Latest news with #JoanOfArc
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Enjoy a Friends-themed city break at this quirky location hailed as 'perfect' by tourists - and over 3,500 miles from New York
Oh… my…. God, could there BE a better Friends-themed city break? The French city of Rouen was previously most famous for being the site of Joan of Arc's execution - she was put on trial and burned at the stake here in 1431 - making it a tourist destination for history buffs. But now it has become an unlikely destination for Friends fans after two spots dedicated to the beloved US TV series opened in the centre of the Normandy capital - despite the fact it was set 3,557 miles across the Atlantic in New York. Thanks to rental accommodation kitted out exactly like Monica Geller's iconic Manhattan apartment and a replica of Rachel Green's workplace, Central Perk, fans of the show can have a Friends-themed hen party without travelling all the way to New York. The owners of Rouen's New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was '100 per cent inspired by Central Perk'. The reason for opening, they explan, is that France has a deep affection for Friends, with 1.4 million viewers tuning in weekly at its peak in 1997. While the cafe has been operating for almost a decade, in 2023 a local concierge business decided to play on the Friends theme, and decorated a cosy apartment exactly like Monica's iconic dwellings in central Rouen, close to the place du Vieux-Marché. The walls are coated in an instantly-recognisable shade of lilac, adorned with a gold-framed peephole on the front door, and a replica of her Aux Buttes Chaumont Jouets poster, a vintage French design by artist Jules Cheret in 1885. Up to four guests at a time can stay, and serve up their own version of Rachel's beef trifle or a traditional Thanksgiving feast in Monica's kitchen, underneath her vintage French posters, advertising a clairvoyant called Maina. Visitors have praised the attention to detail and 'perfect authenticity' to the series in online reviews - and some have really got into the spirit during their stays. One guest, @justinepatisserie on TikTok, remade the episode titled The One With Phoebe's Cookies by baking Lisa Kudrow's character's grandmother's 'secret' recipe for 'Nestle Toulouse' cookies. Another pair, @carlotte_et_loulou, reassured the owners they did not pinch all the amenities provided, unlike Ross Geller (played by David Schwimmer) who convinces Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) that they are entitled to take anything from a hotel that does not amount to stealing. 'We didn't leave with the remote control batteries, light bulbs and toilet paper,' quipped the Friends fans. Poignantly, the living room features a framed photograph of Matthew in tribute to him, after he died in October 2023 after taking ketamine in a hot tub. Meanwhile, owners have installed a TV with access to Netflix so fans can watch their favourite episodes while immersed in the iconic decor, and tell guests: 'From the colourful kitchen and cult objects to the quotes and accessories inspired by your favourite characters, you'll feel right at home. 'Could we BE any more excited to welcome you?' Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa The owners of Rouen's New York-style coffee shop Social Perk opened their business nine years ago, and tell MailOnline Travel it was '100 per cent inspired by Central Perk' Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme Nearby, on the Rue de la Tour de Beurre, Social Perk pays just as much attention to detail, with diners watching an endless stream of episodes from a comfy orange sofa. Just a few steps away from the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a favourite of the artist Claude Monet, the deli serves up American-inspired food in keeping with its theme. The menu includes £6 Texan or Yankee bagels that Joey Tribbiani (Matt Le Blanc) would refuse to share - as he stipulates in the series - and a £3 New York-style cheesecake like the one he eats straight from the floor. Owner Akila says: 'Social Perk has been around for nine years now. We decided to take it over because we liked the unique concept of this typically New York café, 100% inspired by Central Perk, and it appeals to the French a lot. 'Friends parties are often held at Social Perk, for birthdays or hen parties. 'They have a great time there. We've had people come from London! It's incredible.' It's not surprising the establishments are popular with hen parties, as there were plenty of weddings on the series - Ross alone wed three times. Though Brits may struggle to recreate Phoebe Buffay's memorable bachelorette party, as actor Danny DeVito may not be available for hire as a stripper, it may be possible to hire a Holiday Armadillo costume ahead of the city break. Group selfies captioned 'We were on a break' are, of course, obligatory. The two businesses are independent from each other, but recommend each other to the Friends fans who visit. 'We are independent, but we don't hesitate to send our clients and tourists to the Friends apartment in Rouen to spend a night and feel like they're in Monica and her friends' apartment,' continues Akila. While Rouen itself has no connection to the series, it sits just 70 miles from Paris, where Rachel was set to take up a role at Louis Vuitton's headquarters, before she famously 'didn't get on the plane' in the final series to be with boyfriend Ross. But if Brits do want to get on the plane - or train, or other mode of transport - to reach the Friends-themed city, they'll have to first get to Paris, as there are no direct flights to Rouen. From the French capital, it's easily accessible by train, taking just over two hours. The immersive Friends Apartment is available to be booked from £140-per-night via or Airbnb, and Social Perk is open all week, Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm, 10:30am-8pm on Saturdays and 11am-7pm on Sundays.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
AMANDA PLATELL: Greta chose a shoddy PR stunt, a flimsy ship and ignored the sick truth. This gormless self-styled freedom fighter should stick to saving polar bears
Was there ever a more self-serving stunt than eco-warrior Greta Thunberg attempting to sail into Gaza aboard a yacht, carrying 'aid' for the starving children of Gaza? Although Greta and the 11 other activists on board self-importantly call their voyage the 'Freedom Flotilla', it has been rightly derided as the 'selfie yacht' by critics who cite the dozens of pictures released of Thunberg, standing on the prow with her hair blowing in the wind like some latter-day Joan of Arc.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Imogen Anthony risks a major wardrobe malfunction as she dons racy Joan of Arc costume at Australian Fashion Week
Imogen Anthony left little to the imagination as she attended Australian Fashion Week in a revealing number inspired by Joan of Arc. The model and former girlfriend of radio personality Kyle Sandilands took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an array of pictures and videos from the annual fashion event, which is being held at Sydney 's Carriageworks. Imogen, 34, showed a fair bit of skin as she posed up a storm in the risque ensemble, which was made of a chainmail material. Showing off her killer figure, ample side cleavage and trim pins, the flimsy dress scooped down her lower back and cut her upper thigh in a high slit, risking a major wardrobe malfunction. She finished off the look with a silver head piece similar to the one worn by the patron saint of France, as well as a dramatic cat eye and strappy, silver heels. 'Joan of ARQ,' she captioned the piece, adding: '(rip iykyk)' She went on: 'A big mention to @alvi_chung who created and curated @wings_independent_fashion for the independent creatives and artists who drive this industry from the underground. 'I am so honoured to witness and take part in something which seemed to create a place for people who sometimes don't know where they stand within the fashion community,' she wrote. 'Everyone should be able to experience the wonder, not just those with an attractive name within the scene… I really hope it continues and many more are inspired to create.' This isn't Imogen's first look that had heads turning at Australian Fashion Week. She stunned onlookers on Monday when she stepped out in a very racy, bejewelled top, giving the illusion of being topless in the barely-there frock. She flaunted her figure with metal nipple pasties, custom-made by designer Ana Jol, which were interconnected with strings of pearls. The stunning display came with a matching headpiece that sat against her forehead and ran down the bridge of her nose with more beautiful strings of pearls. Imogen turned the medieval-style ensemble into a modern chic look as she paired it with baggy blue jeans from the controversial Dolls Kill, which hung low on her hips. She then covered up against the cold with a grey coat from Camilla and Marc before accessorising with a pair of pointed heels by Amina Muaddi. The brunette beauty highlighted her piercing eyes with a cat-eye liner look, leaving her dark tresses hanging over her barely concealed chest. Imogen and her ex-boyfriend Kyle Sandilands were together for eight years. The media titan announced his shock split from the Big Brother VIP star on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in November 2019. She has since moved on with new partner Harley Jones, with the pair tying the knot during a Vegas wedding in 2022. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at AFW in 2024, the social media star ruled out a 'real-life wedding' and said the couple won't be starting a family anytime soon. 'No, I'm unconventional. That's how I roll,' she said. 'I'm not in any rush for anything like that. I'm in no rush to have kids.' However, she didn't completely rule out the idea of babies in the future. 'Maybe one day. It's not out of the picture, out of the question. I'm just not, I ain't racing. I'm good,' she added. Meanwhile, Kyle has since moved on with wife Tegan Kynaston, whom he married in 2023. The couple also share a son, Otto, who they welcomed into the world in August 2022.
