Demographics:

Paris is a cosmopolitan city - it is a magnet for those who live in current or former French colonies. The vast majority of street traders are of African descent. They are to be found primarily outside tourist destinations selling cheap trinkets. They are also employed in the hospitality, public transportation and security sectors of the economy, as well as being well represented in national sporting teams - not so different from other countries. Immigrants from sub-Saharan and north Africa are also frequent buskers in public spaces, including in Le Metro - and in one case a woman came on the train with a microphone and speaker - when finished she went through the carriage with a cup soliciting donations, before moving to the next carriage at a station stop. There were others performing dance and acrobatics in larger open spaces such as at Les Jardins Trocadero. 

Culture:

It’s hard for those of us who are not French, particularly Parisian to understand the role of culture in French life. There is more public recognition given to artists, writers, philosophers than in the English speaking world. Not only are their works venerated in museums, with streets, parks and plazas named after them, but their influence in society plays a more significant role in the school curriculum. The difference was best summed up by our Walking Tour guide, Chris. In the French cabinet, ministers vie to be appointed Minister of Culture, in the same way that politicians in the English speaking world strive to be Minister of Finance. I think that is an excellent summation!