Every once in a while an iconic artist will capture the spirit of a generation. Just as Bob Dylan became the symbolic yet enigmatic figure for a generation of Americans, so too did Serge Gainsbourg encapsulate the feelings and desires of the French. While Dylan surely made controversial statements through his music and public persona, Gainsbourg nearly created a firestorm wherever he went. Contemporary France’s ultimate provocateur was reviled and admired at the same time for an oeuvre that crossed genres and a mouth that always had something to say. The Cité de la Musique, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, has dedicated a multifaceted exhibit to the man who once burned a 500 Franc note on live television. New York Habitat apartments won’t cause as much of a stir, but situate guests steps from the Gainsbourg retrospective, in the midst of a culture that he helped define.
Parisians have lined up to pay homage to the painter, writer, actor, director and musician since the October opening of the exhibit, with visitors expected to exceed 100,000 when the exhibit closes on March 15th. Gainsbourg’s career was as tumultuous as the era in which he lived. He experienced Nazi-occupied France as a boy, influenced the May1968 student-worker protests and was eulogized by French President François Mitterrand. Opinions on Gainsbourg’s artistic achievements and public persona are mixed, but his artistic, cultural and social influence cannot be denied.
New York Habitat has dozens of apartments still available in the 19th arrondissement before the popular temporary exhibit closes for good in mid March. Here are a few to help apartment hunters get started:
-This 1-Bedroom apartment Rental in Bastille, La Villette – Buttes Chaumont (PA-4480) features large french windows, modern amenities including a dishwasher and washing machine, and a coded security system.
– This studio vacation rental in Quartier Latin, St Michel-St Germain-Notre Dame (PA-3658) features a central location, smart design touches and an unbelievable rate.
This vacation Rental (PA 3578) is a gorgeous apartment. Fully renovated, new features!! This is my dream accomodation in the city of lights “Paris”!!
I don’t know much about this Gainsbourg character, but I am still pretty sure that Bob Dylan is greater in many aspects, but, then again, I am American…but I am looking for an apartment in Paris…which is why I am on this site.
This will be my first trip to Paris and I’m very excited. Not only does New York Habitat provide affordable rental accomodations but you make a new city more accessible. Thanks for the info about the Paris Musee de la Musique, I’ll be sure to put it on my lists of places to go.
I learned about Serge Gainsbourg in my French Song class in Paris. He was a very important part of the art world at the time. Most Americans don’t realize the rich pop music heritage that is uniquely French. I would love to check out this festival! Did he live in that apartment? Its so pretty!
Yes I agree with you Lucy vacation Rental (PA 3578) is a gorgeous apartment, However I prefer (PA 3658) I love smaller apartment this match of white and red is really beautiful! And of course the neighborhood of Quartier Latin is so unique.