Unsightly Paris
Paris Update published a report on ugly street furniture a couple of weeks ago, and since then there has been a spate of articles on the subject in the French press. Unfortunately, the state of the streets is being used as a political bomb to attack Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a potential presidential candidate. Paris Update has no particular animosity toward the mayor – we just want clean, attractive streets. (The Local)
More on Salvator Mundi
The story of why the recently discovered painting was excluded from the Louvre’s recent Leonardo da Vinci retrospective is becoming increasingly complicated and confusing. New evidence has been uncovered. (The Art Newspaper)
Wine worries
French winegrowers and other farmers have had to install heating in their vineyards and fields to protect crops from recent below-zero weather. (Euronews)
Gallery uprising
French gallery owners are not known as rabble-rousers, but they are angry about being forced to close during lockdown while chocolate and flower shops, for example, remain open. It makes sense. They are suing the government. (Artnews)
Short flights to be banned in France
In a serious move to cut carbon emissions, France will ban most short domestic flights. (Euronews)
Treasure hunt for big prize
Back when France and Britain were making nice, the UK gave France a golden casket, today valued at €750,000, to mark the signing of the Entente Cordiale in the early 20th century. Now a puzzle book offers clues to its location, and the person who finds it will be its proud new owner. (The Guardian)