"The angels are as perfect in form as they are in spirit." - Jeanne d'Arc 1412-1431…read more
BONJOUR:
WILDCAT FRANCE Is one badass Tattoo Parlor! Located in a historic alleyway in busy Beauborg district of Paris. Serendipity brought me here on my last day in Paris... museums and landmarks for days. French foods, fine wines, a shake of my tail, and haute couture shopping in check. It was time to treat the man in me. I wanted a tattoo to remember all my adventures in old Europe!
NOT JUST ANY TATTOO:
My European tattoo experience came under some trying times. The coronavirus hit the news hard in the middle of my travels, and Italy was my next stop, but with the grace of the heavens, I somehow was always a couple steps ahead. I pray for those who weren't so fortunate. Originally I booked a tattoo appointment with a world class tattoo artist in London. She already sketched the piece and I paid a 84£ deposit. However, when the day arrived... circumstances arose and I had to cancel. I still had Roma, Paris, Barcelona for the next two weeks, so I went with the vibe. It is, what it is! I will get it done!
DO IT IN PARIS:
As the days counted down, the historic landmarks came and went... and suddenly it was that faithful day. I fell in love with the romance and class of Paris, while also admiring La Résistance and the spirit of Jeanne d'Arc! Finally my last day in Paris fell on a Monday and most tattoo shops were closed! Yet, I did my research and came across one just a mile from me. So after the Louvre and Duck à l'orange.. WILDCAT FRANCE in PARIS it is!
WILDCAT FRANCE:
A newer Tattoo Parlor best known for piercings. Only one review on Yelp (props to Crystal) and nothing more. Yet, TripAdvisor and Google gave me more positive info and the confidence to walk-in. Yet, my inner-Frenchman said this was the place for my special tat! As I was walking over I passed by the Jeanne d'Arc memorial and all I can say... it was a sign! I finally reached the historic alley and I was pleasantly surprised how clean and artistic it was. I felt I was more inside an Art Gallery than Tattoo Parlor.
DO YOU SPEAK FRANÇAIS:
I was kindly greeted and mentioned I was a walk-in and interested in a tattoo. I was told in very broken English "the tattoo art yet isn't." I responded in very broken French "I'd wait until, oui, oui" lol. My 30-minute wait felt short sitting on the large black faux leather comfy sofa... I was pleasantly greeted by all who passed by. Even by the Parisian haute couture girls! Oh la la! Sam arrives and we chat what I want. I never just drop-in to any tattoo shop w/o knowing the artist first, yet with Sam, I felt a kindred spirit and a positive vibe! I had to get it done here!
MY TATTOO:
My tattoo is inspired by the heroics of Jeanne d'Arc and my love of Paris. Paris, the city she tried to free from the English, but ultimately was captured and burned at the stake. She became a martyr to the people of France and canonized a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She inspired Napoleon and later the French Resistance in Nazi-occupied France. And of course she inspires me!
THE HANDSHAKE:
After a few sketchings by Sam... Ideas going back and forth I decide to have it done here! I laughed and told Sam what was I thinking having the Saint of France being tattooed in London! After a few chuckles Sam gets down to business. Our only concern (more on his hesitation) was that Sam is a "New School" artist who emphasizes black and gray. I wanted "Realism" in color. Yet, I encouraged Sam that I have the confidence in him to just go for it. I gave the artist the freedom to be the artist!
IN THE END:
My experience with WILDCAT FRANCE was nothing less than spectacular! All the people I met were professional, friendly, and I felt a good vibe (ended up over three hours). The Tattoo Parlor was the cleanest and coolest I've ever visited. I walked out with my inspiration forever on my forearm. I will cherish this moment 'til my last breath. Sam was not only a fantastic "New School" artist but the nicest tattoo artist I've met. We became friends, exchanged Instagrams, and I'll be back to...
WILDCAT FRANCE! Merci Beaucoup! Vive La France!