Strolling Through Paris
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Celebrating Parisian Splendor: Exploring the Fontaine de l’Observatoire in the 5th Arrondissement
To be perfectly honest, there’s no arrondissement in Paris that holds my heart quite like the 5th. It embodies life, culture, beauty, and a vibrant neighborhood spirit that I simply adore. Regardless of where I reside, I always find myself drawn back to this enchanting enclave that I proudly call home. From the iconic Boulevard Saint Michel to the intellectual hub of the Sorbonne, from the historic Cluny Museum to the serene Luxembourg Gardens and the majestic Panthéon, the 5th arrondissement never fails to captivate me. Today, I’m excited to take you on a journey to a hidden gem nestled in the Jardin Marco Polo, south of the Luxembourg Gardens…
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A Timeless Journey Through Church Saint Germain des Prés: History, Restoration, and Enchantment
Today, amidst our meanderings through the enchanting streets of Paris, I'm thrilled to unveil glimpses of one of the city's most venerable treasures – nestled within the pulsating heart of one of its most vibrant quarters. Following an extensive restoration campaign launched in 2015, this esteemed edifice has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Stepping inside a few weeks ago, we were awestruck by its resplendent beauty.
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The Statue of Liberty, Celebrating the Enduring Bond Between France and the United States
Bonjour from Paris! The bond between France and the United States is a beacon of warmth in my heart, rivaling the joy sparked by life’s simplest pleasures. The Franco-American connection holds a special place in my heart. This profound alliance, seasoned with both triumphs and trials, has been a cornerstone of history from the American War of Independence, with Lafayette’s & Rochambeau’s critical roles, to the solidarity of WWII and beyond. As someone born in France, married to an American, and a citizen of both countries, I often find myself drawn towards the Statue of Liberty. Not because of her Classical beauty or as a monumental gift from France to…
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Art of War: The Captivating Cannons of Les Invalides
Like the gargoyles that guard Notre Dame, the Gates protecting the Palais de Justice or Duchamp’s “Fountain” for that matter, sometimes things can be functional and art at the same time. We encountered just such a circumstance when we were visiting the Invalides. The courtyard is lined with 50 or so giant cannon. They are captivating. These cannons are simply glorious. With their dark blue / black hue shimmering against the sky and weighing in at over 3,000 lbs. each, they most certainly have great presence. Once you get closer however, you see that they are even more interesting than you originally thought. Each one is ornamented with a variety of features that make…
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A Timeless Encounter: Attending Mass with Royal Blood in Paris
Imagine being told in your youth that one day, you’d not only attend mass in Paris but do so alongside the lineage of the Sun King, Henri IV, Saint Louis and Queen Victoria. It sounds like a tale from another era, yet this is the reality of our life in the City of Lights. Each week, we find ourselves embarking on new adventures, surrounded by friends and family with an insatiable thirst for culture. One of the most captivating aspects of Paris is its profound sense of history. The city’s age lends itself to layers of stories, some static like the catacombs or the Roman baths beneath Notre Dame, and…
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Enchanted Evenings in Paris: The City’s Lights That Never Dim
While New York is famously dubbed the city that never sleeps, Paris too boasts a beauty that seems to defy the night. In the spellbinding weeks before Christmas, we ventured out into the Parisian night, eager to witness the city’s festive transformation. The streets, awash with lights, created a spectacle that was nothing short of magical. The Champs Elysees, a landmark in its own right, is a spectacle to behold, particularly during this festive season. It’s here that the twinkling lights of Ladurée and the bold statement of Louis Vuitton add to the avenue’s allure, each storefront a shimmering beacon in the nocturnal cityscape. Among these celebrated giants, the Artcurial…
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Parisian Shops Sparkle with Festive Cheer!
As the holiday season wraps Paris in its festive embrace, the city’s shops dress up in their holiday best, turning each street into a shimmering tableau of Christmas cheer. There’s a unique kind of magic in the air as you wander through Paris during this time of year, a magic that’s reflected in the windows of each boutique and department store. Our journey of festive discovery began on the bustling Boulevard Saint Michel. With each step, we were greeted by a new vision of holiday splendor, from twinkling lights to elegantly adorned windows, each store offering a unique interpretation of the holiday spirit. The path led us to the grandeur…
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Place des Vosges: A Parisian Jewel Through the Lens
Amidst the heart of Paris lies a square that whispers stories of the past and hums with the vibrancy of the present — the Place des Vosges. As Vince and I mulled over which Parisian treasure to unveil next, the significance of this particular place became undeniably clear. It was never just about presenting the architectural splendor or recounting the history etched within its walls. It was about capturing the essence of life that pulsates through the square — the laughter and leisurely pace of passersby, the playful chatter of children, and the eager anticipation of diners at the brink of culinary discovery. The Place des Vosges is a canvas…
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Go for a swim! (Or Not!)
Now that it’s turning cold no one in their right mind would want to jump into the Seine, the river that traverses Paris and splits the city between the Left Bank (Rive Gauche on the south) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite on the north). While it’s still beautiful in the winter, with its blue / green hue and the wonderful stone banks with the walking paths, it’s not really that inviting. However tempting it might be, jumping in is not recommended… indeed it’s probably illegal. If the desire to do your best Russell Crowe or Geoffrey Rush impression is too much to resist, there are some public pools actually…
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The Eternal Charm of Paris: A Love Affair Captured in Calendars and Keepsakes
Bonjour and welcome to the inaugural post of our Paris-inspired blog! As I sit here, sipping a café au lait by the window of our favorite spot, I can’t help but smile as I put pen to paper to share our experiences, both grand and petite, along the cobbled streets and grand boulevards of this most magnificent city. There’s a timeless adage that speaks to the heart of our experience: “Stop and smell the roses”. In a world that never pauses, where the pace of life and chaos can often feel overwhelming, the beauty we’re surrounded by here in Paris acts as a gentle reminder to breathe, to live fully,…
