Five years later France’s problems are still festering, and Sarkozy has lost in a close but decisive election to François Hollande. Sarkozy’s arrogance led to his downfall.

Last week a Paris primary school launched a new heating system that draws energy from nearby sewer pipes. The joint project between the city’s water department and two companies, CPCU and Lyonnaise des Eaux, will provide 70% of the school’s heating needs.

Yes, the parks are beautiful, food is great, museums are stunning, and for the first timer doing the 10 country in 9 day European tour, the Eiffel Tour is a ridiculous hoot. But the joy of Paris at any time of year is drifting through Paris’s remaining passages.

Now a public housing project in the center of Paris will benefit from all those commuters darting across Paris–body heat from subway commuters will heat 17 flats starting next year.