Week 46

What a week! It was hot in Paris, but I made the most of my time here. In fact, I walked so much, my Fitbit sent me a message suggesting I chill out a bit. Not exactly in those words – apparently I was “over-training”. And while my body knew I was overdoing it and my brain needed the reminder.

In spite of the heat, I walked as much as possible. I also used transit a lot – it’s very easy to get around by train and bus. 

As always, I tried to avoid crowds of tourists in favour of slower, quieter experiences. In fact, as I write this, I’m sitting in the beautiful Bibliothèque Mazarine – the oldest public library in France. It feels as a library should feel. It’s quiet and there are rules. I provided ID, promised not to eat or drink anything, to not make noise and to sit in my assigned seat. It’s so very peaceful in here.

A note about tourism. You may have read about the strike at the Louvre. The workers are overwhelmed and exhausted by the influx of tourists. I can only imagine what their days are like. I like to think it would be better for everyone if tourists could find a way to absorb their surroundings without the use of their phones. If people were asked to linger longer and silently reflect on the enormity of what they were experiencing instead of rushing through, crowds might be smaller and more manageable.

But I don’t want to sound preachy about the best way to travel. Everyone has their own style and way of absorbing the world around them. As long as there is respect for buildings, artifacts and people, I try not to judge. I just do my best to avoid the crowds.

While I refrain from taking photos in galleries and museums (for the most part), I did take quite a few photos of my surroundings outside. I also had two remarkable days that deserve their own posts – my visits to the Père Lachaise Cemetery and the David Hockney exhibit in the Louis Vuitton building. The intros and links are close to the bottom of this page.

Here are some photos of how I spent my week in Paris:

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If you’ve been to Paris, you’ll recognize this classic scene – a view of the Seine, with people sitting along the edge to enjoy a picnic or just a rest.

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This well-dressed young man approached me and asked if I was paparazzi. I said I wasn’t and held off laughing until he had walked away, then couldn’t help snapping a photo of him.

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I took the train from my apartment to l’Arc de Triomphe, then walked to the David Hockney exhibit from there. I intended to stop on the way home to check it out, but I was too hot and tired. Next time.

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I didn’t stop at the Tour Eiffel either – I’ve done it before and didn’t feel the need to go back. But I was struck by how often I found myself wondering where it was and would then turn a corner and see it in the distance. This photo was taken from the terrace of the Louis Vuitton building.

Both the Tour Eiffel and l’Arc de Triomphe are impressive structures. No matter how often you see them online or in movies, seeing the in person is still awe-inspiring.

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I spent nearly a full day hanging out in Luxembourg Gardens. I brought my book and some snacks and settled into one of the many chairs that fill the park. The place was full of people and yet still felt spacious. And for all the people who were there, there were more than twice as many chairs.

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Père Lachaise Cemetery

I’ve written about my visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery in a separate post and included some photos of the incredible sculptures. I read an article about the cemetery that said that a visit there is just as good as a visit to the Louvre. I think it might even be better.

Here is a link to my post about Père Lachaise.

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Louis Vuitton Foundation and David Hockney Exhibit

I went to see the David Hockney exhibit in the Louis Vuitton Foundation’s Frank Gehry building in the Bois de Boulogne park. There’s a lot going on in that sentence!

That day – the park, the building and the exhibit – was a highlight of my trip.

Here is a link to my post about the Louis Vuitton Foundation and David Hockney Exhibit.

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My visit to Paris is almost finished. I’m grateful to my friend who let me stay in her apartment. I saw a lot, my mind was fully engaged, and I experienced so many emotions. I only saw a fraction of the ‘must see’ items on my list and I look forward to returning for more.

I leave for home tomorrow, but first I get to experience Fête de la Musique or World Music Day! This one-day celebration of music was launched in Paris in 1982 and is now celebrated in 120 countries around the world. Throughout the day, evening and into the night, there will be thousands of free concerts, big and small, indoors and out. I’ve combed through the website and have a general sense of how I want to approach the day. It starts with recognizing that I will probably have to throw out any sense of a plan and just see what the day has to offer. Wish me luck!

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À bientôt .