CHAPTER 12 – The Paris of our Grandparents

In “The Paris of our Grandparents,” the chapter delves deeply into the profound transformations Paris has undergone since the mid-19th Century, illustrating these shifts through vivid personal anecdotes and historical insights. This narrative unfolds as the author explores Parisian life and landmarks with an elderly lady who reminisces about her youth, blending personal history with the broader evolution of the city’s landscape. Paris, once confined to areas well within landmarks like the rue Royale and burgeoning past the Madeleine, is portrayed as a city in the midst of expansion, where fashionable societies thrived and landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees were in their nascent stages.

The chapter captures the quintessence of Parisian elegance and societal norms through the lens of the elderly lady, who narrates her experiences and observations. The afternoons spent driving along boulevards, the peculiarities of fashion including low-necked dresses and high-swung carriages, and social practices like dining at renowned spots such as Maison Doree and attending fashionable gatherings in the Palais-Royal vividly bring to life a bygone era of Parisian chic. Her tales evoke imagery of a Paris where the aristocracy and burgeoning bourgeoisie coexisted within a rapidly modernizing cityscape, emphasizing the transformation from personal conveyances like the diligence from Calais to the beginning of urban sprawl and the emergence of bustling boulevards.

Moreover, the chapter reflects on political changes, capturing moments of upheaval like the revolution of ’48, offering a personal perspective on the abdication of the “Citizen King” Louis Philippe and the social unrest that pervaded Paris, transforming it not only architecturally but also politically. Through her eyes, readers witness the sack of the palace, the fervor of revolutionaries, and the personal risks undertaken by those who participated in or were caught up in the events, including her own husband.

This chapter is saturated with nostalgia for a Paris that has since evolved, encapsulating the intricacies of societal shifts, fashion, and political landscapes of the era. The portrayal relies heavily on personal anecdotes and historical context, presenting a rich tapestry of Parisian life that invites readers to ponder the rapid change of cities and the timeless allure of Paris. Through the juxtaposition of the past with the author’s present, it reminds us of the continuous thread of history that runs through the heart of every city, shaping its identity and the memories of those who walk its streets.