Le Coq Sportif brand was founded in 1882 by a french entrepreneur named Emile Camuset, and was the number one sports brand in Europe during the 70′s and 80′s.
After designing sportswear for football, rugby, athletics and basketball, Camuset makes the first shirt designed for tennis players in 1930.
From the 50′s to the 80′s, winners of each kind of sport were dressed in Le Coq Sportif: football (French Federation of football, Ajax Amsterdam, Michel Platini), tennis (Yannick Noah*, Arthur Ashe), cycling (Tour de France)…
Le Coq Sportif almost disappeared at the end of the 20th century, but the brand intends to reposition itself as the alternative in the sport and mode market.

The “coq gaulois” (gallic rooster) is the french national emblem, and the emblem of French sports teams in international events, such as the French football and rugby teams.
And finally, a quote from french comedian Coluche, explaining why the rooster is the country’s national emblem: “C’est parce que c’est le seul oiseau qui arive à chanter les pieds dans la merde” (“because it’s the only bird that manages to sing with its feet deep in shit.”)

*Yannick Noah, 83 Roland Garros winner, remains the last native to have won the men’s singles title. This title also represents the last time a wooden racquet was used to win a Grand Slam. His son Joakim, Chicago Bulls player is endorsed by Le Coq Sportif.

The macaron is a traditional french pastry, made of egg whites, almond power and sugar. Macarons come in a wide variety of flavors, from chocolate, to raspberry or even foie gras.

Its origin is quite unknown, but it may have been brought to France from Italy in 1533 by Catherine di Medici and her pastry chefs. At that time, there was no filling, the macaron was just 100% cookie. In 1930, Pierre Desfontaines of pastry shop Ladurée, had the original idea of the double-decker, sticking two macaron shells together with a creamy ganache as filling.

Ladurée and Hermé macarons are considered to be the best in Paris. Check out their website to order online.

Ladurée
Pierre Hermé
How to make french macarons: desperately seeking macarons

With its cinemas, cafés, and luxury specialty shops, l’avenue des Champs Elysées* is one of the most famous streets in the world. Bordered by trees, the avenue runs for two kilometers from the Place de la Concorde, with the Luxor Obelisk, to the Place Charles de Gaulle, location of the Arc de Triomphe.

Les Champs Elysées have become the center for festivities and official parades:
- every year on Bastille Day, the largest military parade passes downed the Champs Elysées
- the traditional last stage of the Tour de France is the Champs Elysées stage

* Champs Elysées is french for “Elysian Fields”, the heroes’ paradise in the greek mythology.

One could translate this french expression by “Commute, work, sleep”. This expression describe the parisian way of life.

I must say, when it comes to talk about Paris and Parisians, I’m totally biased. I found a job and moved to Paris just after I finished college. I was supposed to stay there for at least 2 years, but I gave up after just 18 months. I simply hated this lifestyle, I really had the impression to live to work.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is Paris’ largest public park, and favorite place to sun, stroll, picnic and play. It is the garden of the palais du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Palace), built by Marie de Medicis, mother of king Louis XIII in the 17th century. Luxembourg Palace has served many roles over the years. It has been a royal property, a museum, a prison, and served as headquarters of the Luftwaffe (german Air Force) during WWII. Today it is home to the Sénat (upper house of the French parliament).

At the center of the park is an octogonal pond, known as the Grand bassin. Here, children can rent and sail model boats. The garden contains over a hundred statues, monuments and fountains, scattered throughout the grounds.
Tennis courts are also located in the garden’s central-west sector. Opening hours are the same as the park’s and vary depending on the time of year.

FWOTD #6: VELIB

Velib’ (velo liberté , bicycle freedom) is a self service “bike hire” system available 24/7. Multi pick up and drop off location allows you to pick up your bike from one service point and drop off to another.
The system was launched in Paris in July 2007. 20 000 bicycles and 1450 automated rental stations have been introduced to the city with
Riding a velib is quite uncomfortable (the bikes are really heavy) but it’s really cheap and convenient. If you stay in Paris you should try it!
One tip: take some time to choose your Vélib, many times the bikes are in bad shape (flat tyres, broken sits…)