The memorial to officer Ahmed Merabet looks more somber and simple today. And although the monument occasionally gets graffiti bombed; its message remains clear, transmitted in the depiction of the fallen police officer, Ahmed: to play a role in making the world a more collectively healing place. In practical terms, maybe doing a good deed for a neighbour. At least for me, that's what it transmits.
A portrait of officer Ahmed used to sit alongside a small bunches of flowers. But it's no longer there. The memorial where the act occurred remains. And one that is now calm but which at one time was highly-charged, visited by those who came in droves to make their personal and emotional tributes.
Memorial locations like this one are very public and can't be passed-by unnoticed; they're public. Their locations put them in easy reach for passersby to pay their own personal tributes. Nearby this somber memorial too is the office of Charlie Hebdo where the walls remain marked with subtle mementos.
I pass officer Ahmed Merabet memorial each time I cycle along the route between Bastille and Republique. The image of the French police officer lies along the main Boulevard Richard Lenoir a route which links Place de La Bastille and Place de La Republique.
A place of immense emotion, at one time expressed in flourishes of hand-written messages which dressed the railings, has now found its just and somber atonement. The floral tributes and this artistic endeavour a just tribute.
nearby 62 boulevard Richard Lenoir
€
free
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
by
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
"Jardin Nelson Mandela" in Paris is a new public garden. What's remarkable is the number of shadows to be found there -- useful to remember in the summer.
by
"Fontaine de La Croix" in Paris is a folie that's a street relic of a roundabout with many bizarre details that make it very attractive to me...
by
"Musée de l'histoire d'immigration" Paris started off as a small museum on ex-French colonies; now it celebrates immigration into France. Lovely terrace
by
"Rue du Pelican" in Paris has an isolated space that feels like a time capsule. One can build tall stories of what shady goings-on must've gone on here...
by
"Charonne" Paris is an area that in my opinion has been the area which has managed to keep its original identity the most. I love the benches here...
by
"Les Douches Gallery" Paris is situated in what was once a public bath built in the 1930s. The gallery itself is fascinating, but the building is better!
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips