Although I already knew the story about Poulbot I still very much enjoyed this elaborate article and the videos at the end. So well presented! And always something new to learn. Luckily, I shall be back in Paris at the beginning of April and intend to visit some of these places.
What a wonderful story about a wonderful man! So much good in the world if you are open to see it!
I too have avoided Montmartre in recent years. I think I will plan a trip to this neighbourhood next time we are in Paris with more care and knowledge thanks to you! I have ‘discovered’ by watching your YouTube videos, the Metro stop at the top of La Butte and the wonderful cafe…Suzanne’s? Merci mille foie!!
Bonjour Joan. Glad you’ll be giving Montmartre another chance.
Yes, “Suzanne” is the name of that café with the yummy croque-Monsieur. It sits along rue Lamarck so not exactly at the top of “La Butte” but definitely in a less touristy area. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Yes it was Melva. 2020 is when I first told Poulbot's story on social media when I ran "Apéro with Vero" each week on Instagram from my diminutive Parisian studio during the first French lockdown. Time flies but great stories endure.
I learned so much here...I hate to admit I didn't know anything about Poulbot, and I avoided Montmartre for years because of the touristy aspect. Our "Parisian" daughter knows the good places, though, so we go there sometimes now.
Montmartre is always a good idea (if you do it right.) It remains my favorite Parisian neighborhood (on and off "la Butte) and Francisque Poulbot is one of my favorite Parisian stories. It was time to pay another tribute to both. Thank you Betty. Happy you enjoyed discovering Poulbot's story.
Avec plaisir Dr Michael. Guiding, teaching and sharing is what I do and what a pleasure it was to share the story of one of my personal heroes, Francisque Poulbot!
I love this post. Thank you for the history and the beautiful photos! It's just what I needed today.
I used to love walking from my apartment in the 8th to Montmartre. A long walk but a trip into a different world. A few days before the first Paris lockdown ended, I walked to Montmartre, though it was outside my one-kilometer zone. I shared photos of an entirely abandoned Montmartre here: https://wanderingwriter.substack.com/p/flaneuse-walking-paris-during-lockdown
Thank you Michelle. It sounds like we were neighbors (almost) for a while: I lived in the 17th arrondissement, near Metro Villiers, during the 2nd and 3rd lockdowns. I probably passed you at Parc Monceau where I went often while scouting for virtual tours around the area or just to enjoy some fresh air. Your photos took me right back. I had forgotten we could only walk alone or in pairs when we went out. Ha. Fun times. A bientôt.
Oh, we probably did pass each other! We left on Nov. 1, the day the second lockdown began, and I kind of wish we'd stayed longer. From what I understand, the second lockdown wasn't as stringent as the first. The hardest part about the first one, for me, wasn't the closed stores, but that 1 km and 1hour limit.
I remember Mother's Day was the day before the first lockdown ended. My husband and son and I drove to Luxembourg Gardens--the gate was closed, because the parks were still all closed on that day, but we walked around the outside of the gates and looked in. As we were walking, a police car pulled up beside us and four police jumped out and swarmed around us (it's interesting in Paris how they travel in fours) and demanded our attestation papers. They talked so fast, I couldn't understand them, and one of them focused on my 15-year-old, who also couldn't understand them. Finally we showed them our black passports and they let us go with a warning...even though lockdown was going to end the next day. That was such a strange time!
Yes, strange times. I still can’t believe what they put us all through especially in the spring of 2020! A few good things came out of these challenging months though. That’s what I like to remember the most.
I happened on the Musée de Montmartre during my last visit to Paris. Stepping in with no expectations or knowledge of what was inside, I found it excellent. I confess that I missed the bust of Poulbot, though. Thanks for introducing me to him.
One of my favorite Parisian museums, David. They do such a great job at telling the story of this unique neighborhood, the windmills, "the maquis," cabarets, the "Commune," it's all there. When I stopped by last month, there was a special exhibit in Suzanne Valadon's old workshop dedicated to the great Jacques Prévert. There's always something to learn and someone to meet there. Thank you for stopping by today.
Next best thing to being there in Montmartre right now! Many thanks for sharing more of the life, legend and influence of the artist (and humanitarian) Poulbot!!
J'aime! Merci!!
Loved the interview with Emilie Poulbot. Happy to hear that the children's stories are being continued into the 21 century. Thank you Vero and Emilie.
Thank you for joining us in Montmartre Josie! Yes, "the kids" are in good hands with Emilie. A bientôt.
Although I already knew the story about Poulbot I still very much enjoyed this elaborate article and the videos at the end. So well presented! And always something new to learn. Luckily, I shall be back in Paris at the beginning of April and intend to visit some of these places.
And you’ll have a great time! Montmartre is always a good idea.
What a wonderful story about a wonderful man! So much good in the world if you are open to see it!
I too have avoided Montmartre in recent years. I think I will plan a trip to this neighbourhood next time we are in Paris with more care and knowledge thanks to you! I have ‘discovered’ by watching your YouTube videos, the Metro stop at the top of La Butte and the wonderful cafe…Suzanne’s? Merci mille foie!!
Bonjour Joan. Glad you’ll be giving Montmartre another chance.
Yes, “Suzanne” is the name of that café with the yummy croque-Monsieur. It sits along rue Lamarck so not exactly at the top of “La Butte” but definitely in a less touristy area. Hope you enjoy your visit!
What a wonderful story! I loved learning about Poulbot and his devotion to the children of Montmarte!
Happy you enjoyed meeting “Monsieur Poulbot” my friend. He was special.
Vero, I am reading book. GIRL BRAIDING HER HAIR…MOLNAR. all about Suzanne Volonar.
Voladon. Artist
Suzanne Valadon :-) She is getting a special exhibit at the Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) if you come to Paris soon. It wraps up in May.
an informative article and a tribute to a kind and courageous gentleman.
I do remember some of this from your virtual tours but that was a while ago....
thank you
Yes it was Melva. 2020 is when I first told Poulbot's story on social media when I ran "Apéro with Vero" each week on Instagram from my diminutive Parisian studio during the first French lockdown. Time flies but great stories endure.
I learned so much here...I hate to admit I didn't know anything about Poulbot, and I avoided Montmartre for years because of the touristy aspect. Our "Parisian" daughter knows the good places, though, so we go there sometimes now.
Montmartre is always a good idea (if you do it right.) It remains my favorite Parisian neighborhood (on and off "la Butte) and Francisque Poulbot is one of my favorite Parisian stories. It was time to pay another tribute to both. Thank you Betty. Happy you enjoyed discovering Poulbot's story.
So interesting as I'd heard his name but knew little more about him and his kids. Thanks, Vero.
Not unusual, Susan, not unusual. Happy you enjoyed learning more about Francisque Poulbot.
Excellent. In many ways this part of Paris is a revelation. Thank you for sharing and guiding.
Avec plaisir Dr Michael. Guiding, teaching and sharing is what I do and what a pleasure it was to share the story of one of my personal heroes, Francisque Poulbot!
I love this post. Thank you for the history and the beautiful photos! It's just what I needed today.
I used to love walking from my apartment in the 8th to Montmartre. A long walk but a trip into a different world. A few days before the first Paris lockdown ended, I walked to Montmartre, though it was outside my one-kilometer zone. I shared photos of an entirely abandoned Montmartre here: https://wanderingwriter.substack.com/p/flaneuse-walking-paris-during-lockdown
Thank you Michelle. It sounds like we were neighbors (almost) for a while: I lived in the 17th arrondissement, near Metro Villiers, during the 2nd and 3rd lockdowns. I probably passed you at Parc Monceau where I went often while scouting for virtual tours around the area or just to enjoy some fresh air. Your photos took me right back. I had forgotten we could only walk alone or in pairs when we went out. Ha. Fun times. A bientôt.
Oh, we probably did pass each other! We left on Nov. 1, the day the second lockdown began, and I kind of wish we'd stayed longer. From what I understand, the second lockdown wasn't as stringent as the first. The hardest part about the first one, for me, wasn't the closed stores, but that 1 km and 1hour limit.
I remember Mother's Day was the day before the first lockdown ended. My husband and son and I drove to Luxembourg Gardens--the gate was closed, because the parks were still all closed on that day, but we walked around the outside of the gates and looked in. As we were walking, a police car pulled up beside us and four police jumped out and swarmed around us (it's interesting in Paris how they travel in fours) and demanded our attestation papers. They talked so fast, I couldn't understand them, and one of them focused on my 15-year-old, who also couldn't understand them. Finally we showed them our black passports and they let us go with a warning...even though lockdown was going to end the next day. That was such a strange time!
Yes, strange times. I still can’t believe what they put us all through especially in the spring of 2020! A few good things came out of these challenging months though. That’s what I like to remember the most.
Merci beaucoup, Vero! I enjoyed learning about Monsieur Poulbot and Montmartre. You are such a wonderful guide!
Merci beaucoup Jeanne. The guide feels appreciated right now and is thrilled to have introduced the great Francisque Poulbot to more Paris-lovers.
Merci. Je me souviens bien de Monsieur Poulbot. 😍
I bet you do, Elizabeth. You grew up in that area, didn't you?
Exactement.
I happened on the Musée de Montmartre during my last visit to Paris. Stepping in with no expectations or knowledge of what was inside, I found it excellent. I confess that I missed the bust of Poulbot, though. Thanks for introducing me to him.
One of my favorite Parisian museums, David. They do such a great job at telling the story of this unique neighborhood, the windmills, "the maquis," cabarets, the "Commune," it's all there. When I stopped by last month, there was a special exhibit in Suzanne Valadon's old workshop dedicated to the great Jacques Prévert. There's always something to learn and someone to meet there. Thank you for stopping by today.
What a delightful tour!
Merci. Thank you for tagging along.
Next best thing to being there in Montmartre right now! Many thanks for sharing more of the life, legend and influence of the artist (and humanitarian) Poulbot!!
This is the best compliment, merci Lucy. I am very happy to help remind everyone about one of Montmartre's true legends!