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What do you think sets The Cactus Blossoms apart from other Americana-flavoured acts
on the surface you might mention their short-haired
They wear matching jackets on stage instead of trying to look like The Band circa 1969
Then you can point to the pure harmonies of blood brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum
They can’t help but sound like the Everly Brothers when they sing country with such a perfect blend of voices
And they favour retro guitar tones with tons of twang and tremolo
you may notice that younger brother Jack is a seriously handsome guy (my other half felt obliged to tell me this as soon as she clapped eyes on him)
But dig more deeply and the most important difference between The Cactus Blossoms and nearly everybody else is their ability to write simple
instantly memorable songs with melodic choruses you can sing along to at first hearing
I didn’t know much about the band before buying tickets for this show in Montreuil
an eastern suburb just outside the Paris Périphérique
Confused by their different names (Jack uses a stage name
I wasn’t sure that the two singers were in fact brothers until I did some research
while lead guitarist Jake Hanson and drummer Jeremy Hanson are a second pair of brothers in the same band
“We’re really bad at making friends so we have to stick to family,” joked Torrey while introducing the line-up
Visually they made an instant impression with the two singers in pastel-blue jackets and the back line in the same colour waistcoats (no doubt inspired by their song Powder Blue
which was played mid-set and sounded more like the Everlys than the real Phil and Don)
We didn’t hear that trademark vocal blend so much during the opening four numbers which featured one or other of the brothers singing lead on the verses
Then came the double whammy of ‘Runaway’ and ‘Statues’ and suddenly we were in sibling harmony heaven
The 22-song set included eight of the ten tracks from their last album “Every Time I Think About You” plus highlights from previous collections going back to 2016’s “You’re Dreaming”
which was still one year in the future the last time they played Paris
Halfway through the show Page Burkam introduced the set’s only cover version by saying: “We come from Minnesota and we’d like to play something by a fellow Minnesotan
thoughtfully: “This is one of his least popular songs…” He wasn’t kidding
The Cactus Blossoms recorded ‘Went To See The Gypsy’ for a four-song EP of Dylan covers released in 2022
His Bobness did it on 1970’s “New Morning” album
I had no memory of ever having heard it before
My own favourite song of the night was ‘Hey Baby’
but a low-key feelgood boogie that gives me a shiver of pleasure every time I hear it
I watched the show from the right-hand side of the hall
And with lead guitarist Jake Hanson stationed on the left
I couldn’t see him when he sat down for certain numbers
At first I thought he was playing pedal steel because that’s what it sounded like
Suddenly I saw through a gap in the crowd that there was no pedal steel and in fact he was coaxing showers of shimmering glissandi from his Fender Jazzmaster using a slide and a volume pedal
There was lots more to love about The Cactus Blossoms for a guitar nut like me: the pleasing visual contrast between Jack Torrey’s pristine instruments – a gleaming sunburst Stratocaster and a Danelectro Longhorn – and his cousin Philip’s road-battered Precision bass; the way Hanson’s upfront licks wove in an out of Torrrey’s precisely tooled arpeggios and subtle lead lines to form a delicious sonic texture
The band had played four shows in the UK (Glasgow
London) and five in Spain before this one concert in France
with more to follow in Belgium and the Netherlands
Page Burkum thanked the Montreuil crowd for being friendly and appreciative but admitted that they were more familiar with rowdy US audiences
“We’re used to people shouting and throwing things while we play
Next time bring some rotten fruit,” he quipped
I’m still exploring unfamiliar music venues in and around Paris and La Marbrerie was a good discovery
It used to be a workshop that made gravestones and despite a spartan industrial ambience the sound was superb throughout
It has a canteen alongside the auditorium which lived up to its name by serving food from hot trays as soon as you ordered it
The show ended on a cheerful note when the band came back for their first encore and a fan near the front asked them to play ‘Out of My Mind (On Sunday)’
we haven’t practised that one,” said Burkum
“We wouldn’t want you to go home remembering us for a song we messed up.”
But when that song finished they decided to go for it
With the help of a fan holding up a phone with the lyrics
Torrey began singing the request hesitantly
and suddenly it was as if they had played it on every night of tour and everyone was smiling
After a final rousing performance of ‘Travelers Paradise’ The Cactus Blossoms left the stage on a tide of Gallic goodwill
PS: someone at the very front of the audience has posted good-quality videos of four songs from this show to the usual site
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The McGill Psychotherapy Process Research Group has merged with the McGill Health Psychology Research Group
and is now the Science and Practice in Psychology (SAPP) research group
Dr. Tina Montreuil
a researcher at the Educational and Counselling Psychology Department (Associate Member of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
has been awarded the prestigious FRQS Chercheur Boursier Junior 2 award this past April 2025
This highly competitive funding opportunity recognizes Dr
Montreuil's program of research that aims to support parental mental health during pregnancy and improve access and pathways of care using an innovative screening and referral protocol
Selected through a rigorous peer-review process
the award supports mid-career scientists who demonstrate excellence and leadership in population health sciences
Montreuil’s established research program seeks to improve child outcomes by addressing parental mental health early and effectively
Please select what you would like included for printing:
Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application
passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 2
Diane was the daughter of Ernest W and Arlene K (Overland) Montreuil
and the eldest of their three children (Karen and Keith)
She grew up and graduated from high school (1976) in Crookston
After high school Diane continued her education in Rochester MN where she studied Human Services
Diane was employed at the Brainerd Regional Treatment Center where she began her 40+ year career educating
and caring for others who were challenged with mental
She continued her career working at the North Dakota State School for the Blind
and most recently Andover Elementary School
She also worked as a personal care assistant for individuals with special needs
Diane nannied for a family in Andover whom she completely loved and cherished.
Diane was married to Jeff Dale on April 26th of 1980 and together they raised four wonderful children
while living in Crookston and later Andover
She was lucky to find love again in her life with her companion
They enjoyed going on motorcycle trips throughout the country and found joy in caring for their beloved dogs Emma and Ernie
Diane always looked forward to her yearly girl’s weekend with her seven longtime girlfriends from Crookston (Sheree
Diane’s greatest love of all was her children and grandchildren
She found immense joy in spending time and making memories with her family
She felt truly blessed and never took for granted each day and moment that God gave her to spend with her loving family.
Diane is survived by her children Eric Dale (Abbe) of Cokato
and Emily Wendorf (Andy) of Isanti and their father Jeff Dale of Andover
She will be forever cherished and remembered by her eleven grandchildren: Isabelle
Great nephew and niece Devin and Kiera Gudmundson will cherish her memory.
She will be dearly missed by companion Robin Buchelt
sister Karen Danielson (Nick) Niece Kari Gudmundson
Diane was preceded in death by her parents Ernie and Arlene
grandparents Fred and Emily Montreuil and Joe and Alvina Overland
She was also preceded in death by aunts Carol Johnson
and Della Montreuil as well as uncles Wally Johnson
Duane Kaiser and cousins Julie Janes and Kim Anderson
A Memorial Service honoring Diane’s life will be held on Saturday
at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston
The service will begin at 1:00 PM with visitation held one-hour prior
Please visit www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries for more information.
Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service
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we announce the death of Marie Louise Germaine Montreuil (formerly Rawson)
to Ernestine Helene Morisseau and Francois Xavier Montroy
She remembered fondly growing up on the family farm with her three brothers
Manitoba from 1977 to 1980 and then moved to Winnipeg
where she worked as a family support worker until she was 85.She loved music and dancing; she often went to fun and fiddle festivals
She had a talent for listening to music and teaching herself how to play them on her piano
She had a knack for excelling at anything she tried
butter tarts and Christmas pudding sauce.She is survived by her brother Floyd (Marge); three children
Dale (Renee) and Penny (Brent); four grandchildren
Jamie (Lindsay) and Josh (Michaela); and seven great-grandchildren
Edward and Bernard.Those who knew Marie will remember her keen curiosity
followed by interment at the Haywood Cemetery
Please join us for a luncheon and celebration of her life at the Haywood Hall after the interment
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03
Share your memories and/or express your condolences below
Unfortunately with the need to moderate tributes for inappropriate content
your comments may take up to 48 hours to appear
Street art invites itself to an atypical Île-de-France venue just a few days before the start of summer! On Saturday June 14 and Sunday June 15, 2025, the town of Montreuil welcomes RUR 93 for the first time
Organized for four years in Nogent-le-Rotrou
the RUR urban art festival is coming to Seine-Saint-Denis for an edition billed as " unprecedented "
To make their mark, the event's two co-organizers - Kholab and Urban Signature - are banking on an original venue: the District Training Zone
this former aluminum foundry has been converted into a gym
the District has several spaces which will be used by the fifteen or so invited artists and the public on June 14 and 15
While some twenty murals and events will be on display in the spot's outdoor courtyard, the indoor hall will host an exhibition orchestrated by Urban Signature
a thrift shop and a food court will also be on the program
so it would be a shame not to take advantage
If you'd like to discover the first edition of RUR 93
Refer your establishment, click herePromote your event, click here
2025 (SPS) – The youth wing of the French Socialist Left organized a special solidarity day in support of the Sahrawi cause under the slogan "All Together in Solidarity with the Sahrawi People" in the French city of Montreuil
The event featured diverse cultural activities and photo exhibitions depicting the suffering and daily life of the Sahrawi people in refugee camps
Guests were welcomed with traditional Sahrawi tea accompanied by authentic Sahrawi music
The program included a comprehensive presentation on the history of the Sahrawi cause and the people's struggle for independence
as well as recent political developments at the international and regional levels affecting the Sahrawi liberation movement
The highlight of the day was a roundtable discussion led by Mohamed Ali Zerouali
who delivered an in-depth analysis of the Sahrawi issue
Zerouali emphasized the responsibility and role of French civil society in defending just causes
urging pressure on the French government to respect UN resolutions and international legitimacy - principles that France itself helped shape within the Security Council
He also addressed the political and economic motives behind Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara
shedding light on Morocco’s alliance with Spanish and French colonialism to plunder the region’s resources at the expense of the Sahrawi people’s right to freedom and self-determination
reaffirmed the French Socialist Left’s support for liberation movements worldwide
She expressed disappointment at the French president’s recent shameful stance
and bypassed the French constitution by failing to consult parliament on this issue
The event concluded with a renewed call for solidarity and intensified efforts to pressure France and the international community to uphold justice for the Sahrawi people
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Semrush (NYSE: SEMR)
a leading online visibility management SaaS platform
is pleased to announce that Veronique Montreuil joins the executive team as Chief Customer and Data Officer
With over 20 years of experience in customer success and customer experience
Veronique brings a wealth of expertise to enhance customer relationships and drive growth
In her most recent role as Head of Technology Sales and Customer Success at Covetrus (NASDAQ: CVET)
and optimizing customer value through strategic initiatives and process improvements
She held prior roles at companies INAP (NASDAQ: INAP)
“Veronique Montreuil is a significant addition to Semrush
and we are thrilled she’s joining our leadership team
we are obsessed with our customers and Veronique’s arrival will only bolster our focus on understanding the evolving needs of businesses,” said Oleg Shchegolev
Veronique will lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction
product development and data analytics to support Semrush’s ambitious growth plans
“Semrush has a formidable reputation of going above and beyond for its customers
so I’m incredibly excited to be joining its leadership team,” said Veronique Montreuil
Semrush’s Chief Customer and Data Officer
“My goal is to drive growth and deliver lifetime value and satisfaction to the most important part of our business
Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that enables businesses globally to run search engine optimization
social media and competitive research campaigns and get measurable results from online marketing
Semrush offers insights and solutions for companies to build
and measure campaigns across various marketing channels
Semrush is headquartered in Boston and has offices in Trevose
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The Salon du livre et la presse jeunesse de Montreuil returns this winter, to the delight of avid readers. The 40th edition of the fair dedicated to children's literature will take place from November 27 to December 2
There's a great love affair between literature and daydreaming
a public event that welcomes hundreds of exhibitors
publishers and French and international authors around the theme of children's literature
readings in sign language and audiodescription
with an exhibition of children's illustrations outside the walls and professional events to accompany the literary festivalin partner spaces on a national and international scale
Bookshops, libraries and cultural centers partnering the Montreuil Fair will be showcasing the Pépites
to enable readers to meet up with their favorite authors of books and albums
The Pépites awards recognize the best children's books of the year
Young readers are invited to apply to become judges
the Salon du livre de Montreuil has had its own TV channel
and you can meet your favorite authors at the stands of their publishing houses
As in previous years, there will be plenty of activities for children and adults alike
with a special area reserved for professionals and students interested in the world of publishing
Throughout the year, the Musée de l'Histoire Vivante de Montreuil showcases iconographic collections from the French Revolution to the 1960s
notably from several activists and leaders of the French Communist Party
Created in 1937 by the Association pour l'Histoire Vivante, the museum of the same name was inaugurated in 1939
to mark the 150th anniversary of the French Revolution
the museum has dealt with social and political issues
the suburbs and Montreuil's industrial heritage
the Museum of Living History has expanded to include new fields of investigation and contemporary issues
and also presents temporary exhibitions and educational projects in conjunction with local schools
the museum is a resource center for researchers and historians
To discover this unique museum in an equally unique setting
take advantage of Nuit des Musées 2025 on May 17
On the program for Nuit des Musées 2025 at the Musée de l'Histoire Vivante in Montreuil (93):
History & Discrimination - From shadow to lightSaturday
the invisible have emerged from history: workers
### An opportunity to explore 50 years of writing history
president of Archives du féminisme and co-president of AFéMuse
head of collections at the Living History Museum
racism and intersectionality used in the social sciences
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
### in the recognition of the homosexual deportation
former vice-president of Les oublié-e-s de la mémoire
Over 40 years of festivities, and the Fête de la Musique continues to thrill us every year! On June 21, the whole of France celebrates music of all kinds, and new and established artists alike, performing in the streets, parks, restaurants
the Fête de la Musique is a celebration of music and artists of all styles and genres
An initiative much appreciated by the French
who have been coming out in force for all these years
In the inner suburbs of Paris, the town of Montreuil
supportive and popular vibe in which cultures intermingle and counter-cultures flourish
is getting ready to celebrate summer with music
So what's on tap in this eastern Parisian commune for this Fête de la Musique 2024 in the Paris region
Stay tuned as the page is updated with new announcements
Le TraquenardPerformance by DJ Estere Lola In ParisFriday, June 21, 2024 from 4pm to 5pmFree admissionLe Chinois Fête de la Musique spécial Afro Vibes by Trap Africa & FriendsFriday, June 21, 2024 from 10pm to 5amPre-sale accesshttps://www.facebook.com/events/419047170946586
MontVenusDrag Kings Show with singing performances Friday
Rooftop of the Cinéma Mélies MontreuilRPBLK and the Bistrot Méliès join forces for the Fête de la musique 2024. Come and vibrate to sharp, festive and groovy House tones in a magnificent setting on the ROOFTOP of the Cinéma Georges Méliès in Montreuil. Free, reservations
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles
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He may not be the biggest player on the ice
but much like the undersized Jacob Therrien with the North Bay Battalion
The 2009 birth year forward from Mattawa has been one of the key offensive threats for the North Bay U16 AAA Trappers team that is wrapping up regular season play in the Great North U18 AAA Hockey League.
Montreuil has netted 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points.
with an impressive motor and compete level," said one scout.
"Cedar plays much bigger than listed."
Scouts believe his work ethic is his trademark
"He plays with a physical edge despite his size
Willingly plays in the hard areas of the ice
A player whose competitiveness and unrelenting motor should appeal to OHL scouts and management alike."
Montreuil describes himself as a dynamic two-way forward who enjoys getting into puck battles
"I can also create plays finding teammates along with putting the puck in the net," said the 5'7"
He models his game after NHL power forward and Stanley Cup winner
"Doing anything I can do to help my team win
I am also a player on the team who helps out whether it’s on the ice
not letting the team get discouraged or in the room
keeping them focused on the task at hand."
Montreuil also enjoys the challenge of playing against bigger and stronger competition, so playing in a league against players two or three years older doesn't phase him. Montreuil actually played games last season as an affiliate with the U18 AAA Trappers
He attended the Powassan Voodoos summer camp last July and is an affiliate with the local junior 'A' team this season.
"Adjusting to playing against the older players in this league was obviously a challenge," he admits.
I have found that playing scared is not the answer. I figured out that to be able to compete against them I have had to become even more gritty
get shots off quicker along with passes."
Montreuil does not want to take anything for granted in his hockey journey.
"Without a doubt my parents since without them none of this would be possible
whether it be bringing me to and from practice
feeding me nutritious food allowing me to be in my best shape and also them sacrificing a lot to be able to make all this happen," he said.
"Other people that comes to mind is my coaching staff
they put a lot of time reviewing video for the team to improve our game
also sending videos to players individually telling us what we are doing well and what we need to work on
also being available for individual meetings if we need some extra help
I wouldn’t be the player I am today."
who was also named to the NOHA All-Star roster for the OHL Cup
is trying to be calm when thinking about the 2025 OHL Priority Selection
which takes place April 11 and 12 online.
"I put it in the back of my mind and do not stress about it," he said.
Montreuil has a positive outlook whether he gets drafted or not.
"Many players go undrafted and continue on to have a career," he said.
"Even if that doesn’t happen I have a lot to live for and know I will be successful in whatever I end up doing since I am very committed to everything I do
"This doesn’t just apply to hockey but also at school; doing the best I can and at work doing the best work I can do
"That is why I am not stressed about the draft since there’s nothing I can do except to play my game and do the best I can."
More Spotlight >
(LEX 18) — Commercial pilot numbers are dwindling and experts say it's due to several factors like mandatory retirement at 65 and the cost of training
they're looking to help that shortage via their aviation program
"The industry is losing hundreds of thousands of pilots each year and our program is trying to meet that demand," said program chair Dennis Sinnett
Faith Montreuil is a junior in the program
She's one of the 463 students currently studying to enter the aviation industry
Montreuil is in the professional flight track
the joy that you get simply from flying is second to none
it's the most amazing feeling in the world," said Montreuil
Sinnett said the program has grown exponentially over the last 4 to 5 years
from 100 students seven years ago to the numbers they see today
"It's incredible the amount of responsibility these young aviators are able to take on at a relatively short period of time
Graduates will end their time at EKU with their private
They'll also be certified flight instructors
Montreuil said she plans to fly for the airlines
"It's a lot of hard work and studying but it's totally rewarding," said Montreuil
The program also features the aerospace management track
which Sinnett said is quickly gaining steam
Young pilots first starting out will have a salary around $90,000
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Greens and Communists have put aside their differences to form a ‘New Popular Front’
The posters strung across the street in Montreuil, east of Paris, were still fluttering in the breeze days after the stage, the microphones and the politicians at the launch of France’s newest political force had gone
out of the smouldering ashes of the country’s bickering left
a coalition had risen to take on the far right
allying with LFI after its outspoken leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s insults and attacks on the man who led their European campaign
if they are to win what he calls “the mother of all battles”
“It’s complicated … I’m not going to tell you it’s a marriage of love,” he said of the left’s new coalition
The coalition has agreed to divvy up constituencies to ensure no leftwing candidate stands in opposition to another
But its launch in Montreuil last Monday evening was tense
coming after the shock announcement that five LFI MPs had been deselected
including the town’s outgoing MP Alexis Corbière
LFI MP in the neighbouring Seine-Saint-Denis constituency
are now standing as independent NFP candidates
Establishing a programme for the hastily created NFP hydra
has involved even more pill swallowing and compromise
What it has come up with is a manifesto to increase the minimum wage; freeze the price of essential goods and energy; abolish the pension age rise to 64
reducing it back down to 60; and tax rises on income
It has denied opponents’ claims that this will cost between €100-200bn
the director of the Observatory of Political Life at the Jean-Jaurès Foundation thinktank
said the left had been forced to rise above considerable political differences by the prospect of an RN majority in the 577-seat Assemblée Nationale
“Separately they risked losing and letting the RN and Emmanuel Macron’s party through; by joining forces nationally the aim is to get as many [NFP] candidates as possible into the second round,” Bréhier said
“The RN hasn’t put a foot wrong in this campaign … it has gained credibility and made people think it’s another normal party
the left has had to cooperate and compromise to form an alternative political force,” he said
followed by 28% for the NFP and 22% for Macron’s coalition
Those questioned said their priorities were the cost of living
voters of all stripes have tended to vote against the far right
this time may be differentBréhier said the predicted high turnout and a lower number of candidates this time could lead to more “triangulars”: the unusual situation where three candidates qualify for the second-round vote instead of two
one would often withdraw to avoid splitting the vote
the PS and LFI have said they will advise voters to support whoever will keep out the RN after the first round vote next Sunday
But while in previous elections, voters of all stripes have tended to vote against the far right, this time may be different. For many in France
Mélenchon’s radical left is as distasteful as Le Pen’s far right
Last week, Kylian Mbappé, captain of the France men’s football team, warned voters to shun “les extremes”
a comment interpreted by some as criticism of the radical left LFI as well as the far right
the activist and Nazi hunter famous for documenting the Holocaust
stated he would vote for the far right if faced with a choice between RN and LFI
while the French Jewish philosopher and member of the Académie Française Alain Finkielkraut has said he will do the same
The philosopher Bernard Henri-Lévy has opted for the neither right nor left stance
Frédéric Sawicki, professor of political science at the Sorbonne, rejects the “both extremes” equivalence and sought to reassure moderate leftwing voters balking at supporting an LFI candidate by suggesting other coalition members would neutralise the radical left’s more extreme elements.
“There’s a big difference between the RN and the LFI, which is now in a coalition whose programme is democratic. In any case, there is no guarantee that within the coalition the LFI will win the most seats, which means it will have to work with socialists and others [in parliament],” he said.
“The real danger is an RN government so the hope is that voters will vote, not abstain in the second round, and will not hesitate between an NFP and RN candidate.”
In Montreuil town hall, mayor Patrice Bessac, of the French Communist party, said an RN government would shake everyone in a town with a large migrant population of more than 60 nationalities and be a wider threat to French diversity and social cohesion.
They know the far right’s first target will be the immigrant population and working-class areas like ours,” Bessac said
“The danger from the far right means the left must put disagreements aside and campaign together
The only thing that matters is that we propose a new path for the country that is not the RN.”
who led the PS’s relatively successful European campaign – it came third narrowly behind Macron’s party – said he understood the reluctance of his “social democrat
ecologist and pro-European” supporters to vote for an LFI candidate but that unity was the only way to avoid a “triumph of the worst”
the battle that makes all the others possible
This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025
The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media
Dr. Tina Montreuil, ECP, was invited to take part in a production and short documentary produced by Savoir média
to talk about the importance of supporting families during the perinatal period or the transition to parenthood
The documentary was filmed in our very own Education Faculty Learning Commons
Some highlights of this important documentary:
The Méliès cinema is a veritable institution in Montreuil
Named in homage to the film director Georges Méliès
who created the first French film studio in the town
it has been thrilling lovers of the 7th art for over 50 years
it was located in the heart of a shopping mall at Croix-de-Chavaux station
this temple to the 7th art has undergone a renaissance with the construction of a dedicated complex opposite the town hall
a stone's throw from the Mairie de Montreuil station on line 9
It is now Europe's largest public art house cinema
as well as regular festivals to rediscover classics and forgotten works
and special nocturnes with screenings throughout the night
there are also Japanim sessions dedicated to Japanese animation
the cinema offers a special program for young audiences
or "babies welcome" screenings where you can attend with an infant under 7 months
as changing tables are available in the cinema
Accessible to people with reduced mobility
the cinema also offers screenings adapted for the visually and hearing impaired
senior citizens and those with behavioral disabilities
Prices remain affordable: €7 for full price
with a canteen that's also reasonably priced
a five-minute walk from the Robespierre metro station (line 9)
this 3,000 m² center offers a complete range of gaming
And we hear that a new adventure is coming in 2025..
In addition to gaming, the venue features a restaurant run by chef Poca, specializing ineSports-related cuisine, as well as a concept dart bar, EVA Darts, and an immersive Cyberbar. The restaurant will feature "Burgouzz", a burger created by YouTubeur Valouzz
EVA Paris-Est is also targeting corporate events
offering capacity for up to 200 people for privatizations or teambuilding sessions
The perfect opportunity to have fun with family and friends just a stone's throw from the capital
We visited the store during a press afternoon
it's very welcoming: the bar at the entrance sets the tone
and the seating areas are just as inviting
A real little cocoon for a drink between two games
And the augmented-reality dartboard also helps
You can move around easily without getting in the way
given how easy it is to bump into each other
The HTC Focus 3 headset is lightweight and comfortable to wear
Free-roaming makes for a pleasant experience
with no weight on your head or back (no backpack computer)
we tried our hand at severalAfter-H Battle Arena maps
very pleasing to the eye and particularly fluid
it's the same thing: everything is done to make the experience accessible to all
without hindering those who are used to it
plus the possibility of taking out a subscription to play
which are classic but sufficiently numerous (objective shooting
we had a lot of fun during the sessions on offer
A great address for fans ofeSports and virtual reality..
or those who want to discover these two aspects of gaming
All that's left is for you to make up your own mind and discover the store
To find out about other centers in the Paris region
Baiman's Cake is the latest brainchild of Amelle
a mother of 5 with a passion for patisserie who dreamed of opening a friendly place where people could come to enjoy themselves and learn how to bake
Derived from the first names of all the members of her family
After a retraining and a pastry CAP in her pocket
she set her sights on 71 rue Robespierre in Montreuil
a former coworking space with beautiful volumes
so there's no shortage of room to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal all day long
you can enjoy these sweet treats accompanied by refined teas or carefully selected coffees
You can also enjoy lunch or a quick bite to eat
with a range of savoury dishes from homemade sandwiches to gourmet wraps and bagels
The originality of Baiman's Cake also lies in its interactive side
The establishment offers patisserie workshops open to all
where you can learn how to use a pastry bag
make an entremets worthy of a professional
or even learn how to make viennoiseries that have nothing to be ashamed of in front of those from your bakery
It's a great way for sweet-lovers to get their hands dirty
We rolled up our sleeves and set off for a full-day workshop from 9am to 5:30pm
This ultra-complete package includes a gourmet breakfast consisting of 3 pastries
After this gentle start and a short presentation tour
Making croissant dough and inverted puffpastry
We go on to make croissants rolled with love
followed by a demonstration of sorted Swiss bread
Then it's on to the galette decoration workshop
croissants and pains au chocolat that would be right at home on the shelves of a bakery
how to make competition flans with the king of flan: Julien Juchamalo
To take advantage of this gourmet address, go to 71 rue Robespierre, 93100 Montreuil. You can book a workshop or get more information by contacting the salon on 09 78 81 10 65 or by e-mail at contact@baimans.com.
at this solidarity-based ressourcerie where every item deserves a second life
The program features a selection of clothes
It's an opportunity to unearth nuggets while adopting a more responsible approach to consumption
Whether you're a fan of vintage thrift shops
looking for a good book or a collector's vinyl
this solidarity sale supports social integration and re-use
while offering a convivial and committed experience
And for those who have forgotten to spoil their loved ones on February 14
it's the perfect opportunity to find a unique gift without breaking the bank
Kidexpo is THE trade show for parents , but especially for kids, and it's back for four days from October 24 to 27, 2024, with lots of good deals and clever ideas in the fields of education, sport, leisure and vacations for the whole family
as well as around a hundred workshops and events
which takes place at the Montreuil Exhibition Centre for the first time (previously it was held at the Versailles Exhibition Centre in the 15th arrondissement)
The program includes fun and educational activities
as well as the children's favorite heroes on the Big Stage for extraordinary shows
concerts and meetings with the stars of the youngest stars
You'll be able to dance to the new Moussier Tombola show
meet The Voice contestants and end the day in style with the KidExpo Halloween Party
There's plenty to keep kids' eyes sparkling and their spirits up for an unforgettable day
The North Bay & District U16 AAA Trappers season ended as they were defeated 5-3 by the Soo U16 AAA Greyhounds on Sunday in the play-in final of the Great North U18 playoff tournament
which wrapped up on the weekend in Sault Ste
The three-team event included the U16 Trappers
the New Liskeard Cubs and the host U16 AAA Greyhounds
with the winner going to the GN U18 Tournament of Champions
which starts Wednesday in Timmins.
Uilliam Noll and Phillippe Lafontaine scored for the U16 Trappers in the loss.
the Trappers blasted the Cubs 8-0 paced by Montreuil
who netted five goals in the win. Lafontaine
Ty Dubreuil and Emerik Bray had the other goals while Bruce Laronde recorded the shutout.
The Trappers opened the play-in tourney on Friday with a 2-2 tie against the Greyhounds.
Montreuil and Carter McAllister scored in their opening game.
The season is not over for all the Trappers as a handful from the local squad have been named to the NOHA All-Stars who will compete in the OHL Cup March 24 to 28 in Toronto. Owen Smith
and Bruce Laronde were named to the team back in late February.
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the Parisian food scene is flexing its muscles
from legendary restaurants making a comeback to a Japanese tea ceremony and 50 shades of bistronomy
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Nuit Blanche
the unmissable cultural event that takes place every first weekend in June
returns in 2024 to illuminate Paris and the surrounding area with a unique artistic program
this magical night transforms streets and buildings into a vast open-air art gallery
artistic performances and exhibitions amaze visitors
Whether you're a fan of contemporary art or simply curious
Nuit Blanche promises to be an immersive and unforgettable experience
offering an idyllic setting in which to relax and enjoy nature
The city's cultural diversity and artistic dynamism make it a unique and captivating place to live
you can discover works bylocal and international artists
take part in interactive workshops and enjoy live performances with your family
so don't miss this opportunity to experience an exceptional night out in this artistic city in the inner suburbs
See you in Montreuil for Nuit Blanche 2024
le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles
For the past 10 years, the French Ministry of Culture and the Centre national du livre (CNL) have been organizing the nationwide "Partir en livre" (Go to Books) event to encourage children to read
The great festival of books for young people returns for a new summer edition from June 18 to July 20
For half of the summer vacations, children can sail from activity to activity, whetting their curiosity and appetite for reading. What better way to make new friends than by discussing books
the festival also invites you to get moving
to explore the links between sport and literature
Partir en livre will be reaching out to children and teenagers right from the start of the vacation season! Just like last year, the Livrodrome is back: an itinerantliterary theme park touring France
including the town of Asnières-sur-Seine (92)
Snøhetta, the Norweigan-based architecture and landscape practice
has been chosen to re-imagine the French Asylum and Administrative Courts of Montreuil
The proposal puts together both institutions on one site
surrounded by luscious green areas and a biophilic landscape
the project includes the design of the buildings
The national court of asylum in France is a place where people appeal the rejection or withdrawal of their refugee status, given to them by the government. A place of possible high tension and turmoil, the new design by Snohetta Paris is based on safety and transparency, acting as a beacon of justice.
The joining of the two jurisdictions on one site has led the two functions to be positioned on opposite sides, with shared programs such as a nursery, sports hall, and a restaurant at the center of the site. All of these spaces are centered around the main garden.
Aligned with Snøhetta’s values, the scheme addresses the environmental values of the building. The project promotes biodiversity through many new green spaces, as well as a thermal solution to excessive energy consumption. The glass facades are oriented and designed in a way that will accommodate energy production, aided by photovoltaic panels.
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The family of Maria Barovechio Montreuil created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories.
Maria Barovechio Montreuil, age 62 of Madisonville,...
Text description provided by the architects. The access hall organizes the public flow.
- Reception, information desk and access are located below the auditorium.
This space aims to be boosted by the public use:
- The first one is open, it features views of the future Gernica square. One can perceive a continuous path which is symbolized by the staircase that leads toward the bar.
- The second one is vertical, the monumental staircase behind me.
© Jean Marie MonthiersThe courtyard brings daylight to the interior spaces and, through triangulation with other glazing panels, balances the spatial configuration.The architect seeked the continuity of the external spaces toward the inner spaces by the use of Portuguese paving on the ground level. This red foyer is the starting point of a very expressive pathway we are about to discover.
By climbing the monumental stairs one perceives a color shift. It’s related to the imposing character of the suspended volumes over the small stage designed for short performances. We gradually change the atmosphere while climbing the stairs. The main access to the room is through this entry.
The walls and paving show a color gradient; the volumes are detached to enhance the perspective. The current photography exhibition is presented by the School of Visual Arts of Vevey.
© Jean Marie MonthiersReaching the bar. Its form allows a particularly dynamic way of development. The suspended tables, coated with gold sheets, react statically to the bar’s volume.
Getting inside the room. This room closely connects the spectators with both the stage and the artists.The grid over the stage pends from a point two times higher than the window we can see. Still on the path of this project, the red-to-black gradient is discrete, it leads the eye toward the stage.
The concrete walls give the room a very contemporary atmosphere. Their oblique “folds” ensure an excellent acoustic and, by being attached to the technical footbridges, provide a sense of security.
© Jean Marie MonthiersGoing down until we reach the stage.
We are in front of the orchestra pit which is currently occupied by 3 rows of seats.
We are in the private area for the artists.
Floor PlanThe ceiling, enlivened by a set of colored lights, defines the foyer and provides an austere atmosphere for the artists to prepare to enter the stage.
Here is a dressing-room. Confortable and simple, it offers a place for the user to prepare.
© Jean Marie MonthiersThis place is treated with noble materials as solid wood and golden sheet cladding
(Passing in front of the staircase) This staircase leads to the administrative areas
and also to the artist’s studios we are about to find
Its dynamic nature features some slits that create different perspectives
(Reaching beneath the vault) The access to the studios is through this path whose main singularity is this vault
The color and light treatment emphasizes its magnificence and provides a sense of infinity
Artists’ studio: this room is a simple volume which features all kind of repetitions
The balcony can be easily reached and allows users to stay in this room for longer
We will now return to the access hall – end of the visit
British-run luxury B&B that is a couple of hours from London by train – only it’s in France
So what are the perfect constituent components of an escape to the country
A seamless airport-free delivery out of the city
welcoming you into a creeper-clad rural redoubt
ideally with a cravat or lazy Labrador involved somewhere
A centuries-old flag-floored building whose creaking boards and echoing style infused spaces embrace that elusive symmetry of old world charm and cutting-edge chic
To be able to step outside into a collage of similarly time warped buildings slumped into a slow-motion film-set fantasy
seeping through the crisp atmosphere of somewhere big enough to invite exploration
yet small enough for the inhabitants to be able to gossip about you
If it’s on a hill affording far-reaching vistas of unimpeded greenness
preferably involving nothing more strenuous than a stroll
to genuinely desirable dining destinations… an integral piece of the jig-saw
Tim Matthews’ achingly tasteful restoration of what was for centuries the apothecary’s house
is in a little town that ticks all the above boxes
45 minutes’ drive from the tunnel exit in Calais
With a change onto a somewhat more sedate but scenic local train
is thus accessible by rail from London in a couple of hours
Car rental and transfer options are also possible at Calais Eurostar station
I can’t recall if Matthews sports a cravat
but this long-time resident of what is undoubtedly the most attractive French town within striking distance of Calais
seems to revel in the French preconception of le gentilhomme anglais
which the locals have clearly decided he is
Number 76 Rue Pierre Ledent in the heart of this sedentary but sumptuous hilltop community of just 2000 inhabitants
has been transformed into one of the most endearing B&Bs on either side of the Channel
It may well be an innate prejudice tilted toward one’s own cultural reference points
but British restoration of hotel’s and B&Bs in France can often appear quite impressive
Whilst the authenticity of the French experience
not least that quaint practice of wallpapering over anything and everything
dangles the opportunity of total cultural immersion
some provincial gallic interior style statements are perhaps best left unsaid
has managed to bring about a perfectly balanced entente cordiale of French elegance and English sophistication that impresses from the first step across the threshold
like many in Montreuil (the setting for Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables)
along with a lot of other property suddenly changing hands in revolutionary France
it became the town apothecary’s residence and remained as such for nearly two centuries
Whilst quite dilapidated by the time Matthews and his partner got to grips with its 21st-century renaissance
Maison 76 has retained many impressive original features including massive marble fireplaces
wonderful parquet flooring and gorgeous frescoes
The sense of space and opulence is preserved by room sizes having been largely left intact
resulting in just three guest bedrooms plus one suite
the overall perfectly proportioned impression is of the grand bourgeois town house that it was intended to be when constructed in the 1750s
Colour schemes veer from deep hued historic neutrals using Little Greene paints (more Farrow & Ball than Farrow & Ball) to lavish brightly coloured original wall coverings and all points in between
Laced liberally with an eclectic design input and a notable attention to detail
it all moulds into a soft-toned soporific showstopper that you just want to sit down with a glass of champagne (readily accommodated) to absorb and be absorbed by
There’s a delightful sizeable garden incorporating a picture-perfect summer house
although the small swimming pool operating under the same meteorological duress as the British climate
one struggles to find fault with a destination at the end of the metropolitan escape route as enticing as this one
there’s that with which Le Weekend is always going to prevail over a domestic jaunt to the countryside
Supposedly superior French sartorial standards might occasionally surprise
some of the sights on show on a wet winter weekday in Calais’ giant Cité Europe shopping mall make 1970s Albania look like Milan Fashion Week
remains as implacably impaled on the heart of French society as it has always been
In the part of France closest to our shores
Montreuil-sur-Mer is rapidly establishing a reputation as the go-to destination for gastronomic indulgence
With one of only two restaurants in the North of France to boast two Michelin stars
Christian Germain has been consistently accorded one-star status
the town punches way above its culinary weight
In less than five minutes’ walk of Maison 76
there’s a plethora of enticing eateries including another two of Gauthier’s
and my absolute favourite mid-range restaurant pretty much anywhere
Matthews has recently partnered with Alexandre Gauthier in a new venture designed to promote the town’s little-known legacy of foodie pre-eminence
He has evolved into a walking lexicon of the area’s isolated farm restaurants
isn’t ever likely to be an issue for Maison 76 guests
How to stop their messianic host from continually telling them
The siren call of Shropshire’s blue remembered hills or Dorset’s hidden valleys of isolated indolence
to those in need of respite from metropolitan mayhem
But with Calais just a 55-minute whoosh away
chaperoning your taste buds underneath the channel in order to discover what our man in Montrueil might have lying in wait for them
presents as a weekend break with a difference
Rooms at Maison76 from 175 Euros: maison76.com
Returns London St Pancras to Calais from £58 Standard, £168 Standard Premier: eurostar.com
ladestinationgastronomique.com
A newly released report from the Institut de la statistique du Québec highlights a worrying trend: a sharp rise in mental health issues among high school students over the past decade
which draws on data from over 70,000 students in French and English schools across Quebec
and other disorders—issues that experts like Dr
Tina Montreuil emphasize need urgent attention
an Associate Professor in Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University
reflected on the findings during a recent interview
“This report provides a snapshot of how mental health among teenagers has evolved over the past ten years,” she noted
While some conditions like attention deficit disorders have long been present
The report paints a grim picture: professionally diagnosed anxiety disorders rose from 9 per cent in 2010–2011 to 20 per cent in 2022–2023
Depression also climbed from 4.9 per cent to 7 per cent
and eating disorders showed the most dramatic increase
Attention deficit disorders now affect a staggering 25 per cent of students
Girls are disproportionately affected by anxiety (8 per cent take medication compared to 3.8 per cent of boys)
and eco-anxiety—a newer metric that tracks stress tied to environmental concerns
The decline in self-esteem was also more pronounced in girls
dropping from 15 per cent in 2010 to just 7 per cent in 2023
the decline was smaller but still significant
falling from 24 per cent to 16 per cent in the same period
“Eco-anxiety is a reflection of our increasing awareness of climate change and the stress it induces
especially in younger generations who feel they have little control over the situation.”
While the pandemic has been blamed for rising mental health challenges
Montreuil argued it’s not the sole culprit
the steepest increase in issues occurred before the pandemic,” she explained
there was more awareness and discussion about mental health
which might have temporarily slowed the upward trend
and there was a surge in available resources.”
Montreuil emphasized that increased awareness and better diagnostic tools also contribute to the rising numbers
“We’re more attuned to what anxiety looks like
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify social comparison
contributing to low self-esteem and even eating disorders.”
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Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Nothing about Montreuil-sur-Mer is what you expect
It is also one of the most beautiful and the most ‘French’ towns in France – something that one does not expect to find in the very north of country
‘real France’ begins much farther to the south – somewhere in Normandy or Brittany
and only a few are aware of the existence of Montreuil-sur-Mer
a little gem of unadulterated ‘Frenchness’ just half a tank of petrol away from London
characteristic and little-known corner of France
Montreuil preserves better than any place in Great Britain the character of a medieval town,’ wrote Stephen Gwynn
an Irish journalist and MP in his book In Praise of France, 1927
for almost everything in it defies the concept of a small provincial town
and I was genuinely surprised when Pierre Ducrocq
told me during my last visit that the town’s present-day population is just over 2,000 – a huge drop from its medieval high of 30,000 people
I first stepped onto the town’s ancient cobbles 18 years ago and fell in love with the place
Faced with the enforced immobility of lockdowns
I had been missing Montreuil almost like a loved one
There was no question of where to go first after at least some of the travel restrictions got lifted
love is a sensation that encompasses all the senses
that some visitors can still be spotted looking for the sea when in town – and complaining when they fail to find it
are the town’s ubiquitous trees (over a thousand get planted every year) and flowers
including the disproportionally large La Mairie mansion
are hardly visible within the camouflage of the surrounding plane trees and the flowers on their facades
With an overabundance of wisteria-covered balconies and window boxes
Montreuil is an official ville fleurie
the second most beautiful (according to the latest competition) in the whole of France
The Montreuillois regard their town’s appearance as an important matter
Every three years a special ‘jury’ checks the existing ‘flower pattern’ and gives advice on how to improve it
The flowers get sprinkled with recycled water only
All public offices are set energy-saving targets and each resident is entitled to a free private garden allotment
Cattle-owners are encouraged to ‘eco-graze’ their sheep
The town’s school children spend one day a week on excursions to the neighbouring marshes nature reserve
The town has been designated a ‘natural community site’
they keep colonies of greater mouse-eared and greater horseshoe bats
No wonder the writer Victor Hugo adored Montreuil
visited it often and used the town’s ancient streets as real-life settings for his best-known novel, Les Miserables
a country house on the outskirts of Montreuil-sur-Mer
he could often be seen riding through the town and the countryside in the company of his aide-de-camp
When in 1928 the question of erecting a statue in his memory was raised by Montreuil townsfolk
the people of Montreuil recovered the original mould from the sculptor Paul Landowski and cast a new one. Field Marshal Haig can still be seen on horseback towering above Montreuil’s main Charles de Gaulles Square
It is the old ramparts that give Monreuil’s townscape a particularly dramatic look – a view which started to be shaped in the year 987 with the construction of the first fortifications on the promontory above the Canche River Valley
Over the next thousand years they were constantly improved and modernised to keep up with technological progress
the medieval defence system was adapted to suit new attack techniques and the archers on top of the towers were replaced with cannons
military engineers had made the town a French border stronghold against Spanish forces – which had captured Calais and Amiens – with bastions
earthworks and new fortifications in one weak point
the town’s ramparts were modernised first by Jean Errard
and later by the noted military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
who added to the Citadel its distinctive demi-lune (half-moon-shaped) entrance
the arsenal and – in line with his own famous ‘more powder
less blood’ doctrine – a large powder house
came to good use during the First World War when they housed a telephone exchange for the British Army General Headquarters (GHQ)
The British GHQ was based in Montreuil from 1916
penned by an anonymous author under the nom-de-plume ‘G.S.O.’ (General Staff Officer?)
and published in London in 1920: ‘Military convenience alone dictated the choice of Montreuil as the site of the General Headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force in France as soon as that Force reached to such a strength as to take a full share of the campaign.’
the fact that the town had already been heavily fortified played a role
again: ‘Had it not been for those Rampart walks
at Montreuil would have been hardly possible
was by the Ramparts and most went by the Ramparts unless work was hideously pressing.’
goes on to say that the already existing fortifications of an old fosse were converted into ‘hard tennis courts’
because ‘really there was not time to follow tennis or any other sport’
and – with all the British WWI infrastructure still in place – into their own military headquarters too
Walking along the same ramparts today is a fascinating experience for those who do not suffer from acrophobia
with birds floating above the tree tops well below your feet
I wake up in a bright room of the Hermitage hotel to the inimitable sound mix of Montreuil
Through the picture windows I can hear the chirping of birds
whisper-like whistling of the wind blowing through the ramparts
I listen too to the tolling of the bells of the Gothic St-Saulve Abbey Church in Place Gambetta
Most of its furnishings were burnt down during the French Revolution in 1793 on the orders of National Convention member Andre Dumon
specially dispatched to Montreuil from Paris to oversee the auto-da-fe
The interior was later restored with paintings
sculptures and other works of art from many other churches in the area which had been destroyed in the Revolution
One masterpiece to escape the destruction was the oil panting Saint Dominic’s Vision by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet
As the bells go silent I am able to discern my favourite Montreuil sound – the shuffling of car tires against the old cobbles
with which most of the old town’s streets are still paved
That highly peculiar and ever-so-soothing sound is hard to describe
It resembles the muffled low-pitch buzzing of a giant
the mayor told me how much effort was taken by the town council to keep the historic cobbles
the cobblestones gleam under the light of street lanterns
The chorus is joined occasionally by the distant rattling of train wheels
Boulogne and other neighbouring places with speed and comfort
It takes about two hours (with one change) to get to Paris
and about the same time – to London by Eurostar
Victor Hugo’s creative time in the town is commemorated each August by the special son et lumière (sound-and-light) show
when the best-known scenes from Les Miserables and its numerous stage and movie adaptations are re-enacted by the locals in the town’s historic centre and on the ramparts with the help of specially engineered light and sound effects
My favourite Montreuil smell is that of a log fire of an evening
Many houses and mansions in the old town have large gaping fireplaces which the locals like lighting up all year round
The comforting scent wafts gently up the winding streets all the way to the Place de General de Gaulle, formerly the Market Square
where it blends with the joint fragrance of over 150 different cheeses oozing from Fromagerie Caseus
with the dominant one being of the almost aggressively pungent Vieux Lille
On its journey up the streets the log fire aroma clashes with – and at times gets overwhelmed by – the odours of food being cooked in multiple households: of various aromatic soups (Montreuil’s speciality
always served here with freshly baked breads and tartlets); of another local dish, Ris de Veau (veal sweetbreads); of grilled turbot
and of all kinds of marmites – traditional French casseroles
They take their food seriously in Montreuil
and one of the best proofs of that is the massive and delicious Jean Valjean loaf from Boulanger Gremont
The tiny Montreuil is now a popular destination gastronomique
one of the major culinary hubs of Northern France
with eating places ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to down-to-earth bistros and cafes
Tim Matthews – a local resident and a native Englishman
who owns and runs one of France’s best luxury B&Bs – Maison 76 – believes that the town’s present-day gastronomic excellence is but a continuation of a centuries-long tradition
he quotes from Gastronomic History of Montreuil
written (in French) by the local historian George Orhant
who claims that: ‘Montreuil was considered a culinary Shangri-La’ as early as the 13th century
Mathews had his own coup de foudre during his first visit to Monreuil – not 18
having become part of the town’s 50-strong British community
and since then has turned into a local celebrity of sorts
‘Not a native – as his name suggests – but in every sense a true local,’ the Montreuillois say about him
We are sitting with Tim near the fireplace in the cosy lounge of his hotel
‘Montreuil attracted me at first with its unique democratic feel
You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy Montreuil
The town has been protected by the ramparts from the rest the world for over 2,000 years
which at times make it appear a bit isolated
also help to keep away excessive housing development and big supermarket chains.’
‘The people here are northerners,’ he continues
and there’s a lot of warmth towards the Brits
whose presence has been strongly felt in Montreuil all through its long history.’
the Bishop of Amiens published charters regulating culinary matters in Montreuil
allowing its cooks to make cognots – a kind of brioche with spices and melted sugar which
the Montrellois kept enjoying sumptuous meals in numerous salons and halls featuring decorated silverware
guests would not get up from the tables till morning
18th and 19th century travellers write of the high-standard coaching inns
the Renard d’Or, Hotel Angleterre and the Relay du Roy
frog legs and excellent seafood (Montreuil was then an important stop on the so-called route-des- poissons from Boulogne to Paris)
In his beautifully poetic book Venice is a Fish
Italian writer Tiziano Scarpa explains how to explore Venice by touching its pavements and bridges with one’s feet
‘Feel how your toes turn prehensile on the steps of the bridges
clutching at worn or squared ledges as you climb; your soles brake you on the way down
not post-punk boots or trainers with rubbery air pockets
I suggest this spiritual exercise: become a foot.’
I love walking on the old cobbles of Montreuil at dusk
when cars rarely break the silence of the deserted
and touching the cobbles with the soles of my shoes is like connecting directly with the town’s past and with French history itself
Since my first visit to Montreuil 18 years ago
I’ve returned almost every year (not counting the recent Covid-related gap)
but it had taken me a while to get the true feel of the place
when my wife and I spontaneously joined the local residents’ annual street parade on the eve of Bastille Day
Surrounded on all sides by smiling and friendly Montreuillois
we marched along the ancient cobbles to the sounds of drums
Being unquestionably accepted as part of the festive procession gave me a strong
the site of one of France’s largest brocantes (flea markets)
With stalls filling all of its streets and squares
Montreuil looked a cross between a somewhat chaotic open-air art fair and a history-of-technology museum
How could I not fall in love with a place like that
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