THE GREETERS' WALKS
With Madeleine, "All the details matter"
In front of the entrance to the College of Engineering, which strangely evokes the spellbinding atmosphere of Hogwarts, that famous school of witchcraft and wizardry, Madeleine takes an interest in a motto engraved in Latin on the façade. The newly-arrived student, the ignoramus, refers us to the motto of the school, which once counted Elisabeth Borne, our Prime Minister, among its pupils, which is as follows: "Qui agit intellegit" - "Who acts understands". An enigmatic maxim that resonates like a spell, encouraging everyone to take action in order to better understand.
In Madeleine's passionate quest for detail, an innate talent nurtured by her work with visually impaired visitors whom she accompanies, she reveals herself to be an expert in the subtle art of describing shapes and colours to those deprived of sight, painting mental images. In the Rue du Bac district, where elegant facades and architectural ornaments abound, Madeleine tracks down every architectural detail.
This street reveals the full range of French savoir-faire: the delights of chocolate, the elegance of shoes, the preciousness of jewellery and the finesse of interior design. Walking with her, visitors are immersed in the very essence of French art, woven from refinement and elegance.
Maison Chapon is the undisputed benchmark in the world of chocolate. At its head is chocolate genius Patrice Chapon, the bearer of unrivalled expertise and an unshakeable passion. What sets this artisan chocolatier apart from the rest is his unique approach: he is the only one to roast the cocoa beans himself in his Paris workshop, giving his creations exceptional flavour and quality.
69 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
Chatelles was born of a passion: François fell in love with a young woman and decided to give her a pair of slippers created just for her, with this line from Victor Hugo engraved on the inside: "I CANNOT STAY ... AWAY FROM YOU ANY LONGER. It was love at first sight. She fell in love with the slippers, left François and took the shoes with her...
In the heart of the Left Bank, 79 rue du Bac is a veritable jewel, home to a jewellery house since 1855. Behind its façade, recognised as one of the most sublime in the capital, lie wonders just waiting to be discovered. The precious stones, dazzling in their colours and diversity, are accompanied by the talent of the craftsmen, made-to-measure expertise and excellence à la française.
79 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
Entrance to Beaupassage
Fabrice Hyber has recreated a double oak tree three hundred years old in the valley where he grew up. The branches meet at the top of the porch to form an arch using glass paint on glass.
Further on, we come to a mansion steeped in history, where Chateaubriand once lived. The man who runs an antiques shop next door, looking as fascinating as his treasures, discreetly whispers in our ear that this majestic residence is now owned by one of the richest men in the world, François Pinault.
In his shop, a sort of cabinet of curiosities run by the talented Pierre Farman, grandson of the famous record-breaking aviator Dick Farman, reveals some extraordinary treasures. Here we discover some astonishing objects: propellers and aircraft engines carefully dismantled and then reworked, polished, magnified, almost sculpted, so much so that they emanate a radical beauty. These metamorphoses transform them into veritable works of art. Among them, our gaze is irrevocably captivated by one of these exceptional pieces. Is it by the famous Brancusi?
(Photo to come)
Our wanderings end in the courtyard of the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse, a peaceful, discreet enclave, yet one of the ten busiest places in Paris. Fifteen or so nuns, just arrived from Guadeloupe, stand still in mysterious contemplation. Their serene faces betray the special attention they will give to this Visitation, this privileged moment of communion with the ineffable.
