Saturday 14 July 2012

A change of air (part one): Paris

Bastille Day today, so it seems fitting to post a few pics from my holiday. I spent the first couple of days in Paris - and what an experience it was! Loved my first sight of the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine beneath beautiful blue skies.

From there I did the tourist bit and took an open top bus around the city - a lovely, relaxing way to get my bearings.

Gosh, Paris was hot, and busy! Lots of traffic. Lots of motorbikes. Also, I have to say, many beggars alongside all the grand buildings and smart shops. Beggars with dogs, cats and children.

But there were many elegant, quiet streets and green spaces too.

With limited time in the city, I decided against tackling the Louvre. Instead I went to the lovely cool and uncrowded Orangerie to see Monet's huge waterlily paintings. Definitely recommended. 

Next morning I climbed the many steps up to Montmartre with its cobbled streets and pavement artists.

The views across Paris from Sacre Coeur were amazing. So much to see, from the man doing T'ai chi on the terrace, to the hawkers spreading out their glittery miniature Eiffel Towers in the hope of a sale before the Police arrived.

Next time, the second half of my holiday and some very different scenery!

22 comments:

Teresa Ashby said...

What lovely pictures, Joanne. It sounds a wonderful experience. I'm so glad you had such gorgeous weather. Looking forward to your next instalment :-) x

joanne fox said...

I was very lucky with the weather, Teresa, especially in Paris where it was really hot.

Keith Havers said...

Thanks for sharing these photos, Joanne.
Just read your latest story in PF. Nice one.

joanne fox said...

Thank you Keith!

Joanna said...

Fabulous photos, Joanne, and what a wonderful amount you have seen.

I love Paris and your gorgeous account of your holiday has tempted me to go back soon. Thank you.

Denise Covey said...

Joanne, I'm so jealous but I'm glad you're seeing Paris for the first time, and choosing your time wisely. To see Monet's originals is so delicious, isn't it? I had to visit Monet's Garden at Giverny my second visit. To see his paintings still live in nature is another unforgettable experience. Keep enjoying this gorgeous city!

joanne fox said...

Joanna, there is so much to see in Paris isn't there. I hope you manage to go again soon.

Denise, Giverny looks wonderful. Lucky you to have seen it for real as well as in the paintings!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Gorgeous photos. I can't believe how good the weather looks over there - like winter here today and I'm shivering in a jumper.

Looking forward to part 2.

XX

joanne fox said...

Hi Suzanne. I hear August is supposed to be better! x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Beautiful photos, Joanne! Glad it was such a great trip - I'd love to go back as I've only been once, some years ago.

joanne fox said...

Hope you get there again some day, Rosemary. I don't think anyone could ever be bored in Paris!

Kay G. said...

I've never been to Paris so I loved the photos that you have shared here. Like you, I would have loved seeing the paintings by Monet. I would love to go to Paris but also, Giverny, which is where Monet's home and gardens are...have you been there too?

larainydays said...

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I hope to make it to Paris in the next few years.

joanne fox said...

Hi Kay. No, I haven't been to Giverny but would love to.

Go for it Laraine!

bazza said...

You really need a whole day minimum to do justice to the Louvre but I prefer the Musee D'Orsay. Paris, c'est magnifique!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

joanne fox said...

Magnifique - oui! I already have a list of things in mind to do should I go back!

Jenny Woolf said...

Oh, Paris. It's so near and yet I haven't been there for years. I really MUST - your photos remind me.

joanne fox said...

And very handy by Eurostar, to be right in the city centre straight away, Jenny.

Rachel Cotterill said...

Lovely :) I think you had better weather than we did, we had to hide out in cafes a lot! (shame...)

joanne fox said...

Ah well, there are some very nice cafes in Paris, Rachel!

kjmckendry said...

Beautiful photos, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

joanne fox said...

Thanks for visiting the blog, kmckendry!