FRANCE AND AUSTRIA : CENTURIES OF SHARED HISTORY

Bonjour from Le Marais

For once we step outside Le Marais for news of an exceptional event. The Austrian National Day, and, invited by Ambassador Madame Ursula Plassnik, 2014 Eurovision song contest winner Conchita Wurst was indeed the star of the day. Many celebrities and diplomats were present, notably, former French Minister of Culture, Frédéric Mitterrand.

During this glamorous event, it was an absolute pleasure to experience the finer side of Austrian cuisine and wine, the Tyrolean art of living, the refined social graces and the "joie de vivre" of this country which shares a long and rich history of friendship with France. Under the guise of an allied Europe, the kings of France, and later Napoleon, who maried Marie Louise of Austria often chose Austrian wives, of which Marie Antoinette of Austria was alas the unhappiest. She spent the last days of her life in the dungeon at Le Temple, now demolished, which stood in front of the town hall of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.

Here is a link to an article and a film we did on this subject in English, German, French and Italian.

Fortunately this year, the Austrian National Day was a much more cheerful event. The Ambassador gave a wonderful speech regarding diversity and tolerance, and to rapturous applause, Conchita Wurst took the opportunity to thank her country for being so open-minded and having such a dynamic culture, not forgetting to thank to her fans all over the world at the same time.

She then sang live with just a simple piano « Rise like a Phoenix » that made her win the European song contest. This contest is watched by millions of spectators in Europe. She won the Contest with 290 points and unfortunalety France was the Last with just 2 points !
Enjoy the original clip.

The Austrian Hotel Chain and delicatessen Do&Co, who have just taken over the famous french maison Hédiard provided the gastronomic buffet for the event, which was also sponsored by the famous Austrian sports car manufacturer Porsche. Also in attendance were the Austrian National Office of Tourism and the Austrian Cultural Forum.

It was altogether a beautiful autumn afternoon, which conveyed a lovely sense of well-being and left one with the impression of having spent a few magical hours in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The « sound of music » has changed but the music is also wonderful !

A great many thanks to the Ambassador, Madame Ursula Plassnik, to the Press department and to Mr and Mrs Mikinovic, our friends and proud new Austrian residents of the Marais, who allowed us to take part in this prestigious event.

Visit Paris, Le Marais and visit Austria, you ll be surprised by all the culture, history and architecture they share in common. As the French say « Bonjour », the Austrian say « Gruss Gott » ( that means also God bless You )

So Gruss Gott until our next issue !

Pascal Fonquernie
Editor Parismarais.com