Finding Old Photos: France Edition

Well, I've been here before. A slow month. I could write about a lot of health things or political topics but I don't want to and you probably don't want to read them. So, it's back to revisiting the travel photo archive!

Sights and Moments We Will Never Forget

One evening last month, Rick and I glanced at my computer showing a slide show of "My Pictures" as a screen saver. This one came up and we both agreed -- that first walk on our first trip to Myrtle Beach was one we would never forget.

Paris In July: Some of My Personal Faves

This is the final week for Paris In July, a month-long blog event focusing on all things Parisian hosted by Tamara at Thyme for Tea and Deb at Readerbuzz. This week I'm taking a trip down memory lane and featuring some of my favorite Paris photos from various journeys. 

Walking in Paris -- or any city -- is filled with surprises. Look up, down, behind you, to the left and right. Into shop windows or lesser known attractions. Inside, outside. All times of day. Some of these will mean nothing to anyone but me. But I hope some of these take you a bit off the well-beaten paths! (Although I couldn't resist my favorite Eiffel Tower photo!)

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.

Paris in July: Notre Dame -- Good News

None of us who love Paris will forget the tragic fire that took down much of the famed church, including its elegant spire.

When that fell, live on television, people standing, watching the television in the restaurant we were eating collectively gasped.

And even more wondered -- what happens next?

After the fall, there was much discussion. Could the church be saved? (Quite possibly, with much work and expense.)

Were most of the treasures removed? (Yes, including the remarkable Rose Window.)

Would the spire be rebuilt as it was or would a new, more contemporary design take its place?

That question was up for grabs until just recently.

 There is good reason to rejoice. Restoration work is underway and the spire will be replaced.

It will take a long while. But it will be done.

Paris in July: Remembrance of Things Paris

When "Gourmet" magazine folded in November 2009, readers lost not only a wonderful source of recipes but some fascinating articles that took them around the world. In "Remembrance of Things Paris," a collection of essays from sixty years of the magazine, editor Ruth Reichl pulls out not only the best of the "food" posts about Paris but also features that visited other spots in the City of Light.

Through the eyes of several journalists, we get to step behind the scenes at such spots as Cartier's, the Druout auction house and the House of Dior.

The first few offerings visit Paris after World War II, noting the changes this devastating event made on the city and its cooking. One that particularly touched me was a selection by George Bijur in which he visits his old phonetics teacher after the war and is subsequently invited to the old man's home for a memorable chicken dinner.

While it may have been a magazine for those who love food, the articles I loved best both in Gourmet and in this book were about Paris itself, many by Joseph Wechsberg or Naomi Berry. Wechsberg  takes readers to such intriguing places as Librarie Salet (a gourmet and rare cookbook shop) , the Parisian Police Museum, the Musee du Cinema and introduces readers to the "nose" of Guerlain, makers of internationally renowned perfumes.

He also takes viewers to the Marche aux Fleurs (one of my favorite places).

And he gets a rare interview with the man who made Berthillon a "must visit" spot for anyone traveling to Paris.

New Yorker architecture critic looks at "The New Face of Paris," buildings created in more recent decades that are nothing like the classic Haussman-type architecture we see.

Chef Patric Kuh writes about his earliest experiences working in a professional kitchen in "When I was Green," in which he had to master the essential art of asparagus.

Michael Lewis, author of "Moneyball" and "The Big Short" tells of his parents' visit to Paris and his commitment to make an authentic cassoulet -- which isn't that easy to do when mom is in the kitchen. (He shares the recipe.)

Several pieces look at the old Les Halles market and the new Halles at Rungis, all with great nostalgia for what was lost when the great food market, the "belly of Paris," was moved out of town.

And with Llian Langseth Christiansen we step into a private post-Christening party -- no small thing! (Menu included!)

Editor Judith Jones and her husband, Evan, recall a Christmas in Paris. Jones was the editor who took a chance on a young cookbook author named Julia Child. Her story was one of my favorites, perhaps because of her reference to the delightful bakery, Poilane, one Rick and I visited several years ago.

Another renowned American, Alice B. Toklas is fondly remembered. One never lunched at Alice's in a hurry!

But should you think that restaurants and bistros are left out, think again. Both Wechsberg and Berry cover the bistro scene. Wechsberg visits a restaurant seeing its star power in "When Michelin comes Calling," and "The Young Chefs of Paris" (written in 1979) features "newcomers" at the time.

Frank J. Prial vsits some wine vendors.

Two splendid pieces focus on the legendary Belle Epoch restaurant, Maxim's, while Naomi Berry also looks at Paris ' Haute Chocolaterie and visits many well regarded chocolatiers, bringing back recipes from the Hotel Meurice, Le Crillon, the Ritz and more.

Indeed, for the intrepid cook (particularly one with a budget to play with) there is much to enjoy in this delightful book of mostly short selections, long after the last page is turned!

I've had this book on my shelf for too long and now wonder why I didn't read it cover to cover at the first opportunity. Perhaps it was meant to be saved for now, when the thought of returning to Paris and the reality of that possibility seem like polar opposites. In these selections I was taken to spots Í have visitied and those into which I'd probably never be allowed in. But oh, that I could!

This post is part of Paris in July, a blog event focusing on food, music, films, style, books, travel and all things Parisian and French. For links to other Paris in July posts, visit HERE. (Another Paris in July post visiting the arts square Place du Tertre is below.)

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Paris in July: These are a Few of My Favorite Paris Views!

If we've been lucky enough to visit Paris, we all have our favorite photos, right? These are a few of mine! This is a detail of the fabulous Chagall ceiling at the Opera Garnier.

And isn't its stage and proscenium impressive?

Of course, you can't be in Paris and not stop by the boulangerie! Baguette anyone?

And it would go all the better with a bottle of wine. Check out the selection at Le Bon Marche.

Or, perhaps you'd rather have champagne and olives at a cafe in Montmartre.

It will give you energy as you walk the area's hills.

And, if you can't make it, there's always the Montmartre cemetery!

Take in a classical concert or enjoy a stop for meditation at Sainte Chapelle.

Then enjoy a walk along the Seine.

Maybe even pick up a bloom or two at a market.

Or, stop by Musee d'Orsay and step back in time as you enjoy some beautiful art.

As night begins to fall, Paris shows its striking shapes and true colors. Deep pinks...

...Royal blue and gold...

...stark black and white...

...and inky blues reflecting the golden light of the city.

Sweet dreams!

This post is part of Paris in July, where bloggers share travel pieces, music, books, film, food and more -- all about Paris (and a little bit beyond!). For more links, visit Tamara's blog here!

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Some of Paris' Most Beautiful Storefronts!

In these cold, white Michigan winter days, I have longed for color. So, when I saw this link to "colorfully decorated storefronts of Paris," it ticked a lot of boxes for me. Color. Paris!

I shot this on my first trip to Paris. Oh, Shakespeare and Company, I love you!

The link features the photographs of Sebastian Erras, who looks at some of Paris' most exquisite storefronts -- photographed with the merchants who inhabit them.

As you might expect, it reminded me of my previous trips to Paris. While none of these storefronts from my photo album made the cut for Erras' piece -- I'm realizing that some of these were never even put through Picassa to straighten them up so they're a tad crooked -- they are shops and storefronts I think of fondly!

Anyone who loves books and has visited Paris probably stopped at Shakespeare and Company, with its storied history of fascinating characters -- including many of the world's most famous authors -- who became part of its story.

The original Shakespeare is long gone; its successor stands proud, Its iconic exterior, complete with delightful details, helping tell its story. Looking for a book in English? Look no further.

Another old favorite (and I do mean old) is the art store Sennelier. My passion, of course, was for its inside but its exterior has greeted artists in search of their wonderful paints and art supplies for years.

Rick might say Poilane, the boulangerie that is home to the two kilo loaf of bread, is his favorite. Though I suspect that he finds the content of the interior more appealing than the front!

I have fond memories of this boulangerie, where we bought sandwiches before dining in the courtyard of Place des Vosges. The detail in the mosaic next to the door was exquisite.

You know what drew me to this one -- a cat that resembled Lizzie (five months before I knew I would have a Lizzie.)

I'm not sure where this is but who could resist that mustard-colored door?

Ah, Charlotte de Lisle. It was closed when I went by. I should have gone back!

This patisserie was across from our last hotel, on rue Amelie. I'm a sucker for turquoise, what can I say?

We didn't stop here, either, but isn't it inviting?

And of course the iconic Cafe de Flore, which has welcomed tourists and intellectuals (and was a favorite of Julia Child). On my first trip, I stopped there for a glass of wine to toast my favorite French Chef!

 I think back fondly on Victor, on Rue Rambuteau, that was the neighborhood boulangerie in the Marais on my first two visits.

And while it may be gaudy and not technically a store, the flashy facade of Moulin Rouge can certainly captivate the eye!

I leave you with my favorite storefront. Nothing fancy, purely functional and divinely traditional. The bouquinistes of the Seine. Nothing makes me happier!

Thanks for joining me on this jaunt through Paris, even though I'm no Sebastian Erras! Be sure to check out the link at the beginning of the post for his truly gorgeous photos of some of Paris' magnificent buildings!

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