From roughly 10am to 3pm, I walked from the Parc Monceau to the Luxembourg Garden, passing many of Paris’ storied landmarks along the way, as well as some things more ephemeral. I walked along the Boulevard de Courcelles until I got to the Arc de Triomphe, then I turned down the Champs-Elysées and turned right at Avenue George V. From there I headed over the Seine at Pont Alma. I followed the edge of the Left Bank past the Grand Palais, the Musee d’Orsay, and the Louvre. Then I had a bit to eat at a cafe – trois oeufs au plat (“three fried eggs”) and mint tea – before attempting to follow Rue Bonaparte to the Luxembourg Palace. In a happy accident I ended up stumbling upon La Closerie des Lilas cafe that Hemingway immortalized in A Moveable Feast, and thus reinvigorated, made my way to the Luxembourg Gardens.
Over the course of the afternoon, I encountered all sorts of happenings and sights, by turns awesome, familiar, strange, beautiful, disturbing and joyous. I’d rather remember the pleasant parts and forget the rest. Some of them are below!
Addendum: Here’s a map of the path I walked, planned and unplanned. It ends with the Metro station I used to get back home. Walking path and directions. In case you were wondering, I ate at the Café des Beaux Arts. I ordered in French, but I think the waitress spoke some English to me. (Aunt Cecile, as this was my first official day up and at ‘em, I used some of your Euros! Merci beaucoup!)
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i wish i could hav moved wit u and be your assistant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You would be a great assistant. You would be very on top of things!
How beautiful! When do you start your job?
Beautiful photos Nicole! What are you doing over there again? A job it sounds like? Good for you! Enjoy!
It looks beautiful! I’m excited to be able to see Paris through your eyes in the comfort of my home!! Glad yo made it safe :)
Wonderful photos, Nicole. Color me green…Keep ‘em coming! XO
Exquisite writing, Nicole. You are a master with words. Continue…please! Love the photos, too. They look professional!
Erin & Marin, I’m working as an au pair for a family and also pursuing some creative endeavors of my own. As soon as my official au pair schedule is underway (when I start my required French classes next week), I’ll also take on some part-time work, hopefully of a colorful nature! I have a few projects I’m working on, and as they develop, I’ll likely incorporate them into the website… which, you may have noticed, is a trial-and-error experience in and of itself!!
Thanks, Jenny! It’s good practice for me. I’m glad the pictures are turning out so well – the light in Paris is so dazzling that it seems almost impossible to take a bad picture! I’m happy the effect it’s having on me in person is translating for you!
What a wonderful experience Nicole, visiting Paris thru yur creative eyes. SO FUN! Look forward to hearing all about your journey. keep ‘em coming. WE are planning to visit Paris (wine country) and connect with many friends end of next summer, hopefully connect with you as well. Be well, Be safe, and enjoy every second. XO Love L ~
I loved seeing the blooming artichokes! It reminded me of the ones planted in the flower boxes outside your bedroom. They were so pretty that I couldn’t bear cutting them and eating them so I let them bloom instead. I think the pleasure I experienced on a daily basis while the bloom lasted far outweighed the pleasure I would have received eating them! My other favorite picture was the orange iron fence! Tres jolie!
Yes, I think those are my favorites, too! Paradoxically, tIght, close shots seem to capture the most.
I love the tower eiffel!! great pic!