Jardin de Tuileries

The Tuileries garden is like a red carpet (or perhaps green) that flows from the Louvre.  One of my favorite activities in Paris is finding one of those reclining green chairs near a fountain, and plopping myself down for some period of time.  When I think about slowing down, and taking Paris in, this is the place that comes to mind.  Let’s take a stroll through the park tonight.

Here are some of my favorite spots you might encounter on your walk:

• Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
• Carnival (Summer)
• Orangerie
• Place de la Concorde
• Ponds
• Blooming Flowers
• Statues
• Celebrities (I’ve seen one here)
  

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Hanging in the ‘Burbs of Paris

I wonder if anyone can guess where I went today…  I sure didn’t know it existed until I was there.  It all started with the hopes of a gourmet cheeseburger.  I’m not sure what it is about craving the beef sandwich, because I rarely order one at home.  For some reason, I appreciate the twist on an American favorite here.

Le Camion Gourmand is “the” food truck of Paris.  The name even evokes a sense of pride.  Surprisingly, they mostly serve the suburbs of Paris.  When a girl wants a burger, she gets her burger.  I viewed their site to see where they would be, and what I could do in that area.  My metro is line 1 which ends at La Defense in the west and Chateau de Vincennes to the east.  Who would have thought there is actually a chateau at Chateau de Vincennes?  Not me apparently.  Well, the name is more than an illusion, there actually is a middle-aged chateau there.  And it used to have a moat!

I followed the metro out to Montreuil for my food fix.  It is a very working class/business kind of district.  It is not quite as high-end as La Defense, but not scary either.  My sketchy photographic memory actually remembered the path to the truck, and I successfully found it without a hitch.  This is quite rare, so I usually have an internal celebration at my unsurpassed success.

The options are fairly simple because all that really changes is the cheese.  Being a big goat cheese fan, I ordered Le Seguin.  In between the bun you will find a delicate burger, caramelized onions, red onion, goat cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, and a sauce.  Who can have a burger without fries?  Not me.  I sat on a small post just a few feet away to savor my wonderful burger that was in a box like a present.  Too bad I didn’t have someone with me to finish what I could not.

Feeling like the biggest pig in Paris with my burger stenched fingers, I felt the need for a walk.  I knew the chateau was southeast, so I followed that direction.  I ran right into it.  I was on a roll today.  You can enter the grounds for free, but the chateau and church cost.  I was feeling a bit stingy today, so I just took in the exterior.  Across the way I saw something that intrigued me.  There was greenery, and lots of it.

Just on the other end of the Chateau was a floral park.  I spent a couple hours wandering the paths, smelling the flowers, and running away from the bees.  If you have not met me, you probably don’t know that I dislike insects and spiders.  Dislike is probably not the right word.  I am a child when a buzz sound gets too close.  I know it is ridiculous, but c’est la vie.

I felt like I was returning to my roots of photography because it all began with flowers.  I have thousands of photos, yet I still enjoy capturing a flower just right.  I wasn’t planning on walking much or taking many photos, so I lightened my load by only bringing my point-and-shoot, and not my DSLR or my video camera.  There was a group of guys with big cojones cameras.  I was a bit sad I didn’t bring my heavy equipment, but I was pretty pleased with what I captured today.  Plus, I know I can compete with their images any day.  Not that I was sizing up or anything…

Favorite moments of the day?  Having a desire and meeting it.  Finding new spaces along the way.  Drinking a wonderful wine of the month from Nicolas.  Sharing my photos and experiences with others.  Life is good.

Show that leg!

A present…For me?

An insect hotel would be worst nightmare…

This is just like the wine glass my mom drinks from.

Look at that equipment.

This may be my favorite photo of the day.

Buttes Chaumont in Paris

I have found a new favorite park in Paris.  Located on the outskirts, this elevated garden is great for strolling, climbing, dog watching, or looking over the city.  Seeing the dogs frolic and play in the grass on the hill was my favorite part.  There was a pug that just stole my heart.  He was a fast little bugger though, so I couldn’t get a picture of him. Here are some photos from the visit.

Left Bank Walk Through Paris

The left bank is probably one of the most famous areas of Paris.  If you’ve been before, but would like to return to see something new, check out this walk designed by my aunt.  We followed the route and had a balanced day of exploration.

Jardin des Plantes

Greenery surrounds you in this escape from the city.  Parisiennes have small homes and few green spaces, so they appreciate all parks.  The Jardin has a nice combination of trees, flowers, and other activities.  Maybe you can even join those practicing tai chi.

Grande Mosque of Paris

We stopped in to have a tea and pastry before we wandered through the Mosque.  The pastries are 2 euros and the tea is 2.50 Euros.  The tea is a nice combination of mint and chai.  Look around and you will feel like you are in Morocco.  The mosque has a lush garden area with blue tiles that appear to be meditative waters.  A place perfect for reflection and thought.

Rue Mouffetard

The street is lined with fromageries, boulangeries, and every other geries you could wish for.  The restaurants have character whether it is German style or a true French bistro.  You could also consider grabbing a sandwich and finding a nice park bench to hold you as you chomp on your baguette.  I would not recommend visiting this street on Monday since most shops are closed up.

Ernest Hemingway Apartment

If you are fan of Hemingway or have read A Moveable Feast, stop by 74 Rue Cardinal Lemoine to see where he lived with Hadley.  Step back in time as you imagine an apartment without heat or a toilet.  Hemingway even used a slop bucket at times.  Close your eyes and hear the noise of the drunkards stumbling around after their cheap brandies back in the 20s.  Can you smell the odor?

Wall of Phillip August

If you want to see a peak into historical Paris, continue down the street to see a glimpse of the old Paris wall.  The Louvre was a fortress and its wall protected it from invasion.  This segment of the wall is part of what is left from the original.

St. Etienne du Mont

St. Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris.  The church is closed on Mondays, but open every other day.  If you look above the door you will see St. Etienne being stoned, hence being the patron saint for headaches and migraines.  Although the church is named after St. Etienne, it contains the relics of St. Genevieve.  You may also recognize this sight from Midnight in Paris.  Perhaps a stop on the steps at midnight will take you back to the 1920s.

Cafe Flore

Continue on to where Hemingway stopped to write or just drink.  The food is not cheap, but you can pick up a bite to eat or grab a quick refreshment.  Perhaps your muse will force great works from your pen to paper.

If you have extra energy, continue on…

Bouquinistes

I have always loved these little stalls by the Seine.  Some are touristy, but some have vintage books and posters.  Notice the American culture as you see the Bob Dylan and Scarface posters.  I picked up a cheap copy of The Petite Prince today which is a book many French live their lives by.

Shakespeare and Company

Another possible Hemingway stop, but not exclusive to him is this American bookstore.  Sylvia Beach opened the store during the time of the lost generation.  Those that were living after the war bought books, borrowed money, and stayed in this bookstore.  If you are in need of hearing a little English, this is a good place to stop.

Notre Dame

The cathedral is my favorite in all of Europe.  Every time I go, I feel something unique.  One time I even saw the crown of thorns, nail, and splinter of wood relics.  Even if you are not religious, appreciate it for its architecture and rose windows.  I always love seeing the flying buttresses in the rear.

These are the places we visited, but there are more sights along the way.  You can also consider visiting:

-Arenes de Lutece

-Pantheon

-Cluny Musuem

-Commerce

Cafés focus more on drinks and common fare. They are generally open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.