Unexpected Parisian secret city in the 11th Arrondissement (France, 2020)
SONY ILCE-7M3
SONY FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
28mm ƒ/5.1 1/100s ISO 100
4000 × 6000 px / 300 dpi
Off to the resounding Oberkampf Street in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris, known for its nightlife, numerous bars and restaurants, there are many small “cities” in tropical peace like the charming and picturesque Cité du Figuier.
Lined with artists’ studios and abundantly flowered, it is clearly one of the most beautiful alleys in this district. It is by pushing the gate that protects this cobbled lane that we discover a world far away from the heckling of the neighboring street where tranquility and plants are queens. You can cross the path of beautiful palm trees, emblematic fig trees, wisteria, vines, bamboo, small garden tables and pastel-colored dwellings.
These households are typical of the working class of Paris back in the year with old metallurgy workshops from the pre-70s which are now converted into artists’ workshops, and also hosting graphic designers, a press agency and a humanitarian association.
The highlight of this quaint stroll is an amazing turquoise facade along which runs a frieze populated by elephants. The latter comes from a former pavilion of the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and definitely brings this amazing Caribbean tropical touch to this little green city sprinkled with Mediterranean tones as well.
