Paris as a romantic getaway is a popular notion for a lot of couples, perhaps, because of the fact that the city is illuminated at night — Eiffel Tower for one, is adorned with garlands of light which dazzle people as they sparkle and dance in the night sky — an atmosphere that lends itself to sparking romance. There is also the charm of the French language — one of the Romance languages. I have never gone to Paris with the prospect of romance. I believe that a moment can turn romantic just about anywhere.

I have been to Paris a few times with family and friends. It was, after all, a short hop from London (a city where I lived for over a decade) by train or airplane. My travels to Paris were sometimes planned and other times random, but they always turned out to be fantastic — partly because of the destination, but more so because of the company of family and friends. Not to say that the Parisian atmosphere does not do its magic — it does. It gives one the impression that life should be lived like the Parisians do: easygoing, relaxed, unabashed, chic, and with a laissez-faire attitude.

One time, my youngest sister and her husband visited me in England. So, I thought I would add in the mix a short trip to Paris with them to make for an interesting itinerary. I was overjoyed that family would finally experience what I had experienced, as this would be my second trip there. My youngest sister and my brother-in-law are artists, and I knew they would appreciate the architecture, the arts, the lively city, the food, and my company!

We went to see the iconic Eiffel Tower, of course. I find Gustave Eiffel’s engineering masterpiece haunting. I was literally trigger-happy with my camera, snapping photos of this wrought-iron structure and marvel of engineering at various angles. I had seen it both in the daytime and at nighttime and, I must say, it is absolutely mesmerizing at night.

I had gone up the tower once with a friend using the lift, three sides of which are enclosed in glass for superb viewing. On that occasion, I pointed out to my friend the different parts of the city that I could recognize as the lift rose, without realizing that he was no longer by my side. I turned around and saw his back plastered to the only solid metal side of the lift. I could read acrophobia written all over his face. I guess in my excitement, I completely missed reading his body language and facial expression when we were in queue to board the lift.

The Seine | La Seine

I like taking walks and there is no better way to experience Paris and the Parisian life than taking a walk along the banks of River Seine. However, if walking is a challenge, there is also a river cruise on offer. I have done both and found them worthwhile.

Boat ride on the Seine

As you walk or take the river cruise, you will notice that Parisians have adapted well to their urban environment. I visited in the summertime and noticed Parisians sunbathing or basking in the warmth of the sun on the banks of Seine.

Louvre Museum | Musée du Louvre

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. It is located in the Louvre Palace. One day is not enough to explore this massive museum with a staggering number of exhibits, permanent and transient, at any given time. The entrance to the museum is through Pei’s glass and metal pyramid.

The Louvre

One of the permanent painting that graces the Louvre is the iconic Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned painting. The first time I visited the museum, I was somewhat disappointed. It was summertime and the place was heaving with tourists. I was not able to see the Mona Lisa up close, as a crowd had already descended the room where it was housed. The painting itself was in a glass encasement, so looking from a distance, I could not really appreciate this masterpiece. The painting is small in comparison to The Wedding Feast at Cana (Nozze di Cana) by Veronese, which hung on the wall across the Mona Lisa. Veronese's painting depicts the biblical story of the Wedding Feast at Cana whereby Jesus turned the water into wine.

Sacré-Cœur
photo by Waldo Miguez via Pixabay

Basilica of the Sacred Heart | Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

It is a hike to get to the Basilica on foot, but because it is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city, it is a good spot to see parts of the city. The Basilica has an interesting history and it is considered as both a cultural and political monument. Trying the funicular at Montmartre, it took me from the bottom of the hill to the top in no time.

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame is a medieval cathedral and a masterpiece in French Gothic architecture. It claims to house three relics of Jesus Christ which, fortunately, were safe from the fire from almost three years ago. However, the cathedral spires were not spared. According to various reports I have read, rebuilding is in progress.

Notre Dame de Paris

Street markets abound in the French capital. You cannot visit it without making a stop at one, especially at a food market: cheese, wine, fresh produce, charcuterie, more cheese, and more wine! Time Out (https://www.timeout.com/) is a good resource for your research and there are also plenty of blogs online especially for foodies!

Parisian street market food stall

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For more photos of my travels in Paris, go to Captured Images - Paris

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