I was looking at my photo files this morning and I came across the photos from Paris in November. I was originally looking for something else, but it struck me that it might be nice to simply take a walk through the Paris of recent memory.
All of these photos were taken on our third day in Paris, so, that would be a Monday. This first photo was taken in the morning, after leaving our hotel, near La Palais Royale, headed toward the Place de l'Opera. The fountain is in a small plaza about a block from our hotel.
First Glimpses of L'Opera Garnier, camera held high, trying to shoot over the morning traffic.
And then from the center of the street, waiting for a light, the obligatory tourist photos of the Opera Garnier above, and the Place Vendome below.
The stores have not yet opened, and everything is much quieter than it will be when we pass through later.
In the Jardins du Palais Royale, before shopping at Lutens.
As usual, I always want to take pictures of architectural details and skies.
On the North side of the Palais Royale, just a hop from our hotel.
Then a later afternoon walk, through the 2nd Arrondissement in the late afternoon light.
And down the Rue Monmartre to the Rue du Louvre
Our walk continued but the light grew dim and the crowds grew heavy as the work-day came to a close. Still, it was a good day for walking, exactly the kind of city day I love best: No real agenda, just wandering. I pulled a muscle in my hip, just a little blip really, stepping off a curb in the midst of a jostling group of young people, so we stopped for a glass of wine, a rest, and a nibble before heading back to our hotel to unwind before dinner. The perfect way, really, to end a brief Paris sojourn.
