Didier Ludot's vintage Pucci collection is quite safe! Here at the Palais Royal and all over Paris, the shops lock it up nice and tight at night. I have always been fascinated by this because I probably feel safer in Paris at night than anywhere! Anyone have an opinion to share?
Paris is pretty safe at night compared to other cities, but there are all these demonstrations, and with these hot-blooded Parisians, who knows when cobble stones are going to start flying into [fancy] store windows, eh? Bon weekend, Virginia. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteDon't know but certainly cherish this 'safe at night' feeling in Paris.. Good to protect one's wares ..less temptation, no?
ReplyDeleteI do agree ... as a tourist I went around at night in Paris ... mostly alone and I didn't feel unsafe at all. then I came home, walking around in LA (my home) at like 7pm and I felt pretty unsafe .. hahah
ReplyDeleteI love Paris...even with its BANLIEUX that could scare the heck out of you...there is still a certain charm. Maybe it is the GHOSTS of the past that do it for me!!!! HEY THERE DEAREST! Anita
ReplyDeleteA credit to your photography that it's still a fascinating photo, dear V! The Pucci designs are gorgeous, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteBetter be safe anywhere.
ReplyDeleteCostas
I like to think of Paris being safe at night Virginia, I haven't really been out and about at night enough apart from Montmartre, which I heard was full of pickpockets but did not have a problem once. Ahh I love Paris!!
ReplyDeleteI feel mostly safe wherever I go. May be just unconsious? Anyhow, after 38 years in Paris, I have never been agressed or got anything stolen (except some wine bottles in my cellar)!
ReplyDeletePeter, Ooopss you caught me! I couldn't resist that fine champagne! :)
ReplyDeleteMary and I were tossed off the Metro one night at close to midnight on the rue de Rivoli. We went down a side street to get to the river in hopes of finding a taxi and were quite safe, although she had a whistle in case! HA
No, I don't feel much secure at night in Paris.But it depends on what part of the city you are. Anyway, i'm home before 22h, don't use subway in some places and some hours , and I'm always very careful with my handbag!
ReplyDeleteI felt safe traipsing into my hotel (5ième) from Nogent Sur Marne at 2am alone and sitting on the front steps to call home. When I go to Clignancourt, I am probably more cautious even during the day, particularly with my camera and bag.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, V. I have taken photos of this same shop and love when the display changes with the seasons. What an amazing collection!
I agree it's safer than American cities, though I've had my pocket picked more than once here...
ReplyDeleteParis (Europe) is still relatively safe, especially when compared to any US city, but there is that element who will steal whatever they can get their hands on.
ReplyDeleteThere aren't very many parks anywhere that I feel safe in late at night but the Champ de Mars at the Eiffel Tower ALWAYS has people milling around even after midnight and I feel completely safe there. And I love that when the lights twinkle, you can always hear the collective 'Oooohhhhh!'.
ReplyDeleteA lovely Samedi to you!
Kirsten
PS. Thank you for your visit and next time you come, you can find my playlist at the very bottom of the blog. Ciao
Interesting to see the patterned fabrics ! I always feel safe on the streets Virginia - usually lots of lighting and almost always people on the move!
ReplyDeleteI have, always, felt very safe in Paris at night but I suppose it depends on where you are.
ReplyDeleteLaDeam
Thank you all for your thoughts on this. Although we seem to all agree we feel safe in Paris most of the time , I"m still puzzled about the big drop down bars in front of the shops. Do they really expect that there will be people throwing bricks etc. in their windows and making off with the goods?
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia,
ReplyDeleteLove the photo and the Pucci dresses.
I think it is a sign of the times with more secure shop frontages at night. I always felt safe, but did hold onto my camera and handbag tightly.
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
Your post stirred a lot of commentary about the relative safety of Paris. It was fun reading them and seeing the similarities but also some differences. About the grills at night? I have no idea. People don't usually go to extra expense without a reason, so perhaps there is a history of smash-and-grab in the time before grills became common. (My word verification is Rhett . . . frankly, Virginia . . . )
ReplyDeleteJack,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I've never heard of shops being robbed in this way in Paris. It's puzzling. I can't imagine someone at the Palais Royal, breaking a window just to steal some old dresses, even if they were Pucci! I see it in shops with with far less to offer. There is also a "shutter" thing that seems to be prevalent. I'll tell you, when I was there one summer in the heat, I did NOT close the metal shutters. I was so hot, I didn't care who climbed up and in!
V
One should be careful in Paris as anywhere, it is not devoid of crime. There are bands of young delinquents who have been driving center city commercants nuts of late, they come by and steal anything not bolted down, help themselves to food served on tables on terraces of restaurants, generally brazen. From eastern european origins. They like to steal cell phones and cameras. A word to the wise, don't leave things out in plain sight when sitting in cafés... But at least they don't, for the most part, carry guns, as delinquents in the US do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Owen; Just wanted to add that it's also a question of insurance (for shops). The offices oblige the shops to be well protected , or they won't pay if there's a problem. And as Owen says, sometimes...
ReplyDeleteMalyss and Owen,
ReplyDeleteThanks, that does shed more light on things. I still agree with most that I have always felt safe in Paris, even late at night. Pickpockets are a problem almost anywhere, maybe In Paris I'm more hyper-vigilant, but for personal safety, I'll take it anyday!
This "motto" could well apply to Austrian custom... :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Cezar
I'm late but will add my 2 cents anyway. I've always felt safe in Paris—but (as in NY) I always try to look like I have my wits about me (even if I don't). As a friend from Harlem told me looong ago: It's not where you walk; it's how you walk. As for the gates, well . . . it is Pucci, after all. :~}
ReplyDeletegreat view!
ReplyDeleteI havent been to Paris is so long .. however I always feel safe here in NYC
ReplyDelete