kerouac

Every time there is a new major influx of tourists, there are new complaints in France. In the 1980's, avenue de l'Opéra became almost exclusively Japanese. In the 1990's, the Russians adopted the Côte d'Azur and everything skyrocketed. In the 2000's, it will indeed be the Chinese -- apparently, they already represent 60% of the visitors to the Moulin Rouge. If they decide in a year or two that Saint Germain des Prés is their favorite area, I wonder how many Americans will keep gushing about it.

cigalechanta

Yes, The Japaneese were placed in this same position. I remember showing my husband the L'Harmas, the home/museum of Jean Henri Fabre, the famous entomologist(a hero of mine)L'harmas was up for sale at one time and the Japaneese who appreciate him(unlike most French) were going to buy it til finally an uproar was created and so remains French. Besides the study of insects he has a collection of beautiful watercolors of mushrooms he painted. As we parked the car, I said to my husnbabnd don't be surprised to see alot of Japaneese. At that very moment, a swarm of Japaneese appeared and snapping pictures. The French are grateful to the Chineese and Japaneese shopping. If you go to the Luxury shops like Vuitton, Gucci, Hermés, you'll see them spending $$$$$$

nessundorma

There are monuments and artsworks all over Europe that simply would have been lost were it not for the funding of the Japanese government to help preserve them.

kerouac

It might also be mentioned that a lot of Japanese were convicted of pillaging various châteaux in France in the 1990's. They would buy properties and dismantle everything of interest in the château -- fireplaces, fixtures, statues, etc. -- for shipping back and resale in Asia. After a few of them went to prison, this problem stopped. Then it started again with Middle Eastern buyers.

nessundorma

Thank goodness English-speaking countries never pillage!