Montmartre has to be one of our favourite places in Paris. On a recent trip, we went for a wander, and, avoiding the crowds in the Place du Tertre and other tourist hubs, we spent a delightful afternoon. Away from the centre, the number of tourists reduce on the area’s narrow, cobbled streets. As Montmartre is compact, it’s easy to roam around without getting too lost. Best of all, we seemed to stumble on a quirky delight around almost every corner. A prime example is in Place Marcel Aymé, located just off Rue Norvins. We found this curious statue of a man half embedded in a wall.
This is the 1989 creation of actor, director and sculptor, Jean Marais. The sculpture is based on a story written in 1943 by Marcel Aymé. It’s about a man called Dutilleul who discovers he can walk through walls. Unfortunately, after he uses his power to commit misdemeanours, he gets stuck in a wall forever. Now the little square housing the statue is called Place Marcel Aymé after the writer. Notice how parts of the sculptor are more shiny? This is due to from people touching it. Were they hoping for luck or were they trying to pull him out of the wall?
Apparently there’s also a movie “Le Passe-Muraille” (marketed as Mr Peek-a-Boo in English) based on this story…one to add to my “must watch” list.
