Center-city Philadelphia reminds me most of Dublin (both were 18th-century jewels of the Empire), and of Savannah (laid out with squares checkered across a grid). Nowhere else really reminds me of Paris, though there is the occasional street in another city that is Paris-like: six-story apartment buildings hemming narrow streets. There are streets with that feel in London and Budapest, or even the occasional few buildings in New York (some of the streets near Broadway between Union Square and Madison Square Park are "Paris-like." Paris is unusual in that there's been a deliberate attempt to keep the old center city free of high-rise commercial development – unlike New York or London. And unlike Philadelphia; when the unofficial prohibition on building higher than William Penn's hat (on City Hall) was lifted awhile back, Philly quickly acquired a powerful skyline, cool enough in its way but somewhat generic. In fact Center City now looks a bit like La Défense, the off-center modernist district that gives Paris its own generic alternative skyline.

So that's probably what Papelbon was thinking of. And I imagine he's seen Nick Nolte in Jefferson in Paris, which would make the Philadelphia connection all the stronger.

Many years ago, Philadelphia Magazine asked on its cover: "Is Philadelphia Paris?" Can't find it on the web, but it happened.

In terms of the wide boulevards, the site lines, the historical importance, and the distinct neighborhoods, there are some pretty good comparisons - Philly might be closer to Paris than any other US city. Not that that really means it's close, but it's not as absurd as those familiar with Philadelphia through sports might imagine.

Obviously, New York is closer if you are looking for nightlife, high population density, and culture (although Philly ain't bad at that either). Big problem is that when I think of Paris I think of the cinemas and the great subway system - The Ritz aside, Philly's got neither.

I think I remember reading about Papelbon being a huge Eric Rohmer fan. He was probably referring to the Six Moral Tales series.

Nah, it was Full Moon in Paris that hooked him. Papelbon was intrigued by the symbolic choice between Remi and Octave that Louise had to make, and was able to identify with her on the deepest level. It's probably his French ancestry that explains it.

but it's not as absurd as those familiar with Philadelphia through sports might imagine.

The crowd at PSG and French national team games is easily provoked and loves to boo, though.

Papelbon is still hoping to meet some of Philadelphia's society people, notably Randall and Mortimer Duke.