Ah…Paris!! How could we come to France and not spend time in this amazing city? It is one of those places that is a must to visit when traveling through Europe. With its blend of history, politics, art, fashion and beautiful landmarks, it gives the adventurous traveler plenty to see and do. It had been a while since I had visited this memorable city so it was time to come back and pick up where I left off on my last trip.

Arriving at the heart of the city, Gare du Nord is Paris’s main train station and is a buzz of activity. With its mixture of classical and modern architecture and large glass ceiling windows, it serves as a bright and energetic depot that connects travelers with their trains that will take them to their desired destination. Here you will find TGV trains bound for other areas of France and Europe as well as the Eurostar trains that will take you back to England via the underground tube that runs below the English Channel. Paris’s metro and regional trains also have hubs at this station and with that we took the metro and started our adventure and made our way to the city.

Walking through the streets of Paris allows you to get a good feel of the city. Making our way through the different neighborhoods, we saw tall buildings with their small ornate balconies and historic architecture, grocery stores displaying their fresh fruit on the sidewalk and small stores showing their goods. Cafés with their red awnings and vinyl chairs were usually busy as their guests balanced talking with their friends as they enjoyed their drinks. Bakery’s were found in abundance and through their large front windows, displayed their freshly made pastries and sandwiches that were definitely “Très bien”. Much like London, you see Parisians driving their cars, riding their bikes or walking on the sidewalks, each aware of the other and moving in sync without a hitch. It was easy to get caught up in it and before you knew it, we felt like we had become part of the city. 

Making your way around town, the Seine River seems to follow and guide you to Paris’s famous landmarks, museums and points of interest. Apartment and office buildings that have witnessed hundreds of years of history line the streets next to the Seine river and effortlessly blend in today just as they did a century or two ago. If only they could talk and tell us what they have seen.

Visiting historic cities like Paris brings an awareness of how we all play a small part on the large scale of time and history. Construction on the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris took approximately 182 years and was completed in 1345. It stood for 674 years until 2019 when a structural fire occurred and caused significant damage. Efforts to repair and reconstruct the damaged areas of this enormous monument has been in full swing and has consisted of master carpenters, sculptors, painters and collection curators to reestablish this prodigious cathédral. Their due diligence is paying off and Notre Dame is scheduled to reopen its doors in December 2024 to welcome guests again. While it was unfortunate that we were not to be able to go inside the cathedral, it still was an impressive and magnificent place to see.

Looking at the entrance to the Cathedral, you will notice a horizontal row of 28 statues above the entrance. These statues are referred to as the “Gallery of Kings” who represent 28 generations of the kings of Judea, preceding Christ. Now as they stand above the entrance to the Cathedral, they appear more like guardians and keep watch of those that enter Notre Dame. 

Like many other churches in Europe, statues of saints were found in the front courtyard and around the cathedral. I came across this statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus and it caught my eye as it contrasted against the blue dome building in the background. Beautifully sculpted, this Madonna and child statue were different from others I had seen. Looking at this statue its gaze is more direct. It feels more personal and intriguing. She was beautiful and fit perfectly in with the surrounding of the cathedral.

As we continued to explore the city, we came across nice tree lined walkways that framed our pathway and provided shade. This blend of nature with the urban landscape was throughout the city and made our walks more enjoyable. And bicycles.. yes, they were everywhere. Whether you owed one or needed to rent one for a quick ride, their presence was seen all around Paris. It was impressive to watch them move through traffic so easily and whenever a pedestrian was in their way you would hear the”ding-ding” of their spring-mounted bell politely but firmly warning pedestrians to “watch out or move” out of their pathway.

Paris is home to several famous landmarks that are large in stature and historical importance. The Arc de Triomphe is one that speaks volumes. Construction of this impressive monument began in 1806 and took thirty years to complete (1836). Honoring the French who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic War, it is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Looking at this large arc several impressions come to mind. First is its immense presence and how daily life in Paris revolves around it. This arc has been part of history, for both invading countries (Germany), and for France and its allies. It has been used to acknowledge important world events, such as when Paris was liberated during World War II, and again in 1945 after the end of the war in Europe. In recent years, the last stage of The Tour de France takes place by this landmark and ends nearby. The Arc de Triomphe has been and is a constant factor that does not change while time and history does. It is one of Paris’s unforgettable iconic images.

While Paris is known for many things, one speciality it most definitely excels at is “des pâtisseries” (pastries). Walking along the Champs Elysées, we came across Laudrée, a bakery that is well known for making the best double-shelled macarons in the world. Opening in 1862, Laudrée specializes in creating high end pastries and continues to make them to this day in Paris and around the world. With its beautiful tea rooms, bakeries and colorful macaroons, it has made a name for itself and been used in several movies and series. Now if you are wondering if we sampled these pastries, the answer is “YES!” It would be a sin if we hadn’t. Light and airy, yet rich and tasty with a nice flavor..they simply were delicious.

One of the advantages of visiting Paris in the late spring is that it does not get dark until 9:30-10:00 p.m. A combination of Paris’ location from the equator along with the specific tilt of the earth’s axis creates this circumstance and “Viola!” You have extended daylight. Having this natural light creates additional time to view the city and enjoy the sights without rushing. As a photographer, it gives me more time to capture more people, places and events using natural light and that is always a good thing.

As we headed to dinner before wrapping up our day, we walked on the bridge over the Seine River and came across this scene. It had been overcast on and off all day yet from this view you could see the sun peaking through in the far distance while some sun rays made their way through the clouds. River cruises could be seen going up and down the way with some hosting parties with music and people socializing while others provided tours to travelers visiting the city. Traveling the Seine River, trees, well known buildings and landmarks lined the banks and provided a nice calm and enjoyable view of Paris around you. Not a bad way to end the day.

And so we wrapped up our first day in Paris. Grateful to have seen so much while realizing that there still was quite a bit to see we headed back to our apartment to rest and get ready for another day of exploring this vibrant city. Like Audrey Hepburn said in the movie “Sabrina”, ‘Paris is always a good idea.’ Yes, I agree… Paris is always a good idea. No matter how many times you’ve been to this city, there is so much to experience.

Until next time, we’ll keep moving on and see where we go via El Camino Thru My Lens.