What I've Learned in Paris: My Experiences

The essence

For me, it is the incomparable blend of elegance and savoir-vivre that makes Paris unique. Even after 16 years, I’m still awed by the magnificent buildings and artistically designed facades. For example, when I cross the Seine and Île Saint-Louis from my apartment in the Latin Quarter to meet my friends for the obligatory Sunday coffee in the Marais.   

The inspiration

Paris is known not only as the city of love, but also as the city of lights, in part because it is considered the center of education and ideas in France. I feel this very much in the Latin Quarter, with its narrow streets lined with booksellers and second-hand bookstores. The district is dominated by the Sorbonne; the famous university attracts scholars from all over the world – as an artist I have also worked with the Sorbonne.     

The culture

The young art scene in Paris is constantly evolving and producing fresh, innovative talent. The POUSH initiative plays an important role in this. Since 2020, it has provided hundreds of young artists with affordable studios in an old, 20,000-square-foot industrial building in Aubervilliers, near Paris. It has become a real art incubator, and I have been part of the project from the beginning. Other important hubs in the Paris art scene are the Palais de Tokyo and the Lafayette Anticipations, both of which offer exhibition space to young artists. 

The people

Parisians are not always easy to get along with (and they have that reputation!), but you can win them over by showing them that you care deeply about them and their culture. Once the ice is broken, Parisians are loyal and honest. And after the long winter months, when the first rays of sunshine warm the faces of the people sitting in the street cafés, Parisians become open and cheerful. They may even make friends with the people at the next table!   

For friends 

Paris has many facets. You can always find the right place to suit your mood. Much life takes place outdoors. The many bars and restaurants play an important role as they are places for socializing and cultural interaction, contributing to the vibrant diversity of the city. I recommend the elegant terrace of La Palette in Saint-Germain or the artsy/alternative bar Chez Jeannette at the Strasbourg Saint-Denis metro station. Follow that with a soirée at the Hotel Amour, just around the corner. 

About:

A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Dana-Fiona Armour is a transdisciplinary artist. She has lived in Paris since 2008 and has a studio in the POUSH collective. She exhibits at the Andréhn-Schiptjenko gallery in the Marais district.