Just like the residents that live within the walls they watch over, concierges come in all shapes and sizes. Some are relatively young and coquettes; others less so.In Paris, many gardiennes are Portuguese. During the housing crisis of the 1960s, Portuguese immigrants were drawn to the concierge trade, so that they could give their kids a decent Paris-level education without having to pay Paris-level rent.
Despite such dexterity, to the many stuffy members of the French upper classes, gardiennes epitomize one thing: le mauvais goût. "You can't buy that throw for your sofa. My concierge has one just like it!" Or, "Tulle on your wedding car? Do you think you're marrying the concierge's son or something?"
But concierges can have an attitude of their own. Upon your arrival in their apartment building, you can expect to be looked up and down with a wary eye. They'll want to brief you on the residence "rules" and make sure you know who is boss. And if you want to receive your mail on time and have your palier swept and cleaned, you'd be wise to acquiesce.
Josiane Balasko as Madame Michel. [Online image] 2009.
