We stayed right in the Marais, 4th arrondissement just so you know. That's right, right in the center of Paris. If you walked down the block and looked straight down the street you could see Ile St. Louis and about a 20 minute walk to Ile de la Cite.
So, yes, I spent my time being an obnoxious tourist. But, I've read a lot about Paris and I've continued to read up on one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Graham Robb tells the story of this wonderful city through short stories--real stories. And, as if I needed any more convincing, Robb has managed to make me fall in love even more with the history of Paris. He starts with the story of the attempted escape of the royal family from the city after the start of the revolution.
My favorite story was the one based on the real story on which Alexander Dumas based The Count of Monte Cristo. Apparently, a police officer that worked in the archives found the notes on this bizarre case. Of course, another writer came along and embellished the story almost beyond recognition. Still, even if the most stripped down version of this story is true--holy crap! Seriously. Holy crap! Supposedly, this cobbler was set up right before his wedding by his friends as a joke. They denounced him as a possible spy. Back then, that wasn't something you played around with. Only one of the four stayed out of the prank, but he also didn't warn the cobbler. I don't want to give to much away, so I won't give out too many details. But let me tell you, this guy went all in to get back at these guys.
Paris of the olden days had nothing to do with the image portrayed in Sabrina. It still doesn't. I wish I could go back to see it. It's so easy to forget that Paris has an incredibly dark side. This book brings out the best and worst of Paris. (Vidocq anyone?) This is totally one of the more enjoyable histories of Paris out there.
Next up: A Red Herring Without Mustard, by Alan Bradley
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