The temperature plummeted and a blanket of mist hung over the Seine today. Heading over to the rive gauche, the left bank, to explore the 6th arrondissement, with the chilly wind whipping around my face and the cold stinging my fingers, I pass the Notre Dame on the way. But not before a quick pause. …
When I surfaced from the Guimard designed Eglise d’Auteuil metro station, there was a sense of serenity, a gentle hum, unlike the bustling crowds of Le Marais. The Auteuil quarter, in the westernmost part of Paris, a former town, between the Seine and the Bois de Boulogne, is now a part of Paris. Rue d’Auteuil, …
About 26 years ago, Paris was up in arms. There was talk of building a pyramid in the main courtyard of Le Louvre. Now I M Pei’s creation is a reality and has become another iconic landmark in Paris. When the Pyramid was a mere conception, that was the last time I visited Le Louvre. …
The 9th arrondissement is mostly, a pretty swanky part of Paris, at the base of Montmartre. It encompases, the Palais Garnier, the Opera House, Boulevard Haussmann, Galleries La Fayette and some seriously good food shops. Feeling like a kid in a candy shop, walking across one side of the street to the other, peering …
Sometimes it is just the simple things, that pleases us. I encountered a few simple things today. After leaving my umbrella at Jim’s on Sunday night, I needed to venture back over to his place today, in the 14th arrondissement, to retrieve it. I have only visited Jim’s home in the evening, when it is …
Marche aux Puces de Montreuil and Parc des Buttes Chaumont was on the agenda today, even although by the time I left the apartment at 10am, it was still only -1 degree. The weather was freezing and the wind was bitter but I was determined to act out my plans. Staying in the Marais, with …
There is something about Sundays in Paris I love. Apart from the odd person walking their dog, or another scurrying off to market, the streets are quiet, in the morning. I took this opportunity to take some photos before the crowds hit the street for church and Sunday brunch. At numbers 11-13, on rue …
Christmas Tree Made from Drink Bottles Strange; when I am working, I am waiting for the weekend to come. Time to rest, get things done around the house, go out, be with friends. It is no different in Paris. People want to get out, meet friends and shop, the streets are busy, the shops pumping, …
After a day of visiting 9 passages, in extremely bad weather, the thought of going to a concert, standing for three hours on already tired and sore feet, did not seem that appealing. Combined with the sense that I would probably be the oldest person there alone made me apprehensive. However, I was looking forward …
In the 19th century, passages were developed to enable shoppers to escape the rain and mud that was flung up from the horse drawn carriages. Giving the shoppers a pleasant shopping experience. In much the same way that we now have shopping centres. The shopper could arrive at the passage, have their shoes dusted, step down from their …