Urban Camping Makes Paris Feel Tents

If the recent trend of tent colonies are to be believed, you're allowed to set up a tent absolutely anywhere in Paris. The less unfortunate have always found Paris to be a soft and welcoming pad. With the laws that protect everyone's right to a roof overhead (even if it is a metro overpass), affordable bread, and really cheap cinema tickets, those with nothing have found that you are entitled to something, including, sometimes, joie de vivre. Many of the tents were distributed during the recent heat wave by the NGO Medecins Du Monde as part of a campaign to emphasis the plight of Paris' homeless population. The campaign has produced some of the most permanent and feng shui-ed outdoor dwellings in the world and no small amount of controversy. Many Parisians find the tents eyesores and, more importantly, so do tourists. The police, who have traditionally tolerated the tents, are taking a harder line. But the tents still abound. Take for instance the man who up until recently lived under the metro overpass at Barbès-Rochechouart. His charming wall-less apartment included the characteristic pop-up tent master suite, a kitchen table with three chairs, a couch with end table and a TELEVISION. Everyone is allowed to live the good life in Paris. A strong community has been built under the metallic overreaches of the Pompidou center, and the steadily growing group on the Canal St. Martin by Jaurès has recently added a very large "community center" tent. So when you visit Paris, forget the dingy hostel, the over-priced closet called a hotel room, and just bring your tent.

Cosy or Too Conspicuous: Paris' Tent Dwellings [AFP via Expatica]
Tent City Successfully Pitches Plight of Paris Homeless [NZ Herald]

[Text: Joe Case]

Previously: Artazart: Paris' Designy Bookstore, Paris' The Collection: Colette Minus The Pretense, I'm Rick Owens, Beeatch, The Bois De Boulognes Virtual Wilderness, The Land of Milk and Water