Letter from Paris: March 5, 2025 News Digest

Did you hear about the unique, pop-up attraction on the Eiffel Tower? Until March 9th, the famous landmark has installed a suspension bridge — the highest such urban bridge in France, at 60 meters above the ground— on the 1st floor. Made of nets, the so-called Vertigo of the Tower is free for all ticketed visitors. (Register for free onsite on the 1st floor near the suspension bridge via a QR Code. The online registration interface will allow you to book a time slot (15 minutes) for you and your group, up to 8 people). A thrilling experience that lets you step into the void— high above the Paris city streets.

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The annual César awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars, took place on Friday at the Olympia in Paris. It was presided over by legendary actress Catherine Deneuve, who paid tribute to Ukraine in her remarks. Best film went to Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, beating out favorites like The Count of Monte Cristo and Souleymane’s Story— which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival (check out our original coverage here). Audiard also nabbed “Best Director.” Best actress went to Hafsia Herzi for Borgo, and Best Actor to Karim Leklou for Jim’s Story. Julia Roberts received an honorary Cesar for lifetime achievement- it was presented to her by Clive Owen, her co-star in Closer and Duplicity.

In political news, France has proposed a one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine. As reported by the Guardian, “Such a truce would determine whether Putin is ‘acting in good faith’, French foreign minister says.” Europe has rallied around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a London summit after the Oval Office blowup (Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine).

In related news, a dozen Tesla cars were set on fire outside a French dealership. As reported by France 24, “A handful of anti-Tesla actions have occurred in Europe since Elon Musk’s rapprochement with US President Donald Trump, his backing of European far-right parties and attacks on diversity.”

Paris officials already reduced the speed limit on the périphérique ring road from 70 kph to 50 kph last October, and now they’re experimenting with a dedicated car-sharing lane to reduce congestion and pollution on Europe’s busiest urban motorway. To quote the Guardian, “Paris city hall began the trial scheme on Monday, restricting the outside lane of the périphérique to passenger vehicles carrying at least two people from 7am to 10.30am and 4pm to 8pm. The lane will also be available to public transport, taxis, the emergency services and vehicles used by disabled people.” Opponents say the move will increase traffic jams.

Calling all bread lovers. The city of Paris has put out a call for jury members to judge the “best baguette” on March 27. The annual award is bestowed on a talented baker who wins a cash prize, along with the honor of supplying the Elysée Palace for a year. This competition has been taking place annually since 1994—200 artisan bakers participate, of some 1,180 bakers in the capital. Did you know that the baguette was listed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage? Find out more about the history of the baguette here. And award-winning author Michael Kalanty gives us the lowdown on French bakery terms in the article, “Parlez-vous Boulangerie? Demystifying the language of the French bakery.”

If you’ve ever wanted a peek inside the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) — and we highly recommend it, the rooms are glorious — you’re in luck: there will be an Open House on Saturday March 22 in the afternoon. There will be various activities and stands, set up in the grand salons. Free, with advanced bookings necessary.