francophile: June 2015

'Soak into French culture at Sorbonne while visiting Paris' by K.J.S.Chatrath

“Sorbonne on virtues of being French: ... Now the Sorbonne, one of the world’s most elite universities, is inviting Britons to France to be lectured about the virtues of being French. Aimed at expats, students and retired couples, the summer course will be taught in English and French, to appeal to Francophiles across the Channel. The 11 different programs are spread over one week in mornings or afternoons, allowing the summer school students time to explore Paris.

“The courses will take place in the iconic rooms and lecture halls of the Sorbonne in Paris’ Latin Quarter.... ...” Extract...For reading the full article please click on the following link: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/sorbonne-on-virtues-of-being-french/story-e6frgcjx-1227399146684

You can, on coming back, rightfully boast...'Oh, you see, when I was doing a course at Sorbonne... ...'

Ah, bon!

They (The French) think, therefore they are... ...

"They think, therefore they are: ...France is arguably the world’s most self-consciously intellectual country. Public thinkers are cherished like national treasures, given airtime on television and column inches in Le Monde. Their counsel is even heeded. Bernard-Henri Lévy, a contemporary philosopher with an outsized reputation..."

Please click at the following link to read the full review of the book How the French Think: An Affectionate Portrait of an Intellectual People. By Sudhir Hazareesingh. Allen Lane; 427 pages; £20. To be published in America by Basic Books in September.-http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21654003-why-life-mind-so-important-france-they-think-therefore-they-are

Fete de la Musique

A HERMES SCARF IN LIMITED EDITION IN AID OF THE RESTORATION OF THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES

A HERMES SCARF IN LIMITED EDITION IN AID OF THE RESTORATION OF THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES SUBSCRIPTION FROM 1st MAY TO 31st July 2015

The “Promenade à Versailles” silk scarf is the culmination of a partnership between two prestigious institutions that both embody French savoir–faire and excellence.

The scarf’s design, inspired by the canals that give structure to the palace gardens, consists of a network of vignettes that pay tribute to the most famous sights of Versailles. They meander from the King’s chamber to the Hall of Mirrors, not forgetting the woodland groves and the grand perspective created by André Le Nôtre. The scarf’s designer Pierre Marie favoured the clarity and simplicity of line drawings to better reflect the classicism of 17th–century France.

The subscription to the « Promenade à Versailles » Hermès scarf will help to fund the restoration of the palace apartments. It is available exclusively by subscription fom 1st May to 31st July 2015. Delivery from 1st December 2015. Price: 335€ (279,17€ tax excl.)

Source: FranceToday.com

'Tut-tut...Mr. Anish Kapoor' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Versailles, The Site of the Vast Royal Palace and Gardens: Photo source: goista.com

Kapoor vexes with ‘vagina’ sculpture at Versailles; Anish Kapoor’s “Dirty Corner” sculpture at the Palace of Versailles is the latest piece of art to cause offense in France,; http://www.france24.com/en/20150606-france-anish-kapoor-vagina-sculpture-vexes-versailles-palace

'Tut-tut...Mr. Anish Kapoor'