Usenet,Facebook,Twitter. But still the blog carries on. Just not very often.
A mix of random things that I want to write something about, and then more often things relating to digital cultural heritage. Then sometimes, some cooking posts. It's my blog, I don't have to please any algorithm here.
Sure, Paris has museums, art, monuments, historic buildings, but in between visting all of those, where do you hang out ? At a Monoprix dept stores of course (to be clear - not at a Monop' express store, although those are fine for a quick purchase in-between all the touristing). Any time you visit one of Monoprix's stores there will be some newly designed homewares, clothes, stationary, gifts and as well as a huge supermarket. It's M&S, but French. It's Tiger, but French. It's Paperchase (sadly departed), but French. You get the idea.
However, it would be far too easy if all the Monoprix stores in Paris had the same ranges, at the same price, displayed in the same layout. Instead, in what I can only imagine is a challenge to tourists to complete some kind of French shopping certification, the shops take a wildly variable approach to stock ranges and sizes (one shop has all the larges, another has mostly mediums), varying prices (on sale in one, full-price in another), and a store/shelf layout that sometimes a bit maze-like (perhaps each shop is based on a different historical maze from a chateau? If I'm missing some deep cultural significance here, I do apologise to the Monoprix store planners)
After extensive research though, I think I have made progress on the certification and in doing so I can reveal the three best Monoprix (in my opinion) in (central) Paris - I can only imagine what Monoprix stores are like outside of the tourist areas, probably temples of reason reserved only for the French. The shops are (as of 2026, my opinions may vary with further research):
Rue de Temple (near Republique) - A very reasonable store layout, most of the stock ranges are available, all very pleasant.
Champs-Elsyee - It's an acceptable store layout but also has lovely security guards who can deal with confused, poor-French speaking tourists. I suppose they might get a few of them every so often on this street ?
Boulevard Saint-Michel - Reasonable store layout annd good stock range.
Boulevard de Sebastopol - C'est bon. [I might have this one muddled up, I'll make a return visit to confirm its delightfulnes]
There are also ones that take the challenge too far:
The one in the basement near Printtemps - I guess the big clue is that it's a basement. It has limited ranges, low ceiling and everything is squashed together.
The one in Des Halles - it's OK and good for food if in the area, but otherwise has limited ranges. Working out the combination of stairs and escalators to reach it from the Forum is truely a puzzle.
I will continue to research as many more of the stores as I can visit. One day, I will be able to pass the Level 1 French Shopping Certification and move onto the next Level: Queuing (optional)