Monday, June 8, 2009

paris-dar djerba


just a few blocks over from the Marais and I enter foreign terrain...my senses are inundated by the exotic sights and smells of sunny north Africa...
I am careful where I point my camera as large crowds of men congregate on one side of the boulevard...and on the other quieter side, women sit on the sidewalk begging in between abundant displays of dried fruit and colourful spices...

[Boulevard de Belleville]

5 comments:

Adam said...

Right where I live this one...

What's funny is that underneath that Tunisian cladding is one of the oldest buildings in the district. It's the old relais de la poste at Belleville, and was situated right next to the old Belleville gateway into the city.

Gina V said...

Interesting to know, Adam...how long has the restaurant been closed, and is anything taking over?
[I spent the better part of a day exploring Belleville...such a world away from the Marais!...should have grabbed you for a coffee!]

Adam said...

Yes Gina, you should have!

I don't remember ever seeing that restaurant open, so it must have been closed for nearly ten years. The site was purchased by the city of Paris and is protected, but as usual, they haven't got a clue what to do with it. Recently a local community group put a banner up asking for a 'living space for the people of Belleville', but I'm not sure what that means either!

In the meantime, it sits on the corner of the Rue Dénoyez which has moved upmarket, and opposite the new swimming pool - and opposite the Cantine de Belleville cafe too, so it is very well positioned now.

Owen said...

Hi... just wanted to drop in and say, "I really like this blog of yours !" Love getting glimpses of Paris through creative eyes...

Gina V said...

Thank you, Owen...I appreciate very much your interest...and Paris is always an inspiring city to be in!

And thanks for the info, Adam...I did find Rue Denoyez (not hard to miss!) and will post some shots from there soon.