Paris

Sous le ciel de Paris

Paris part one

Paris is one of our absolute favourite cities. We can come back here time and time again, few cities are so rich in experiences as the French capital. A lot of what a visitor absolutely must see is reachable by walking. But if you need to go beyond that, the Paris metro is the perfect means of transport.

We are staying near Porte de Clignancourt, just north of Montmartre, so the natural way to go is to start a city walk on that hill with its fantastic views of the city. As expected a nice surprice awaits us there, around the Sacre Cœur cathedral there’s a food- and wine fair, lots of people, lots of great food and snacks.

KONSTNÄRERNAS MONTMARTRE. MEN DEN HÄR HADE LITE VÄL BEGRÄNSAT VAL AV MOTIV... — THE PAINTERS' MONTMARTRE, BUT THIS ONE HAD A RATHER LIMITED SELECTION OF MOTIFS

VÄLBESÖKT MARKNAD... — CROWDED MARKET...

...MED LÄCKER MAT OCH DRYCK — ...WITH MOUTH-WATERING FOOD

HANTVERKSÖL — ARTISAN BEER TOO, OF COURSE!

OSTRON FRÅN BRETAGNE — OYSTERS FROM BRITTANY

PARIS GENOM OBJEKTIVET — PARIS THROUGH THE CAMERA LENS

Right on top of the long stairs up to the cathedral hundreds of parisians enjoy the sunshine och the incredible views. A football acrobat works here most days, and his balance is unbelievable. But even a master can sometimes make a mistake…

The inside of the Sacré Cœur is not quite as gorgeous as the outside, but it’s well worth a visit. The ceiling paintings in blue and gold are really magnificent.

Next stop is the Arch with the eternal flame on the tomb of the unknown soldier. A grand monument that has at least one surprise – cherubs can have both sexes. Previously I thought that they were always boys.

From the Triumph arch the natural direction to go is down the classic shopping street Champs-Élysées with luxurious entrances and surprising stuff on display in the windows In one of them we see a fantasy “concept” car, or maybe a personal flying saucer. Made by a major French car manufacturer.

Keep straight on and you’ll find yourself in the Tuileries where we see this bizarre art display.

Having passed through the Tuileri gardens you’r at the gates of the gigantic arts museum the Louvre. I’ve never been inside, the queues outside are always way too long. Keeping order is a policeman on rollerblades, which is something new to us. We walk on to the Centre Pompidou instead, a futuristic culture center that to our disappointment is closed for repair. We look at the soap bubble blowers instead.

But even the most enthusiastic explorers must sometimes eat. And in Paris food is not cheap. But we’re lucky, we stumble upon an odd and bohemic restaurant with an entrance through a garage (!) The place looks like a student’s hangout with parked bicycles and odd gadgets lying about. But the food is great and the service is without flaws.

And today this place, called Co, is a lot more elegant, while still preserving its casual atmosphere.

Travels with V

Sous le ciel de Paris

Paris part one

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