Paris 

It felt good to return to Paris. Last year we decided to not travel to Paris because of the Olympics. Even through we would not be there during the actual event, we were found apartments were overly expensive and there were less options. 

So this year it did feel good to return.  We had a beautiful large apartment right behind the Palais Royal in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. Great location making it easy to walk about or catch the Metro.

Paris was very busy, especially with large groups of young people doing what people should do - travel.

We were not in Paris for a full week, and the time seemed to fly by.  

We ate some light dinners in our apartment as well a trying out restaurants in the area. Don't think that just because the restaurant is in Paris it will be a great meal! Meals can be so-so.  I was even surprised to experience a bistro have the "add a tip by %" as part of the payment process. Oh no. Now Paris should not complain about tourists in the city when businesses are adopting a formal tipping process.     

Our apartment in Paris was very large and comfortable.

 Our apartment was located in the 1st arrondissement - in the heart of the city and right behind the Palais Royal.  It was very large, nicely furnished and with an elevator. An important thing to check when booking an apartment! The massive old ceiling beams gave the place such a comfortable feel. 

Walks through the Palais Royal gardens towards the Louve with metro access.  

Saint-Martin Canal

Althought I have been to the canal before, on this visit I was able to enjoyed seeing one of the boats going through the locks. I was impressed with how quickly each basin filled with water. There are nine locks and two swing bridges.  

The 4.6 km canal connects the Canal de l'Ourcqu to the Seine River.  It was built between 1802 and 1825 to bring fresh water into the city and provide a means to transport good.,  It runs through the 10th and 11th arrondissements. Take a Metro to the Place dur Republique and then it is only a couple of blocks to the canal. 

The area along the canal has a nice vice and if you need a break from the pace of Paris, this is an enjoyable destination.  

 Pantin

Having enjoyed the Saint-Martin Canal, I went out to Pantin to see the Canal de l'Ourcqu. Pantin annexed to Paris in 1859. It is a 25 or so minute metro ride. Once there I enjoyed walking along the canal and seeing what is left of its noted graffiti and street ar. At one time, closed factories displayed impressive street art. Some remains but now many of the old buildings are being replaced with newer apartments and condos.  Who wouldn't want to live along the scenic canal.  Some graffiti and street art remains on the industrial buildings across the canal, so I was able to get a feel for the place.     

 La Défense

We had a cloudy day so  I traveled out to La Défense for some black and white  photography of the impressive architecture in his business par located 3 km outside of Paris limits. Take Metro 1.

For anyone with an interest in modern architecture, the office towers are impressive. There is a large shopping centre and restaurants to enjoy.  

The Grande Arche is a 20th Century replica of the Arc de Triomphe. Unfortunately there is no longer public access to the roof..

 

 

 La Petite Ceinture

La Petite Ceinture (the Little Belt railway around Paris) was a 32 km railroad line that circled Paris, developed during the Second Empire (1852-1869). Originally built to move goods from depots to the centre of Paris, it also provided passenger service up to 1934. The opening of the metro in 1900 and its expansion took over moving people around the city. Sections of the route are now urban parks.  

I took Metro 12 to the Station Porte de Versailles and walked section 15. This stretch is 1.3 km and includes a closed tunnel, an old station and some graffiti.

 

 Passage Choiseul

Being in Paris means to enjoy one of the remaining passages - the covered shopping walkways.

Passage Choiseul is located in the 2nd arrondissement. The passage was built between 1826 to 1827 . The 1891 iron and glass ceiling was replaced in 1907. It fell in disrepair, as with many in Paris, but in the 1970 the number of visitors increased.   In 2012 restoration work took place. This is the longest covered passage in the sity at 190 meters long.  

I love the architecture of the passages, and the bright light flowing through the iron and glass ceilings create wonderful light. 

It is just west of the Galerie Vivienne on the Rue des Petits-Champs. 

 Place Édouoard VII

On a morning walk, I stopped by Place Édouard VII,  a public square that pays tribute to the British monarch known for his affection for the City of Light. The complex opened in 1914, with a statue of the king in the centre.  Édouard VII played a significant role in building Franco-British relations. 

The nearest metro stations are Opéra (Lines 3, 7, and 8) and Madeleine (Lines 8, 12, and 14), both within walking distance.  

The nearest metro stations are Opéra (Lines 3, 7, and 8) and Madeleine (Lines 8, 12, and 14),