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The enduring legacy of French colonialism is omnipresent around the world, heard in the dialects spoken in New Orleans and witnessed in the colonial architecture of Casablanca. North Africa in particular traces much of its modern culture and society on a melange of traditional roots along with an infusion of all things French. Often overlooked however is the reciprocity of the French-African relationship.
Paris Accommodation: 2-bedroom rental in Champs Elysees: (PA-3586)
Modern France is full of North African influence, from the Moroccan and Algerian restaurants that dot the city to the popular French-language manipulations originated north of the Sahara. Visitors to the French capital surely won’t have a hard time recognizing the remnants of a disputed colonial past. Those wishing to dig beyond the surface of the evolving history will find many questions answered at the Arab Institute’s Bonaparte and Egypt exhibition, running until the end of March. While sifting through the complexities of history can be hard work, finding a New York Habitat accommodation couldn’t be any easier.
The Arab Institute is one of Paris’ finest modern exhibition spaces and frequently focuses themes on the interactions between East and West. This winter’s Bonaparte and Egypt exhibit features some 400 documents and artifacts illuminating the ways in which France and Egypt have, and continue to, influence each other. Highlights of the exhibit include artifacts revolving around the deciphering of the Rosetta stone and the conception of the Suez Canal. Other topics covered include Bonaparte’s Egypt expedition, the origins of Egyptology, the French public’s fascination with Egypt, the history as seen through the eyes of its contemporary artists and the movement for Egyptian identity following France’s departure.
Unfortunately New York Habitat can’t offer accommodations with views of the Egyptian Pyramids, they do however rent apartments with impressive views of Eiffel’s architectural masterpiece. Below are a few highlighted accommodations fit for a pharaoh:
-This 1-bedroom duplex rental apartment in Saint Germain des Pres (PA-3049) sits on the 4th floor of a 17th century building. The flat’s open concept is framed by exposed wood beams in both the bedroom and living area.
-This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Champs Elysees (PA-3586) juxtaposes funky modernity and style with the grand Haussmannian architecture of the neighborhood.
In your opinion, which architectural wonder would you prefer to gaze out on from your bedroom window, France’s Tour Eiffel or Egypt’s Pyramids?
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
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- Exhibition “Picasso Cézanne” at the Musée Granet of Aix en Provence
- Victor Hugo’s Paris Comes to Life
February 24th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
As a native parisian and as a passionate person for Egypt History and culture this easy a really heart breaking question!! I would love to woke up one every other day in Paris and in Cairo. The best would be to be able to wake up everyday in different city!
February 24th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I honestly never knew of the French-African relationships with one another. I think it is great when two cultures are able to blend together, often forming other sub-cultures. I think I will surely make a stop at the Arab Institute while I am in Paris this summer. This Egyptian Exhibition sounds like it could be very fun and educational!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
This exhibition is a great opportunity for people to get to know the meshing of these cultures and how Egypt has influenced parts of France and vice versa. I hope that a lot of people attend the Arab Institute of Paris while this exhibit is being put on. It is a good thing for all to people to know the history of the area that they live in.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
When walking through the streets of Paris, you can see the impact of Egypt influence in France’s past History. Walking down (pon the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Obelisque Place de la Concorde. Of course in the Louvre Museum you can find a lot of Egyptian art.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I was looking for a vacation rental in Paris and I found this site. It has been very helpful!
March 1st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Has anyone been to the newly installed Museum of Immigration? I went last year and it is really impressive. Sort of harkens to the North African/ French relationship, there is certainly a lot of the culture of Algeria and Morocco in Paris. Its really something to experience not only the baguette and escargot scene but also couscous and the banlieue scene when you are visiting Paris b/c as you said that relationship between Egypt/ Moroc/ Algeria and France is important to the Parisian culture.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Egyptian culture has had an influence on so many different parts of the world. I had no idea it has made such an impact in Paris. I can’t wait until I get to Paris…I’ll be sure to plan a trip to the Arab Institute.