Paris Walks : Monks, Witches and the King's menagerie

Monks, Witches and the King's menagerie

As the City of Lights grew and expanded over the centuries, it swallowed its surrounding villages, as big cities often do. But many of the villages that sacrificed their individual existence to create the French capital had unique atmospheres and specialties, and, to the informed eye, the traces of these communities are still discernible.

Such is the case with the St. Paul area, where the maze of alleys and courtyards tells the tale of the medieval kings as they enjoyed escapades from their gloomy palaces as the guests of beautiful country mansions, where superb menageries, sweet-scented gardens, amusements and, of course, the famous royal hunts were all part of the entertainments orchestrated in their honor by their powerful hosts.

Starting at St. Paul, Dr. Kelly Spearman's tour will people this fascinating stage with the exotic figures of the court as they periodically rubbed shoulders with the obscure “angel makers”, the lively street sellers and the raucous tavern crowds, and will explore the treasure trove of antiquaires, small restaurants and shops left over from this half-forgotten village life. The visit will end by tracing the few surviving vestiges of the infamous Bastille prison, destroyed in the throes of the Revolution, and now nothing more than a name, the bastion itself lost in the mists of history and myth.

Time: 10.15 - 12.45 (Please meet at 10.00 sharp, visit will start promptly)

Place: Meet in front of the Church St.Gervais-le Protais, Place St.Gervais 75004

Métro: Hotel de Ville

Note: Comfortable walking shoes, a warm overcoat and scarf, a bottle of water and possibly an energy bare are highly recommended.

Registration deadline: Thursday 18/11/2121; Participation: 20 Euros

Suggestion: As you come out of the metro, the only nearby to where we meet Café “Le Relais de l’Hôtel de Ville” (50 Rue de Rivoli, 75004). Ordering a takeaway coffee at the counter is the best option.

Lunch: Participants might like to envisage lunch at the nearby very atmospheric (just like straight out of an old French movie!) restaurant “Le Petit Célestin” (12 Quai des Célestins, 75004). Always good and hearty traditional food.