bestseller in France and translated into over 20 languages. Sattouf, whose mother is French and father is Syrian, zigzagged… Continue reading The post Arab of the Future, Classic Literature Masquerading as Comics appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

This summer I had the rather surreal and surprising experience of traveling in Japan. The surreal aspect of my trip might well have something to do with the 13-hour time difference coupled with Japan’s near-futuristic embrace of technology. I say surprising because my expedition to the land of the rising… Continue reading The post Video of My Japanese Odyssey and How to Raise a Japanophile appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

There is never a shortage of captivating expositions in Paris. Last week, I wrote about some spectacular shows that I visited in April 2023. I’ve continued my recent itinerary here. All of these shows are still underway. However, when they have closed, the off-the-beaten-path spaces that housed them are likely… Continue reading The post Paris Exhibits: Silks, Celebrity, Statuary, and Uncalled-for Extravagance appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more

Whenever I visit Paris, I tell myself that this time I’m going to go to the Louvre. According to Statistica, it’s the most visited museum in the world. I feel like I should know it. Yet, something about its immensity prevents me from buying a ticket. The Louvre has so… Continue reading The post Now Playing: Paris and its Plentiful Expositions appeared first on cas d'intérêt ..read more