Paris
Paris was exceptional, as with every visit. Paris is one of the cities that always offers something new, and revisiting the known just seems to pull you in more closely with the city.
For our 2018 Spring travels, Paris was the end of very interesting tour. Morocco was totally new. We had never been to Valencia how would it be? Fantastic. So as we flew up to Paris there was the thought: are we just settling comfortably into the know?
We had made arrangements for a driver we know very well to pick us up at the airport. The drive into the city does seem to be getting longer! As we were on the outskirts of Paris the driver explained, from his perspective, the impact of immigration on the city. There were groups of young men hanging out around a number of the key intersections. The lights were long, and they seem only longer when you are waiting for them to change!
As we arrive in our neighborhood, rue Montorgueil, it was like coming home, but in a very positive way. The street was vibrant with activity. Yes, this is the street life that we like be party of. Everyday people stopping at the shops, cafes and bars. I was already picking out the stores that I would be planning to stop at!
rue Montorgueil
Located in the 1st and 2nd arrondissement, in the Saint Denis-Les Halles district of Paris, this is a pedestrian street lined with cafés, bakeries, fish stores, cheese shops, wine shops, produce stands and flower shops. It is described as a street for Parisians to socialize.
La Canopée
After so many years of being in Paris, watching the demolition and then construction of Les Halles to create La Canopée - it took five years to build, it is great to walk through it and enjoy the massive space under the attractive canopy. It cost a billion euro and has 18,000 glass shingles creating the attractive covering.
Louvre Cour Napoléon
The main courtyard of the Louvre Palace, the Cour Napoléon is one of my locations I just have to return to each year. It is a mecca for photographers. The light always seems to change as with the activity. Everyone from Parisians, tourist, wedding group and models all seem to be in this location. This year, all the fountains around the Pyramid entrance (architect I.M. Pei) were flowing, and I have not had that for the last number of years.
Seine
Could you ever have too many walks along the Seine? I don't think so. The river is 777 kilometers in length starting at Source-Seine, located about 30 km north of Dijon.
The Architecture
Of course much of the pleasure of being in Paris is walk endlessly and just take in all the architecture. Endless scenes.
Atelier des Lumieres
We went to see Atelier des Lumieres which was an impressive project art exhibition of Klimt, Hundertwasser and poetic art.
Grande Arche de la Défense
The Grande Arche is the centerpiece of La Defense - the large business park just outside of Paris. Take Metro 1 and you will be there and walk around stunning architecture. It is a must for my visit. This year I met my friend Vincent Marcolla, an accomplished photographer in Paris, and we captured many great scenes.
Les Deux Plateaux
Les Deux Plateaux, in the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais Royal, is often known as the Colonnes de Buren. Every time I visit this location, I think I see something different. This year, an hour or so of rain created all new opportunities.
Galerie Véro-Dodat
Galerie Véro-Dodat is one of the covered passages of Paris - I always enjoy walking through theses. The covered passages date back to the early 1800s and at the time, they provide warm dry places for the wealthy to shop. At this time were no paved streets or sewers. These were havens.