Nicolas Hulot and the Pacte Écologique

France is abuzz with l'élection présidentielle. (For a break-down of all 12 candidates, from the bigot Le Pen to McDonald's-smashing José Bové, check out Why Travel To France.) A few weeks ago in Paris, we headed to the Zenith, in the beautiful Parc de la Villette (19th arrondissement), to hear Nicolas Hulot talk about his Pacte écologique. The environmentalist superstar, famous for his televised nature show Ushuaïa, has insisted that the future French president prioritize environmental issues and mandate a program of action.

The Zenith was packed for this free event (attendees were required to register over the Internet and print the corresponding email as the entrance "ticket"). As to be expected, Hulot dazzled the audience. Folks leapt to their feet after he spoke, clapping wildly. The only let-down was the recital of a poem by an Hulot fan-- well-intentioned, but poorly-conceived-- in the vein of "I Have A Dream."

Outside, we noticed the trees wrapped in various colors-- a symbol that environmentalism is not just a movement for the "Greens."