Paris Moveable Feast: Fit for a King

Crêpe fromage at Le Soleil d’Or near the Pont Neuf and the Pont des Arts Photos by Theadora Brack

O, Henri strikes a pose! (Pont Neuf) Recasting by François-Frédéric Lemot (1817) Original bronze by Giambologna and Pietro Tacca (1613)

O, Henri! Recasting by François-Frédéric Lemot (1817) Original bronze by Giambologna and Pietro Tacca (1613)

By Theadora Brack

In giddy anticipation of film director Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming ritzy, glitzy retelling of “The Great Gatsby,” let’s give a nod to the original king of the shindig! That’s right. This week, we’re winding it back to party down in the garden of the dashing King Henri IV. Grab your beaded glad rags and galoshes, too.

Spring has sprung in Paris, so with arms tangled, let’s roll on over to the centuries-old romantic hot spot, le Square du Vert-Galant at the tip of the Île de la Cité. Created by passionate King Henri IV, its spectacular view of la Seine and currents crashing into its banks still move the rendezvous-ers, so hold on tight while I straighten the back of your frock coat collar.

Follow my plume: The Saint-Michel Métro stop will allow for a little bouquiniste browsing as we make our way. Along with a book, we’ll pick up a dough-so-filling crêpe fromage. I’m not the first to propose the Île de la Cité as the perfect spot for a little picnicking, and I certainly won’t be the last. By the way, the bouqinistes have been pushing their wares along the Seine banks since the 16th century. Politics, fashion plates, and leather bound erotica still reign here.

Pont Neuf

Looking curvaceous and fabulous at 406-years-old, the “New Bridge” is actually the oldest standing bridge in Paris. Created by Henri IV, it was the first bridge in the city to be built without houses or shops (i.e., “firetraps”) lining the spans.

Party like it’s 1599 down in Henri’s tear-drop-shaped Garden of Eden: le Square du Vert-Galant

This Side of Paradise

During the bridge’s construction, it became popular for young daredevils to jump from rampart to rampart. Following suit, even the King made the leap after hearing about the craze. Sadly, more than a few men fell and drowned. When this tidbit was reported to Henri, he quipped, “This may be so, but none of them were kings.” Touché, King Henri. And well done, you.

Henri was also the king of the original urban re-do. He not only banned timber construction throughout the city, but he also promoted symmetry in its public architecture, connected the Tuileries with the Louvre, and created Paris’s first city square! Thank Henri’s Place des Vosges for getting the party started in the Marais. Even today, the square is still a prime place to see and be seen.

Tender is the night

So pinch your cheeks and rouge the knees. As we promenade across the bridge, we’ll stop and cool our heels in one of its nook-like bastions. Originally these niches were created for the safety of pedestrians seeking to avoid being run over by passing carriages madly clattering by. Street vendors, entertainers, and thieves also set up shop here.

Today, they’re the perfect spot for lip-locking, picture taking, and retrospection. The shapely bridge blends so well with the river that the eye can’t always separate the organic from the man-made. Its resulting beauty both soothes and re-energizes my spirits every time.

The “Vert-Galant” (“Entrèe de Henri IV à Paris” by François Gérard, Image: T. Brack’s archives)

Jolly Green Giant

The bridge cuts across the island connecting the Right and Left Banks of the river. In its very center, you’ll find a huge bronze statue of Henri IV on horseback. Some folks consider the square around it the very center of Western Civilization. I don’t know about that, but I can vouch for it as a great place to make momentous decisions. See, this is where my beau proposed to me. (I accepted.) You’ll find the King’s garden directly below. Just follow the steps.

What’s in a name?

For the love of vitality, gossip, and admiration, Parisians gave this little tear-drop-shaped park the flamboyant King’s nickname, “Vert-Galant,” or “Gay Blade,” since he was larger than life, compassionate, and wildly loved. Mad about music, wine and women, Henri would horse around here with his friends, entertainers, and favorite mistress, Gabrielle d’Estrée. As he liked to say, “Great cooking and great wines make a paradise on earth!”

Moveable Feast

And speaking of big appetites, this is also where Ernest Hemingway relaxed with books, wine, and sausages while watching the fishermen. “They always caught some fish,” he wrote, “and often they made excellent catches of the dace-like fish that were called goujon. They were plump and sweet-fleshed with a finer flavor than fresh sardines even, and were not at all oily, and we ate them bones and all.”

Designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s spectacular neon installation, 2010 King Henri IV, Pont Neuf (Photo: Courtesy Jean-Charles de Castelbajac)

Go Overboard

Just beyond le Square du Vert-Galant, you’ll find the downstream tip of the Île de la Cité. Pick a spot on the stone ledge for some smooth bateaux-cruise watching from underneath the weeping willow—the first tree in Paris to leaf out each spring. Listen hard for King Henri’s laughter and soft music, faint and pleasant, as the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Samaritaine rise above the pea green river, twinkling like stars among the whisperings, pink clouds, and bubbly champagne.

Bookworms, ignite. Desire more time travel? Checkout the nearby Shakespeare & Co. at 37 rue Bûcherie. Located in a former 16th-century monastery near Notre Dame, it’s my favorite bookshop in the city.

A favorite Beat Generation haunt, the late, great George Whitman opened the Bûcherie location in 1951 under the name of Le Mistral. He changed its name to Shakespeare and Company as a tribute to his friend Sylvia Beach after she closed up the original shop by the same name, which had been a few blocks away. (Sylvia also inspired Hem, Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, James Joyce and yes, F. Scott Fitzgerald—just to name a few.

Clipping from Fitzgerald’s Gatsby

“The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Suddenly one of the gypsies, in trembling opal, seizes a cocktail out of the air, dumps it down for courage and, moving her hands like Frisco, dances out alone on the canvas platform. A momentary hush; the orchestra leader varies his rhythm obligingly for her, and there is a burst of chatter as the erroneous news goes around that she is Gilda Gray’s understudy from the Follies. The party has begun.” Yes, the party has begun.

Carpe diem!

King Henri IV and Actress Gabrielle d’Estrée were fond of the wine from the Franche-Comté region (“Le rendez-vous” by François-André Vincent, Image: T. Brack’s archives)

Trash or Treasures? Love IS in the air at the nearby Pont des Arts

Picnicking and bateaux-cruise watching underneath the willow tree on the tip of the Île de la Cité

Gazing up at La Samaritaine (currently closed), the tip of the Île de la Cité

La Samaritaine still rocks with Art Nouveau and Art Deco appeal

More bateaux-cruise watching as the sun sets

Pulling a face: 381 mascarons protect Pont Neuf with glee

I can see your halo: Neptune Candélabre lighting the way, Pont Neuf

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
―Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (Henri IV, Pont Neuf)

The Annick Goutal Beauty Institute in Paris has a deep massage treatment called the "Gabrielle." Oh, la la.

The Annick Goutal Beauty Institute in Paris has a deep facial and neck massage called the “Gabrielle d’Estrée.” Oh, la la.

Tags: Art, Food, Monuments, Paris, Paris Photos, Teddy Brack, Theadora Brack

51 thoughts on “Paris Moveable Feast: Fit for a King”

This Sydney Life on 01/05/2013 at at said:

Lovely T – it’s almost as good as being there! I think you should be creating some kind of Paris guidebook with a hefty dose of ‘T quirk factor’. It would be a runaway success, I reckon! 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Say! Have you been reading my journal? 🙂 I have been thinking about a book project. Thanks for the push and words of encouragement. I love your “T quirk factor” line! The dork factor! Thanks for the big grin. I’ll keep you posted! T. (Enjoy the weekend!)
  
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belocchio on 01/05/2013 at at said:

Rouge pots clatter across the mirrored vanity. I’m straightening the seams on my green silk stockings. Sliding into the ruby slippers.The picnic basket, our moveable feast bursting with edible treats and bottles of Madam Clicquot’s finest waits by the door. An early start is required if we are to follow in the fascinating footsteps of Theadora on this marvelous first of May morning. XXOO V.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  YES. Veuve Clicquot is perfection, Virginia! And what an interesting history. Perhaps it’s time for post about Champagne.
  
  I’m now in the process of tracking down Tilar J. Mazzeo’s “The Widow Clicquot.” According to The New York Time’s review, Madame Barbe¬Nicole wrote to her great-grandchild, “The world is in perpetual motion, and we must invent the things of tomorrow. One must go before others, be determined and exacting, and let your intelligence direct your life. Act with audacity.” I love this quote!
  
  Thanks for the brainstorming! I love the green stockings and ruby slipper combination. Seams are still in vogue, I do believe. And I’m certain that our globe-trekking Tin Man friend would also approve!
  
  T.
  
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  - belocchio on 04/05/2013 at at said:
    
    This quote is so wise. It is how I’ve lived my life. It is what I taught my children. The last sentence should be engraved on everyone’s birth certificate. ACT WITH AUDACITY. XXOO for a wonderful week-end. Virginia
    
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russianmartini on 01/05/2013 at at said:

Mmmmm … crepes. I ate way too many of those during my too-brief sojourn in France! Not that one can ever eat too many crepes – so good. I too am looking forward to watching The Great Gatsby!

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  So true! Have you tried making your own? And YES. The Great Gatsby looks fabulous. Great soundtrack, too!
  
  For inspiration, I found two fine Julia Child clips. Subject? Crêpe Suzette! Bon Appétit!
  
  http://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/Julia-Child-Makes-Crepe-Suzette.html
  
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  - charley280 on 16/05/2013 at at said:
    
    Many thanks for your lovely post and the inspiring Julia Child video. Julia makes flipping the crepe look so easy, but I have reservations about trying that. I can see myself scrubbing raw dough off the ceiling…
    
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patriciasands on 02/05/2013 at at said:

OUI! A Theadora guidebook to Paris is a must. Nowhere is one able to discover such intimate details of your magnificent city shared with a sense of fun that simply demands the reader make plans to visit at the first possible opportunity. Fabulous city. Fabulous. Writing.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, Patricia!! You made my week! As always, I appreciate your support and kind words. I’ve been thinking about creating a little Paris guidebook. I’ll keep you posted! And by the way, I recently ordered your “The Promise of Provence.” I’m looking forward to reading it! T.
  
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Kim 24/7 in France on 02/05/2013 at at said:

I recently placed a lock on the Pont des Arts, as a symbol of my love for this magnificent city!

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Nice, Kim! Where did you attach your lock? Did you save the key? Did you write a message? Questions, questions! T.
  
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  - Kim 24/7 in France on 04/05/2013 at at said:
    
    It has my name and a heart on it – tout simple et non, I didn’t save the key. From the left bank, it’s on the righthand side with the thousand other locks!
    
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Tales and Travels of the Tin Man on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Oh my, I must hurry if I am to catch up with Virginia! I have some tins of pâté and a bottle of Clicquot, as well. Our Theadora proposed to in the shadow of a King………should have known, hoe delightful. Greetings to you from Malta. We are having a lovely holiday and are off to Sicily in the morn.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Hurry! Hurry! Virginia and I are waiting for you. We’re sitting on a bench on the Pont des Arts. Virginia is wearing green seamed stockings and ruby slippers and I’m wearing my beloved Roger Vivier evening pumps in turquoise blue. I almost tripped over the long beaded tassels! Malta? Sicily? Goodness. What a fast-moving yellow brick road. Enjoy! Again, I’m looking forward to your reports. Big hugs and safe trekking, T.
  
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Sisyphus47 on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Henri was the greatest, he made the case for France and her Monarchy, if only he had lived! Stunning pictures of extraordinary and beautiful places… Une oeuvre d’amour mon amie x

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Merci!! I’m now obsessed with King Henri IV. So stay tuned for more posts about my favorite French king. His little park is so charming. A hidden gem in Paris! T. (I’d like to see the “Henri IV” film. Released in 2010, it should be easy, breezy to find.)
  
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A French Frye in Paris on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Loved this one! Being a Paris history nerd I really enjoy Henri IV’s story; he was such a pivotal figure in Paris, and he certainly loved life as well as the ladies…to a fault sometimes (before his assassination he was geared up to start a war over a mistress who went off with another nobleman). Well done Theadora, keep up the good work!

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, thank you, Corey! I’m also a Paris history fanatic. As you know, this is why I enjoy your “A French Frye in Paris” site! Thanks for the tidbit about Henri’s mistress. Was this Charlotte Marguerite? I think he would have married Gabrielle d’Estrée if she hadn’t died. Do you have a theory about her unexpected death? Murder? Poison? I love how it’s still possible to score old historical postcards at the flea markets and brocantes for just a few euros. I now collect them like baseball cards! T. (Enjoy the weekend!)
  
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Martino on 02/05/2013 at at said:

If there was a “Paris By Theadora” guide book, I would buy it! I would give copies to all my relatives, too! You must, simply must do it! Seriously!!!

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Blushing. Blushing. Thanks, Martino. I appreciate the push! T.
  
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LondonUnveiled.com on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Another fantastic blog. I, too, can’t wait for the Great Gatsby film. I just finished re-reading the book in preparation.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  MERCI. I also just finished re-reading the book, along with Matthew Bruccoli’s “Some Sort of Epic Grandeur.” Wonderful pairing. Perfect outdoor springtime reading! I’m also looking forward to the soundtrack. Especially Bryan Ferry’s two jaunty numbers! T.
  
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Pingback: THEADORA BRACK PARIS MOVEABLE FEAST: FIT FOR A KING | downsizersandy
- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Thanks for spreading the word!!
  
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Karen Wan on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Theodora,
Another great post! I love it!
Even my two sons are as excited about seeing the Great Gatsby. It’s great to see an artistic movie that appeals to so many people. I believe this is going to be another BIG movie for Leonardo Di Caprio, and I can’t wait to see it.
Also, I agree with many of my fellow commenters, you should write a book about Paris, and I would definitely purchase it. You are such a wonderful guide to everything Paris and living life well!
Karen

Karen

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Karen, I really appreciate the support and swell words. Your positive energy is contagious. Thank you!
  
  So your sons are excited about the film? Very cool! Have they read the book? Will you attend as a group? And YES. Leonardo Di Caprio is looking pretty darn handsome. He looks very comfortable in the role. Well, at least in the trailer! Have you seen the Robert Redford-Mia Farrow version? I’d like to see George Cukor’s 1926 film with Lois Wilson and Warren Baxter. I think the film was lost but trailer exists somewhere. Sigh!
  
  Enjoy the weekend!
  T.
  
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Richard Guest on 02/05/2013 at at said:

Ace post, T! I really enjoyed learning about Henri. Don’t think they make kings like that anymore. Your photographs so make me want to come to Paris. It’s a cliche but Spring is lovely in your part of the world.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Richard! I’m looking forward to “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack. Our pal Bryan Ferry and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra have two numbers on it: “Love is the Drug” and “Crazy in Love” with Emeli Sandé. Let me know what you think.
  
  Here’s a link:
  http://www.npr.org/2013/04/30/180098344/first-listen-music-from-baz-luhrmanns-film-the-great-gatsby
  
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  - Richard Guest on 03/05/2013 at at said:
    
    Yes, Love is the Drug is great in this new version – he should do an album of his own covers. Thanks, T!
    
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Patti Kuche on 02/05/2013 at at said:

I am saving up to book in for one of Annick Goutal’s deep facial and neck massages. Beautiful meanderings through Paris once again Theadora, thank you!

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Patti! I’m with you! The Annick Goutal salons are so pretty. They cost a pretty penny. Of course, the “Gabrielle d’Estrée” is the most expensive (145€). I’m not surprised!
  
  Here are the other treatments Perhaps I’ll save up for the “La Reine Margot” ?!
  
  Face treatment “La Reine Margot” – 30 mn – 50€
  Eye contour treatment “Mme de Maintenon” – 30 mn – 40€
  Face treatment “Mme de Montespan” – 45 mn – 70€
  Face treatment “La Castiglione” – 1h – 105€
  Face treatment for delicate skins “Diane de Poitiers” – 1h – 105€
  Face and Neck treatment “Gabrielle d’Estrée” – 1h30 – 145€
  
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ShimonZ on 03/05/2013 at at said:

I do like crepe, and eat it quite often. Beautiful pictures.

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- Theadora Brack on 03/05/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, thank you! A creature of habit, I could eat nothing but baguette sandwiches and crêpes and I’d be completely satisfied. Do you have a favorite crêpe? T. (Enjoy the weekend1)
  
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Rhonda Sittig on 04/05/2013 at at said:

Love this post. I’m always wishing to get back to Paris– but now even more… thanks.

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Paris Paul P on 05/05/2013 at at said:

I love your writing and your photos, Theadora! They both add another level of appreciation to this city I already live in and appreciate!

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Boris Gorjan on 06/05/2013 at at said:

Huh .. I guess I have to move back to Paris 🙂 Square du Vert-Galant is one of my favorite places in Paris. A historic place where the Grand Master Jacques de Molay was burnt.
Awesome blog!

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true2crusader on 06/05/2013 at at said:

More stories about the bridges anytime.. Never remember seeing the garden looking so splendid

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judyjudygirl on 06/05/2013 at at said:

Thanks for that fabulous Spring fling thru Parriie !! And the juicy tidbits of gossip ! 😊🌈

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lazybill on 07/05/2013 at at said:

That crepe looks amazing. Reminds me of a special time I spent in Paris in 2003 and enjoyed crepes in a small cafe near Monmartre.

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Another Thousand Words on 07/05/2013 at at said:

Ah, Mlle B.! Though it is four days since I turned into ‘La femme vielle’, this post is the most marvelous gift an old gal could get!

I ran to the bookshelf to find my crepes recipe (haven’t made them in years!)..and the flour is sitting out on the counter, warming up (because it’s kept in the freezer to prevent the ‘little buglies’ from getting at it!)…I’ll be making a batch in a bit, due to my extreme salivating at your mention of ‘Crepes fromage’!

I never knew of the little park at the tip of Ile de la Cite…merci beaucoup! It looks so wonderful, a great place to people-watch and photograph! Le roi Henri Quattre was quite the guy…I know all Parisians must love him for his magnificent sense of design…seeing so much beauty around them every day, even in the rain!

Just when I thought I was the oldest thing around still looking quite nice, you show me the Pont Neuf! 406 ans, vraiment? And not one application of ‘night cream’ or ‘moisturizer’? How glorious it is for you to roam the City of Lights, Mlle B., and present so much history–mind-boggling how you do it!!!

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sustainabilitea on 08/05/2013 at at said:

I agree about you doing a guidebook. It would be fabulous. I love crepes, so that first photo made me hungry. 🙂 I laughed when I read “The Jolly Green Giant”. One of my friends in grade school called me “The Jolly Green Midget” because I wasn’t tall (at least compared to him) and like green.

janet

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Touch2Touch on 08/05/2013 at at said:

You’ve outdone yourself with this post, Theadora! The photos and the text, both outstanding! All the times I’ve been in Paris, on the Ile, always at the stern of the “boat,” never (I realize seeing your photos) at the bow! And now I’ll no more come again. No beating back against the current, the past is the past. Too bad Gatsby wouldn’t figure that out. Fortunately I have you to make it all alive and present again!
But why is the grand old Samaritaine closed? Forever?

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steviegill on 09/05/2013 at at said:

That crepe looks awesome! Nice shots and history

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ElizabethWolf on 11/05/2013 at at said:

As we both swim away in Baz’s deliciously sumptuous movie…I will toast you from New York if you promise to toast me from Paris. It just seems right…

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The World Is My Cuttlefish on 13/05/2013 at at said:

King Henri was quite the lad. And you have raised my appetite for Paris once again with your rollicking but lyrical prose.

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thom bradley on 13/05/2013 at at said:

T,
There is no question about it. You certainly have a book in you! In fact maybe E-Books.
Well I am off to make myself a Crepe Frommage – NYC style. (Grilled Cheese with tomato)

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likeitiz on 17/05/2013 at at said:

The crepe fromage looks too inviting. My mouth is watering. I’m imagining eating it while I flip through the pages of your book…..

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Malou on 27/05/2013 at at said:

That crepe fromage is so tempting. My sister and I loved the one with Nutella but now I’m looking forward to trying the fromage version. Another wonderful post, Theadora! 😉

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- Theadora Brack on 01/06/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, Malou! Great to see you again!! YES. Do try the crêpe fromage. It’ the perfect snack during the colder months. Confession: I haven’t tried the Nutella crêpe. Maybe I should give it a shot? With bananas?! T. (And apologies for the delay!)
  
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♔ la dauphine ♔ on 26/06/2013 at at said:

*sigh, swoon, jealous!* Can I tell you how wonderful your posts are without being a broken record? Is it me or are you using more literary quotes lately? Love ’em!

BTW — You’ve been living in Paris how long and you’ve never had a Nutella crêpe before! Are you just not a Nutella fan?

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