Editor's Note: We are watching events in Paris today with deep dismay. Nicole Logan's topical column gives her opinion on the background to the tense situation unfolding there. France is in a tailspin. The crisis started with the fury against the seven-cent tax hike on diesel fuel. The movement of the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) spread like wildfire through the social … [Read more...] about Letter from Paris: Riots Fuel ‘Yellow Vest’ Rebellion Against Macron’s Reforms, Stir Memories of May ’68
Letter from Paris
Letter From Paris: Thoughts on an Historic Day of Respectful Remembrance … and Distressing Disrespect
Editor's Note: We are delighted to welcome back Nicole Prévost Logan after her traditional break from writing while she summers in Essex, Conn. She has now returned to Paris just in time for the centennial celebrations of the end of World War I, on which she provides an insightful commentary in this column. Paris was the center of the world on November 11 - the 100-year … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Thoughts on an Historic Day of Respectful Remembrance … and Distressing Disrespect
Letter From Paris: Exhibition Explores Work of American Female Artist in Male World of French Impressionism
"Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was the most French of all American artists," said art historian Jerome Coignard. She was the only woman - along with Berthe Morisot - to be recognized by the Impressionist movement and therefore permitted to show her works in their annual Salons. For 40 years she developed a personal and artistic friendship with Edgar Degas, which was somewhat … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Exhibition Explores Work of American Female Artist in Male World of French Impressionism
Letter From Paris: The (Rail) Battle That Macron Must Win
France is going through the labor pains of implementing a variety of overdue structural reforms if France is to be brought into the 21st century. President Emmanuel Macron has tackled this objective at a dizzying speed since his election on May 7, 2017. The pace of change was so fast that the opposition appeared unable to react until Macron turned to the reform of the SNCF … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: The (Rail) Battle That Macron Must Win
Letter From Paris: Macron & Merkel: Can This Power “Couple” Lead Europe?
On Sept. 26, 2017, Emmanuel Macron chose the Sorbonne University to develop his grand vision for Europe. In that seminal speech he was urging his perceived partner German Chancellor Angela Merkel to join him in tackling the lofty goals of European reforms, speeding up the integration of the Eurozone through the creation of a parliament, a ministry of finances, and its own … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Macron & Merkel: Can This Power “Couple” Lead Europe?
Letter From Paris: Visit to Franco-American Museum in Blerancourt Sparks Review of Relationship Between the Two
La Fayette nous voilà (La Fayette, here we are) are the famous words General John J. Pershing , commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, is supposed to have pronounced on July 4, 1917 during the commemoration near the tomb of the Marquis de La Fayette at the Picpus cemetery in Paris. The entry of the Americans in World War I was a way to return the favor to the French … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Visit to Franco-American Museum in Blerancourt Sparks Review of Relationship Between the Two
Letter From Paris: Annual ‘Salon de l’Agriculture’ Prompts a Peek into Farming in France
The Salon de l'Agriculture (agricultural fair) is the most popular event of the year in Paris. For two weeks, the Porte de Versailles is turned into an oversize farm Four thousand animals - bovines, pigs, sheep and fowl - move in for the delight of both children and adults. It is the largest agricultural show in Europe. The French are emotional about their relationship … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Annual ‘Salon de l’Agriculture’ Prompts a Peek into Farming in France
Letter From Paris: ‘The Donald’ and Europe Grow Further Apart
In February 2017, the European Union (EU) members, gathered at the Malta summit, were flabbergasted by President Donald Trump's hostile attitude toward the United States's traditional allies. One year later the world has adjusted in the opinion of the seasoned diplomat Hubert Vedrine, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs (1997-2002). The French diplomat commented, "One has to … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: ‘The Donald’ and Europe Grow Further Apart
Letter From Paris: Book That Wins France’s Top Literary Prize Raises Chilling Questions About WWII History
Coincidence or not ? The prestigious French literary Prix Goncourt came out came just a few weeks before the election of 31-year-old Sebastian Kurtz as chancellor of Austria. Many would say that election marked another step by the European Union along the road toward nationalism. The topic of the novel is the Anschluss. With devastating sarcasm the author, Eric … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Book That Wins France’s Top Literary Prize Raises Chilling Questions About WWII History
Letter From Paris: The Seine is Flooding … Again
The Paris floods crested Friday, Jan. 26, at almost six meters, therefore slightly lower than in June 2016 . They did not even make the 'Top 10' among the most destructive floods of the past 100 years. The monster flood of 1910 saw the river's level rise eight meters and 60 centimeters. However, the inhabitants in the communities upstream from the city, who have been … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: The Seine is Flooding … Again
Letter From Paris: Emmanuel Macron Goes to China
At first sight, the January visit of Emmanuel Macron to meet Xi Jinping might have appeared like the futile encounter between David and Goliath. But, in fact, it was a well thought-out strategic move and an illustration of Macron's personal style of diplomacy. Never before had any French president gone to China so early in his mandate. He timed his visit to seize the … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Emmanuel Macron Goes to China
Letter From Paris: Deaths of Two Icons Leave a Nation in Mourning
From Les Invalides to the Champs Elysees, intense emotion grips France at the passing of two iconic personalities. Within 24 hours France lost two familiar figures: Jean d'Ormesson, 92, man of letters, and Johnny Hallyday, 74, the popular singer who, for almost 60 years, enthralled millions of fans. The intensity of the emotions was incredible. For a week, politics, wars, … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Deaths of Two Icons Leave a Nation in Mourning
Letter From Paris: A Six-Month Performance Review for Emmanuel Macron
Six months into his mandate, French President Emmanuel Macron has been working at a dizzying pace to fulfill his campaign promises. Hubert Vedrine, former minister of foreign affairs and expert in international and strategic affairs, made the following comment : "Emmanuel Macron immediately embodied the stature of a chief of State. " "The French people are impossible to … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: A Six-Month Performance Review for Emmanuel Macron
Letter From Paris: André Derain: Major Artist, “Fauvism” Champion Featured in Parisian Retrospective
André Derain usually evokes cheerful scenes of sailboats bobbing up and down in the bright colors of a Mediterranean fishing port. Actually, Derain (1880-1954) is a complex artist, who had a strong influence on the evolving avant-garde movements at the start of the 20th century. The Pompidou Center is currently holding a retrospective titled, "Derain - 1904-1914. The radical … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: André Derain: Major Artist, “Fauvism” Champion Featured in Parisian Retrospective
Letter From Paris: To Be or Not To Be [Independent] — The Catalonian Question
The tentative attempt by Catalonia to secede from Spain has failed - at least for now. But the attachment of the Catalan people to their identity is so strong that the fight for independence is far from over. The Catalonian regional elections on Dec. 21 are likely to take place in a very agitated, if not violent, context. The province of Catalonia has just lived through … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: To Be or Not To Be [Independent] — The Catalonian Question