It had been five years since I’d last been in Paris…so you can imagine my exuberant state of mind. Even despite the on and off rain, I strolled and took pleasure in the smallest happenstance, a shop window detail, a new tea emporium, the narrow sidewalks of the Left Bank. Soon I found myself enumerating the many joys of Paris. So now, let me count the ways the “City of Light” (La Ville Lumière) inspires, beguiles, intrigues, and seduces.
The centuries of magisterial architecture, the monuments and statues decorating magnificent Avenues, Squares, and Boulevards spreading uninterrupted over a city that is only 7 miles wide.
Even a subject as utilitarian as a lamp post is given a level of detail and embellishment that lingers in your mind (and on your cell).
The varied bridges (thirty three of the 37 are illuminated at night) that take you quickly from the Right Bank to the Left Bank, over the Seine that cuts through the center of Paris.
The many, many parks (here, a personal favorite, Jardins desTuileries, fronting the Louvre) and flowers, whether in a corner shop or decorating a restaurant.
That magical moment as night comes upon Paris…when “l’heure bleu” (twilight) changes in the wink of an eye and the warm glow of lights enchant.
More cafes and brassereis (and hot chocolate establishments) than one can count…
And oh, those “Paris Moments”…A revered hotel, the iconic Plaza Athenee (where I savored their souffle-like French toast the day before I departed).
A photo shoot in the works…
Any blog on Paris must include a colorful car!
Even Paris enjoys its Halloween salute…ironically to be found in the Place Dauphine, a quiet, charming square at the tip of Ile de la Cite.
And the fascinating “front doors,” in their myriad chic colors. Searching out new ones to add to my photo collection is a favorite pastime when in Paris.
Wishing you a heartwarming Thanksgiving with family and friends…
Feature Image Photo Credit: Norma Thiessen for My Beautiful Paris
A wonderful journey of beautiful photos. You have captured the magic of Paris.
Oh Ellen, and what a blessing that it can so easily be captured on a cell in your pocket! xB
And…”poof!!” there’s Paris on my phone!!! What a wonderful world…Happy THANKSgiving to you & yours!!! franki
Just what you were awaiting, Franki. Have a yummy T’Day. xB
Thank you so much for this- makes me anticipate my trip to Paris Dec 1-5 even more! It is the detail you note that my eye covets. Cannot wait to see what is in store with the Christmas illuminations!
Oh Peggy, you will never be the same…and your dates are the ones (app.) that I have chosen for my return next December.
Glory in those details…and send me some pics! xB
Thank you for taking this Nebraska girl on a trip of a lifetime!!!
This Nebraska girl (ole lady!) too! franki
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Nebraska girl. xB
My pleasure, and I hope you will someday have the opportunity to see Paris in person. xB
To steal your tag line, cheers Bettie!!
Steal away! xB
Paris, bien saisi chére amie
Merci pour la promenade dans ma ville natale
A bientôt
Oui, and I can’t wait until we get to ogether and share your memories of this beguiling city. xB
Ahhhhh, Paris, through Bettie’s eyes and lens….
A blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours, beautiful lady.
And what a feast Paris provides, eevrywhere you look there is beauty, details, style! xB
Ah, Paris! C’est si bon!
LOVELY LADY,
WORDS FAIL!
LET US ASSUME THAT IT IS YOUR ‘DIRECTION’ – FOR THE PHOTOS’ LOCATIONS.
ONE ONLY BECOMES AWARE OF WHAT A ‘GIFT’ – ONES SIGHT IS … WHEN –
A BEAUTIFUL SOUL’S EFFORTS – ARE INVOLVED.
OF COURSE, BRAVO TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER – 2.
AS EVER,
TOM
Yes, Tom, we need to be reminded of the gift of sight…and the photographer (that would be me). xB
Dear Bettie, I loved the sentimentality of Paris cafes, by writing a love letter on a balcony, and remembered the whispers I once shared in Paris never to be forgotten with your photos as a happy reminder. Many Happy Thanksgivings.
Oh Bonny, what a gift you have for words…you make me wish I’d been with you in Paris. xB