I felt hot and thirsty waiting in line to show my Pass Sanitaire(proof of vaccination QR code) to get inside the open-air exhibition. It was Journées de Patrimoine(Heritage Days) and there were presentations of the various workers who are involved in the herculean renovation of this magnificent cathedral, whose sight against the cerulean blue sky …
Meet The Unique Workers Restoring Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral Read More »
As you probably already know, the Netflix series Emily in Paris was derided by the French as being way too glossy, superficial, and unrealistic. In brief, way too Hollywoodian. I have never seen the programs, but from what I know about this popular television series, I would say yes, but so what? Hollywood has never …
Sometimes things don’t go the way you want, despite what I thought was careful planning. T’was the case a Sunday two weeks ago when I stood in line waiting patiently to get into the Institue National d’Histoire de l’Art. Les Journées Patrimoine, (heritage days) is something I look forward to each September. It is when …
When My Special Plans Went Awry, Ordinary Paris Scenes Saved The Day Read More »
Le Grand Palais is a beautiful building created for the world exhibition of 1900, which hosts multiple events throughout the year. Trying to “bring” Rungis to Parisians was not one of their best. Rungis is not the prettiest word, nor a pretty village, but is famous for housing the humongous former “belly of Paris” Les …
Rungis Au Grand Palais, Great Quality, Pretty Displays But Limited In Scope Read More »
Rue Mouffetard has long been one of my favourite foodie streets for several reasons. Crammed with a jumble of eclectic food stalls, the ambience can easily whisk me back to medieval Paris. Rue Mouffetard has stayed “dans son jus”. A colourful French way of saying that it has remained unchanged or still basking in “it’s …
Rue Mouffetard, A Medieval Looking Food Street In Paris Read More »
The Moulin Rouge just celebrated their 130 year anniversary of the French Cancan! It was October 6, 1889, when they first opened their doors in Montmartre. To celebrate this anniversary, the Moulin Rouge put on a spectacular Sound and Light show Sunday, complete with their famous Cancan dancers where I braved the crowds in front …
Moulin Rouge Paris 130 Year Anniversary Of French Cancan Read More »
If you have ever taken in a walk in the lovely Luxembourg gardens, you have probably seen Marie de Medici’s palace. This stately former royal palace became home to the French Senate. The palace is not open to the general public except by invitation from a senator, or on Jours de Patrimoine( Heritage Days). Not …
Marie de Medici, The Queen Behind Luxembourg Palace And Gardens Read More »
La Petite Ceinture has regained some its glory and a new life, with a recent celebration, including an amusing Drag Queen Pétanque event! The French value restoring most old buildings and entities of merit, rather than tearing them down. This includes an abandoned old railway, La Petite Ceinture that once circled Paris. Deep trenches were …
La Petite Ceinture Of Paris, An Abandoned Old Railway Gets New Life Read More »
Come June and July, casual conversation with neighbors seems to be proliferated with the big V question. That is preciously, “where are you going on vacation?”. “Je vais rester ici. Août c’est mon mois préféré à Paris!”. My matter of fact announcement that I am staying put and that August is my favourite month in …
Some of the weird and wicked sounding street names of Paris I encounter bring smiles or wonder. Some are just plain laughable! The more reasonable ones are historic in nature indicating that this street or area was well known for certain tradesmen or merchants. Some are a dead give off of what you presume they …
Saint Sulpice is the adopted church of Notre Dame, while the burned cathedral is being renovated. The Archbishop of Paris and Notre Dame clergy give masses there on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm, until they will eventually switch to Saint Eustache. Saint Sulpice is actually only a little smaller than Notre Dame, has a massive …
The sun finally returned after a seemingly too long absence and it was just what I needed to stroll around Ile de La Cité and Ile Saint Louis, a favourite walk. The heart of Paris still revolves around Notre Dame! Notre Dame from Le Pont Saint Michel looked eerily almost the same, even though minus …
Ile de la Cité And Ile Saint Louis After Notre Dame Fire Read More »