As I’m getting to know Paris more intimately and discovering it’s characteristic neighborhoods, each a small village in its own right, I think of how we come to identify with our hood (as the New Yorker would say it) or arrondissement to the Parisiens. The city is made up of 20 arrondissements, as decided by Napoleon III in 1860. Where you are on the map is evident when you glance up at the street signs and find a number ranging from 1 to 20. (Still easy to get lost, trust me!)
Much like in New York where one of the first questions asked ‘Where do you live?’ can create an instant bond, Paris too forms identities via neighborhoods. When I came across this map created by artist Vahran Muratyan of Paris versus New York, I couldn’t help but to think of how well these two cities compliment one another. From someone who shares my sentiments, “When I’m in Paris, I miss New York, and when I’m in New York, I miss Paris. It’s really impossible to choose.”
Even though I lived in the Lower East Side, via Paris I managed to find my way to the West Village bordering SOHO, my two favorite neighborhoods. Yes, I can attest to the accuracy of this map!
Fellow New Yorkers in Paris (and those still to arrive) where do you call home? In NYC and in Paris.
I love this little map and Vahran Muratyan’s art. It’s actually been helpful in combining with lots of other research in looking for apartment rentals. As a vague guide of course (you could never truly compare New York and Paris) but nevertheless to know that the feel of these neighborhoods has been matched is very helpful.
I’m excited to find out where you and Ana will be living! Keep me posted…
I think the map is really cool, I wonder what a San Francisco version of it would be like?
Perhaps Vahran will fall in love with San Francisco next 😉
Not a New Yorker but am an Australian living in the Marais……which I love but not at the temperature this week doing some serious hibernating 🙂 and trying to avoid too many macaroons..
Great blog I mentioned you on my post today, have a great weekend
Carla
Hi Carla! Just had a look at your blog, gorgeous! LOVE your photography. Hope to see you in the Marais when hibernation ends!
Thanks for the mention! xx
Kasia – loooved this post! I unfortunately still live in the Battery Park City part of Paris. *sobs* I cannot wait for my periode d’essai to finish so I can finally pack my bags and move to TriBeCa or SoHo/NoHo! 3e/11e, here I come… Anyhow, your blog is so much fun to read. I have just recently started my own and am starting to discover this amazing blogging community here in Paris. Why didn’t I check this out before when I first moved here?! Thanks so much for being part of opening up a whole new world to me. xx
Welcome to the world of blogging Camilla! You will love it I’m sure. Happy I could help guide the way. Do move to this area soon! xx
I love Vahram’s work. I love New York. And I love Paris. I have to say I’m a little surprised though… the heart of the Right Bank doesn’t align with West Village, MePa or Flatiron… is it just me?? In any case, happy to see it’s not just us who have this maddening need to have both cities in our lives. 🙂
You’re right… it’s a bit abstract but as long as I ‘think’ I’m living in the West Village bordering Soho I’m happy 😉