Paris Is Installing Sparkling Water Fountains All Over the City 

The French capital hopes to have at least one of the fountains in each arrondissement.Paris—the city of love, lights, and… sparkling water fountains? That’s right: Because tap water is so passé, the French capital decided to give their public drinking fountains a carbonated upgrade. The fontaine pétillante, as they’re locally called, have been around since 2010, with eight sparkling fountains located around the city. This past month, however, Paris’s City Hall scaled this project into a full-blown initiative, with the ultimate goal of having at least one carbonated fountain in each of the 20 arrondissements—Parisians, you’ll never have to settle for still water again.

Source: Paris Is Installing Sparkling Water Fountains All Over the City – Condé Nast Traveler

On the Town in the “Real” Neighborhoods of Paris 

I live in the 10th arrondissement (district), a trendy but not touristy area near République and the Canal St. Martin. The other night, I was rushing out to meet a friend for dinner. I was a bit behind schedule, and was worried that I’d be late, when I remembered a shortcut that’d get me there faster: I’d take the passages.

Paris has dozens of covered passages that date from the 19th century. These early walkways, which cut straight through the heart of a city block, were like early shopping malls, filled with boutiques, art galleries, and other intriguing little shops. Some, like the ultra-glamorous Galerie Vivienne, are well-known to the world. Others fly under the radar of almost everyone except locals. They’re not necessarily covered nor necessarily elegant. In fact, they can be a little gritty. But, for me, they exemplify “real” Paris [ . . . ] More: On the Town in the “Real” Neighborhoods of Paris – International Living

Have the French found a way to combat food waste? – Green News 

Despite most of the country hiding away from Hurricane Ophelia today, the 16th of October also marks UN “World Food Day.” In celebration, a new food app is being released to launch major action against food waste.TheFoodLife app is the creation of Arash Derambarsh, who played a key role in fighting for the introduction of the French food waste laws in February 2016.Mr Derambarsh is urging the rest of Europe to adopt similar laws in the fight against food waste and food poverty [ . . . ]

Fulll Story at: Have the French found a way to combat food waste? – Green News Ireland

What’s on in October

Montmartre vendange, Paris, October 11-15
As reported in July’s Connexion, Paris has a thriving vineyard scene and the annual harvest (vendange) is celebrated in style at the most famous of these among the historic streets of hilltop Montmartre. Expect wine-themed parades and exhibitions as well as concerts and plenty of tasting opportunities. On the Sunday afternoon at 17:00 on Square Louise-Michel there will be a glamorous street disco, called Le Bal Dalida, to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the celebrated chanteuse.

Read about all the wonderful October events at: What’s on in October

Post office workers grow vegetables, breed chickens on Paris rooftop “farm”

PARIS (Reuters) – An urban agriculture initiative to make Paris more environmentally sustainable, mainly through farming on the capital’s rooftops, has been such a success that the mayor is unveiling a new round of projects this week.Rooftop farming has boomed in the past years from New York to Tokyo via London and Paris [ . . . ]

More: Post office workers grow vegetables, breed chickens on Paris rooftop “farm”