By Jennifer Ciotta

Edith Piaf spent her days as a child performing on the streets of Belleville, Paris with her father.  Today, the Paris cobblestone walkways still breathe the excitement of the past with a large variety of street performers and artists.  In between the cafes and bakeries, a tourist can purchase an oil painting of fresh flowers, or have their portrait sketched.  The famous silver-painted man, with ivy draped over him, catches the attention of many by staying completely still, yet changing facial expressions at a moment's notice. 

Located at Pere-Lachaise is Edith Piaf's grave, along with many other famous artists such as: Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Gertrude Stein, Sarah Bernhardt, Moliere, Proust, Isadora Duncan and Chopin.  Piaf's grave usually holds roses, a French poem and photos both on the tomb and around it.  Oscar Wilde's grave features lipstick marks from the kisses of admirers.  Jim Morrison's grave is beset with pots of bright flowers on top and bouquets in front.  Overall, the Parisian cemetery is an enchanting sight with faded grave markers, brilliant flowers, Old World architecture and trees that bloom beautifully in the warmer months, while covered with snow during the winter, leaving a visitor with feeling of austerity.

A tourist can catch a cabaret performance at one of Paris' many nightspots.  The Moulin Rogue is the official place to go.  Currently, the show, Feerie, is a troupe of one hundred performing artists dressed in Italian-designed costumes of feathers and sequins.  Eighty musicians and sixty singers fill the air with upbeat tunes.  The dining experience alone is reason enough to make a reservation.  The bright red room mixed with gold adornments and tiny lamps at each table add to the Parisian ambience.  The striped ballooned ceiling, creating the allusion of dining in a tent, along with a live performance and good French cuisine and wine make for the perfect evening. 

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