Invader
On my return from 2.5km run in Paris I retrace my steps, up along Rue Damremont. Along this route I pass the Montmartre cemetery. On the walled perimeter of the cemetery I notice a tiled Pacman. It triggers a memory, Exit through the gift shop, the 2010 mockumentry filmed by Thierry Guetta a French immigrant living in Los Angeles who discovers his cousin is the famous street artist, Invader.
The film is actually about the street artist Banksy but the memory of Invader comes to front of mind when I see the tiled Pacman.
On return to our accommodation on Rue de Ordener. I am inspired, let’s go street art hunting I say, Andy agrees and I search for street art in our area the 18th arrondissement.
After some quick research I find three locations within walking distance, we are on the hunt for a Banksy and two Invaders.
We cannot find the Banksy and the one of the Invaders had been removed but we find success in our last location Rue du Guella, an Invader - we take our photos feeling quite satisfied.
Our search led us up to Sacre Coeur, then down through the small streets of Montmartre, tourists and street art are everywhere.
After the hustle and bustle of the back streets of Montmartre we escape to the wide boulevard of the Champs Élysées in the 8th arrondissement and walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, the location of the World Cup village it is relatively quiet, but the French police are not taking any chances and are noticeabley visible.
The village pub and souvenir shop are the busiest areas in the village - maybe in preparation for tonight’s bronze cup final England 🏴 v Argentina 🇦🇷 which happily we have tickets to. Back on the metro to Jules Joffrin, for a glass of wine and dinner before heading out to the Stade de France for a 9pm kick off.
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