A great post from across106thstreet expressing love for the beautiful and enchanting city of Paris through photography inspired me to flip through my own photos and pay tribute to one of my favourite cities. Having visited a few times now, there is always something I love to come back to and always something new to discover. Below are a few of my favourites…both old and new.
Sainte-Chapelle
Two places I always visit are the stunning medieval Sainte-Chapelle and the somber Conciergerie, where hundreds were held during the French Revolution prior to their execution via guillotine. Perhaps not the happiest places, but the architecture and stained glass here are incredible.
Deportation Memorial
Another somber but powerful reminder of France’s history is the Deportation Memorial found underground behind Notre Dame. Each of the 200,000 lights represent someone who was deported to Nazi concentration camps from this very spot during WWII.
Pompidou Centre
There is a lot of joy to be in had in Paris as well. Another must visit spot for me is the Pompidou Centre for modern art, the largest of its kind in Europe with truly exquisite pieces if you are a modern art love like myself. Even the building is a masterpiece!
Picnicking on Ile Saint-Louis
It might not look elegant, but impromptu picnics on Ile Saint-Louis are some of my best memories. My favourite spot is on the north-western side of the island overlooking Notre Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité. On Thursdays and Sundays, you can visit Bastille Market to pick up the freshest treats to complement your wine.
Example of the beautiful architecture in Montmartre
Of course the main joy of Paris comes from getting lost in its neighbourhoods, taking in the architecture, the people and the whimsy of it all.
Place du Tertre
The other joy for me comes from discovering tucked away spots, such as the lovely Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th district, with stunning city views, plenty of greenery and even a waterfall.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
So many reasons to love this city and I can’t wait to go back to find some more!
A view of Paris from the top of Notre Dame
Have you visited Paris? What are your favourite spots?
Wow, the top two pics are just breathtaking.
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Thank you so much! Those two are from summer 2008 so I wasn’t sure if I should use them, but I guess they are classics. 🙂
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I’ve never been to Paris. In fact, the only place in Europe I’ve visited was the Azores. One of my big travel goals is to visit more places in Europe.
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I haven’t been to the Azores, just mainland Portugal, but I’ve heard they are beautiful. Did you enjoy them? The great thing about continental Europe is that everything is so close together and air/rail travel is fairly inexpensive, so you can easily hop from country to country and have a number of different experiences.
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Yes, I made some lasting memories while in the Azores. I love that countries are so close together in Europe. Part of the challenge will be to decide which places to include on the itinerary. But Paris will definitely be on the agenda.
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True, that is the challenge. You’ll never get to them all on one trip, so might as well just pick a few and really enjoy them. That’s my approach anyway!
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Just lovely. Pictures really are a great addition to your words. Paris is a place I hope to see one day. Thank you today I was there if only for a short while
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I’m so glad to hear that! That’s one of the things I love about blogging….all the “mini-trips” I get to take by reading others’ experiences abroad.
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So great to see that someone else loves the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Such an unexpected joy after a lovely trip up the Canal St Martin. Thanks! 🙂
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