Paris In July 2021 - A Walk Along the Seine

As I've gone through photos and memories for this year's Paris In July posts, I was struck by many photos taken as Rick and I walked along the Seine, so please join us  for a walk along this wonderful river that cuts through the very heart of Paris.

Oh, to be able to walk the whole length. Well, that's not happening! But we'll start west of Notre Dame, and walk east. Below, note that open space in the wall on the far east side of the Ile de la Citie. That is the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. This profoundly moving memorial to those deported from Paris during the Holocaust is beneath ground level.

Its crystal chamber, acknowledging those who were deported to the concentration camps during the war is profoundly moving.

As we move along, we'll note the beautiful Notre Dame, photographed before the tragic fire that destroyed its spire and roof. 

Across from Notre Dame, don't forget to pop into Shakespeare and Company, the legendary bookstore that features books in English. If you are very lucky, you might catch a poetry reading or author visit.

As we continue our walk, take a minute to stop and browse at one of the bouquiniste stands that line both sides of the river. 

Who knows? You might find the perfect book -- or poster!

And don't forget to look down into the Seine. You may well see some of the famous bateau mouches carrying loads of tourists on a wonderful journey. 

Or, walk a bit closer and move down the steps to walk directly on the bank. (I can't help but think of the fashion segment in "Funny Face," where Audrey Hepburn is "fishing" as she poses for a photo shoot -- and happens to catch a fish at that moment!)

Of course, looking up brings sights as well. 

You won't want to miss stepping on one of Paris' renowned bridges and taking a look down the river.

You may see all sorts of landmarks -- the Louvre on the right...

 

... the renowned prison, the Conciergerie, on the left. One wonders if Marie Antoinette had a river view from her cell. (Probably not.)

A big farther along, we have the chance to take this steps down and visit the far west end of Ile de la Cite, Parc Vert Galant. 

 

This is a delightful place to stop and rest weary feet. Sitting under the shade of fruit trees, one can people-watch indefinitely.

From here you have a lovely view of the right bank of the Seine as well.

Or, join others sitting at the very tip of the island, enjoying the sun.

Continuing west, artists might want to make a quick visit into Sennelier, the art store started in 1887 and going strong today.

Or maybe your visit might not be that short. You live with the consequences of indulgence!

 Should the weather turn foul, you can duck into one of the grand museums on the Seine -- the Musee d'Orsay on the left bank or check the weather from inside the Louvre (below) on the right.

As the day draws to a close, don't miss the opportunity to check out the City of Lights at night. 

Whether you look east or west, you're bound to see beautiful sights, like the reflections from the bateaux mouches on the Seine...

....or the Theatre Chatelet, lit for the evening and sparkling beside the river.

 Thanks for joining us on our Parisian walk along the Seine. For more posts about Paris and France -- including book reviews, film, food and more -- visit Tamara at Thyme for Tea to check the link list for Paris in July.

 

Au revoir for now!

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