The Art of Paris
I once boarded an EasyJet flight in an orange cotton shirt dress. I’ll leave it to your imagination to figure out what happened next. Let’s say I was accidentally promoted to cabin crew.
Some of my biggest fashion faux pas have occurred either en route to, or in, Paris. You arrive with one of those ridiculous carry-on suitcases, when all you really want is your entire wardrobe, a stylist, a blow-dry, and a small dog.
I haven’t been to Paris for a while, but nothing has changed. They’re still effortlessly chic, with those impossibly beautiful accents. Being from Birmingham, I obviously know a lot about pronunciation; it comes naturally.
I swear I confidently said “merci, monsieur” in a bakery while ordering a croissant. It then took me three full days to feel comfortable saying “bonne nuit.”
People say the only way to learn a language is to live in a city or date a Frenchman. I did try that once. It was mildly irritating. A few dates with a French guy and suddenly everyone assumes you’re fluent. Deep down I would love to speak French fluently. It really is a beautiful language.
I won’t pretend to be an expert on the Parisian art scene (which clearly means I need to go back, lucky moi!). But I do know this: if you're an art lover, Le Marais is a goldmine of contemporary galleries.Le Marais.
And an old favourite of mine, the Musée d'Orsay, still completely delivers. There’s something about these grand, established museums that takes me back to art school trips. Security is very tight at the Musée d'Orsay, so whatever you do don't pack your gun.
I skipped the Louvre Museum this time, but I’m keen to return and "pick up" a few precious jewels. I need to source a getaway driver. Preferably French. I’ll check Tinder later.
Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh 1888
At the Musée d’Orsay, I saw Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, which stopped me in my tracks. Did you know it was painted by candlelight?
Just seeing one piece in person made the €16 entrance fee completely worth it.
One of my favourite things to do in Paris is wandering through Le Marais, dipping in and out of small boutique galleries and chocolateries artisanales (there, I said it properly). The best part? Most of the galleries are free.
I highly recommend walking in and loudly discussing Aston Villa in a Birmingham accent. It will get you noticed.
Some standout galleries to explore for contemporary art lovers:
Thaddaeus Ropac - Emerging and Established Artists - Rue Debelleyme
Glass Slipper - Ariana Papademetropoulos - 2026 - Thaddaeus Ropac A immersive bed in a fish tank that you can climb into.
Perrotin - Innovative and Contemporary Art - Rue de Turenne
Live Again - Paola Pivi - 2026 - Perrotin - Lemon tree stars and one perfectly created in bronze, the smell was divine.
Bachorlorette - 2026 - Danielle Orchard - Perrotin - Curvaceous luscious portraits.
As mentioned, I need to return to Paris. Avez-vous un scooter, monsieur?
If you feel inclined to share this with art lovers or just people who appreciate poor French and good intentions, I’d be very grateful. And don’t forget to follow me at Blank_White_Space on Instagram.
Au revoir for now,
Julesx
*Cover photo: Glass Slipper by Ariana Papademetropoulos