Ackislander, an eloquent post. Here is a photo of one of those memorials on the walls of schools. This one was in Village St-Paul, also in the 4th:

www.pbase.com/anselmadorne/image/57760621

The translation, for those who need it:

"To the memory of the students of this school, deported between 1942 and 1944 because they were born Jews, innocent victims of Nazi barbarism with the active complicity of the Vichy Government. They were exterminated in the death camps."

Anselm

Thanks for your post. I think there's a lot of truth in it. Paris disappointed me the first time. I loved it the second time.

We went last summer and froze. The food was OK. Sitting at a cafe and drinking white wine was divine. Loved the cemetary where Jim Morrison is buried and enjoyed the hop on, hop off bus.

"What we see in a city very much depends on what we bring to it. . . What you bring home depends on what you take."

Beautifully put.

I'll be sure to look closely for those memories (memorials) in the walls.

Note to Kerouac, FrenchMystique (or any other camera wizards): It occurs to me these Marais Wall Memorials would be a lovely subject for one of your fabulous photo essays. Please consider if you have ever have a spare moment to do such a thing. I'm sure the Fodorites would all greatly appreciate it!

Akislander: thanks for your eloquence and the reminder about how to see and the importance of asking oneself the right questions.

aksilander--Regarding your question/comment about the Jewish schoolchildren's memorial, please read the book Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. It opened my eyes and heart to the horrible things done to the Jews, even in Paris, by the Parisian police. I am not Jewish by blood, but I am by my faith in a certain Jewish man.

I believe this book will touch your heart. I will be in Paris next summer and one of the places I definitely plan to visit is the memorial to these children.

"I wish you had told us where you had these poor meals."

Can't you read? He said he had one bad meal, and he said exactly where it was. He is also mention that Allard was so-so.

I've only been to Paris three times, and each time was a longer visit than the one prior. The last visit was the best because there was a lot less pressure to have to see things, but of course we did see things. I like places that often other people don't. It was just a very fun time with no itinerary, no schedule. It was very different from my first visit.

I don't feel the need to defend Paris, she can stand on her own and people see things differently. My brother wouldn't go back to Paris if I gave him a billion dollars. I don't understand it at all, and seriously considered cutting him out of my life because of it. I decided not to do that because he lives in Sonoma County and every time he comes up to visit he brings me a case of wine from my favorite winery.