Paris insight: ‘104’

Paris is a city of so many stories: historic, red-letter events and intimate personal occasions. They’re woven together in the fabric of the city of light. In this new series, you’re invited to indulge your curiosity with a spot of virtual people-watching and creative insight into the lives of Parisians.

Join us to discover the candid, quiet and sometimes comedic moments of everyday humanity in Paris.
See how the daily grind takes on an intriguingly beautiful quality against the backdrop of the beloved capital.

Thanks to our favourite Parisian Instagram accounts.

Paris insight – ‘104’

One of my favorite places in all of Paris
has no Michelin stars and very few tourists, but an amazing energy,
mission and history. A behemoth building constructed in the
19th century in the 19ème to house municipal undertaker services,
Cent-Quatre was recently reborn as 400,000 square-foot
cultural center where artists and the public commingle
in an infectiously creative atmosphere.

Funded by the city but run by the artistic community,
the giant complex houses a massive array of theaters,
workshops, galleries, exhibits, food, fun, an amazing
book store and rotating installation pieces.
Wherever there is floor space may quickly turn
into a rehearsal area with mimes, dancers, actors,
jugglers et al. refining their crafts in a safe haven open to all.

As I passed on this day,
a group of dancers perfected their routine outside the main hall
but inside the iron gate that marks the boundary
between the surrounding blue-collar neighbourhood
and the magic enclave of imagination within.

104 – Meet Kevin Doolan from @midlifeinparis Instagram – merci mille fois!

Do you relate to this fusion of image & insight in the city of light? In what way? Let us know in the comments!

 Image credits:
1. 104 by Kevin Doolan. Via Instagram.