John Baxter's "We'll always have Paris - sex and love in the city of light"

I've just finished the great book by renowned film critic, biographer and Paris guide John Baxter "We'll always have Paris" (read review). I met John recently when he kindly recommended some friends who are looking to purchase looked us up at Bonapart and I snaffled a signed copy of the book on the way out of his apartment.

I simply loved the stories about the “naughty” side to Paris, especially about the brothels of yesteryear. The most luxe, "Le Chabanais", at 7 rue Chabanais in 75009 was expensive and beyond the reach of the man-on-the-street; only the rich or royal could afford its pleasures. The future King Edward VII of England, AKA ‘Bertie’, loved Le Chabanais, and came back time after time to partake in the pleasures of the the infamous champagne bath. To read about the ingenious ‘fellatio seat’ the proprietor had specially made for him you'll have to get the book!  You can find it to the right in our bookshop.

Comments

[simon]

gosh! I am blushing aready.

And I thought going to Paris to see Sylvie Guillem dance was enough....

[Geoffrey AUCKLAND]

For those who want to improve their Parisian argot, you can add the phrase "faire le chabanais" or "faire du chabanais" which means going into the redlight district, or kerbcrawling or possibility even frequenting an establishment like the Chabanais. Use it sparingly to avoid embarrassement!

I'm going to read this book!

[suzanne]

this is the best french phrase ever! Thanks Geoffrey.