Paris, France (Grandmother's words)

Paula and Chester sitting outside Shakespeare Books

Paris, France
Paula Walden

We have been to Paris ten times in all seasons and can testify that it is captivating in any season but the best times have been the first time and the last time. The first time in Paris is like a dream. It is the most beautiful city in the world. The French are obsessed with good food. The language is beautiful, though they take double the words to say something. The weather is always mild except July when it is scorching. But then in July you can go to the beach. "The beach" you say! Paris is inland. Yes but only the French would build a beach on the River Seine.

Paula checking the map for directions

Lianna and Gido

The last time we were in Paris was this past May, and it was the best time because our family was there. After not seeing them for 10 months we could hardly contain our excitement waiting for them to arrive from Barcelona just 40 minutes after our arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The kids looked so big and so grown up and both Lianna and Mark looked exceptionally relaxed. Our exchangers in Paris had arranged for a car to meet us which was so fortunate as I had scoured the internet looking for the fastest and cheapest way into Paris. Within a short time we were at the apartment and it was perfect. Large enough for us all, very artsy and just the kind of place Lianna and Mark love. In addition, we were located within walking distance to the centre of Paris. After a rest we walked to see the Ballet at the Palais Garnier. Though the ballet was a bit disappointing the venue certainly was worth it. Opera Garnier is magnificent structure ornately decorated.

Paris

Having been in Paris many times, and several times for a month, we knew our way about, so going places was easy. Most times we walked but our old legs sometimes needed a ride on the Metro. It is a clean and efficient system that crisscrosses the city. You can move from one side to the other in probably 30 minutes. We suggested that we visit our favorite neighborhoods rather than the galleries and museums the week we were there, as we had been to most of them several times. We basically just enjoy hanging around in Paris, eating in a Brasserie and pretending we are Parisien. Having 4 people along who spoke French was an added advantage.

Caleb outside

Mark with distant shot of the Eiffel Tower

The first thing the next day we did was go to the closest street, food market which brings in the best of local produce. Blocks and blocks of purveyors of local products, bread, vegetables, meat, cheese, wine, and fruit. We just couldn't restrain ourselves and bought a huge feast for lunch.

Caleb in streets of Paris

Paris

Just wandering around we got to experience the wonder of the rich architecture in the city. The city has many Gothic churches as well as churches and squares dating from the Renaissance. During Napoleon's time the city of Paris was modernized and industrialized. Empire fashion bloomed. During the Belle Époque decades Impressionist art and Art Nouveau flourished. And Paris grew from small villages into a huge city. The history of France is rich with culture and change. And you can see it all in Paris.

Beautiful art work everywhere

We also went to La Defense , a huge modernist business centre on the edge of Paris. Spectacular setting where you can stand under the immense Grande Arche and looks down the Avenue a couple of miles to the Arche de Triumph. We did it all, We saw Montmartre, the Seine, the Latin Quarter, Place de Concorde, the Marais, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame, Place de Vosges, Place de Bastille, Pompidou Centre, Tuilleries, Invalides, Arche De Triomphe, the Left Bank ( where Mark revisited the English Bookstore, Shakespeare Books) and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Miro Statues at La Defense

Arc at La Defense

Thumb statue at La Defense

Taking a picture in a strange mirror

Eiffel Tower Pose

Artemis in front of Roman pillars

Grandma pointing out sites as we go around

Arc de Triumph

We could have stayed another 3 weeks but it was time to go home. We'll never forget our wonderful time with Lianna, Caleb, Artemis and Mark. They made Paris come alive as the kids in particular was captivated by their visit to this beautiful city.

Statue coming out of the wall in Monmartre

A week later we are coming back at 10 pm from playing bridge and cannot believe that in Vancouver we can't just stop at a corner Brasseries for a full dinner at 11pm. How uncivilized. But we did find an authentic French Bakery on Davie and Bute!

Very happy to be your tour guide in Paris.

Paula