Saturday, July 16, 2011

Paris Revisited - Making Plans

Here's another Paris In July post. You can find more bloggers posting on Paris at Thyme for Tea and Bookbath in their right hand sidebars.

(If you haven't been a longtime visitor, you can also find lots of my earlier Paris posts in the labels column on my right sidebar, too!)

I'm planning another trip to Paris next year. We're not sure when but my friend will leave his apartment in July 2012, so it will be sometime in the spring.

What a fine time to visit! When I was there in 2009, it was June and simply lovely.

Well, Rick has never been and he's going if I have to drag him there! (He really does want to come, but it's not exactly the best time in the world for an independent businessman!) I know he'll have some things in mind to see and experience, but there are a few things I hope he'll take in and I wanted to share those with you, too!

Sainte Chapelle. What a joy! My favorite of the churches on Ile de la Cite.

The stained glass is magnificent, but if you really want an experience, catch a concert here. We saw a Vivaldi concert and it was simply unforgettable.

The Musee du Moyen Age (Middle Ages), aka Cluny. Coming to this amazing museum with its pre-Renaissance art was as much a spiritual experience as some of the churches I visited.

It includes the Lady with the Unicorn tapestries, beautiful glass and ruins.

We might stop for a break in Place des Voges. This beautiful square is surrounded by 18th century homes, one of which is Victor Hugo's. I didn't see that when I was there -- Rick might enjoy the Hugo Museum, after reading "Les Miserables" (unabridged, thank you very much) this spring.

Of course we'll stop at a boulangerie for lots of bread and a patisserie for treats!

Without a doubt he will want to go to the sheet music district -- I envision him playing guitars in one of the luthier shops -- and buying lots of music!

I think we should feed the birds at Notre Dame.

And, while we're so close, shop at my favorite department store, BHV. If we're lucky, we'll catch the soldes (sales), but that would need to be in June.

Ina Garten and Julia Child were fond of Cafe de Flore -- Yes, it's grotesquely overpriced, but I think we should at least have tea or a glass of vin rouge in their honor, don't you think?

We'll definitely walk along the River Seine.

While the bouquinistes stalls alongside the river aren't the best buy, they are most certainly fun to look at.

I'll try to get him to one of the marches aux puces (flea markets). The things you see in Europe differ greatly from American items.

And while I think we both may want to go to the Louvre (I missed that), I'll also recommend the smaller, Impressionist-filled Musee d'Orsay.

He'll definitely want to ride the Parisian Velibes, which are bikes you rent out in one location and return in another (I'll give that a pass.)

And I'll want us to take a romantic evening ride down the Seine on the bateaux mouches. I'll pass on the dinner cruise, but to see Paris by night on the water would be lovely. Touristy, yes. But lovely.

We'll run out of time before we know it! Visit some of the other Paris in July posts -- you'll find wonderful things about books, art, places and more!

15 comments:

Ellie said...

French patisseries are the best, yum!

Mae Travels said...

Nice overview of the city! I haven't been to Paris in years but I spent a lot of time there in the past. I'm sure it's changed in major ways. I like to keep old maps from my early visits to compare.

Jennifer Richardson said...

thanks for letting me stroll
alongside of you
summer dreaming
of sweet treats
and beauty in that
otherworldly-gorgeous
city!
Such a feast for the eyes:)
-Jennifer

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Thanks to you, Jeanie, I've just had the most enjoyable vicarious trip to Paris! How wonderful that you have had a chance to get to know this beautiful city -- and that you're headed there again next year! My only trip to Paris was a magazine assignment, following 20 prima donna teenage girls who wanted to be models through the capitals of Europe. They didn't want to go see the Eiffel Tower or cruise the Seine because they wanted to wash their hair. But I went -- and loved it! I'd love to go back for a leisurely, fun trip -- no work -- sometime. In the meantime, thanks for taking me there via your great photos!

Janet said...

Through your wonderful photos I get to experience just a little bit of Paris. Since I don't fly this will be as close as I ever get so thank you!

Joanne Huffman said...

What fun to plan a Paris trip!

anno said...

Well, Paris is for lovers ... sounds like a perfect trip for you & Rick!

Marilyn Miller said...

Most of those places I have been. Now seeing them here I want to go too. My heart definitely loves Paris. Three times is just not enough. Oh I do hope you go and have a wonderful, amazing time. Yes, the concert at Sainte Chappelle is #1 on my list each time I go.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oh fun!!!! It will be a fabulous trip! The victor Hugo museum is free and quick to go thru so it's worth checking out I think!! It will be so fun to show Rick the city you love. So much to do and see and take in!!!

Sally Wessely said...

Thank you for being such an excellent tour guide. I loved it. I have to re-visit. I never dreamed I actually make it there; now, I know I must go back. I hope Rick can make it. He must.

Karen said...

How exciting to be planning another trip to Paris - I am so jealous! I wanted to let you know that you have been chosen as a winner from week 2 of Paris in July - congratulations! Please email me at karen_barrett@aapt.net.au
with your address so that I can post your prize to you. Thank you so much for taking part in Paris in July this year!

Arti said...

I was in Paris last August and stayed in a little hotel not far from The Musee du Moyen Age. All your photos here bring back fond memories and some I'd like to try next time I go there. I'm reading A Moveable Feast and just might post a Paris in July entry after I'm done. The next time I'm there, I'll linger till midnight and wait for some magical moments to ensue... better in the rain too. ;)

ds said...

Oh, your photos of Paris make me want to book a flight right now! I so love that clock in the Musee d'Orsay. Five years ago the Musee du Moyen Age was closed for renovations. Glad to know it has reopened; maybe i'll get inside someday...

Bree said...

You can drag me. I won't complain.

~*~Patty S said...

Paris anytime
but
in springtime
mais oui!!!!

wonderful pics Jeanie
oxo

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