Strolling Paris
Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Where it especially differs is that it is dreamily so. Everywhere you look there is beauty to behold. The first time I arrived in Paris, I remember just walking and walking…and walking the Champs-Élysées. Around every corner there is some sort of magic. I have never been so enamored with a city in such an instant.
Paris is truly the city of love, because I fell for it so fast. There is no better way to enjoy a city than by strolling its streets experiencing it for what it really is. It may not be the fastest way to get around, but it certainly is the speediest way to take in Paris’ many delights.
As I walked, friends and families were dining along sidewalks, an old man sang and strummed a guitar in a square, children danced, and the sweet smell of Nutella slathered on hot crepes permeated the air. Complete and utter delight.
As I sipped coffee and peeled back a croissant with its layers of buttery pleasure it made me think of how the city of Paris has so many charming layers to discover as well. Whether you’re down a narrow street shopping in boutiques, or exploring the many gardens there is no mistaking where you are. The architecture, the smell, the food, the accent, and the true delight of Paris, its citizens.
Coffee near Square Saint-Medard, 5th Arrondissement
One thing that continually caught my eyes is how the trees could always be so perfectly trimmed. Makes you wonder if a Paris plant fairy exists.
Perfectly trimmed trees at the Jardin des Tuileries
In the Spring, the color palette of flowers is simply off the charts. And in the Fall, you’ll find its equally majestic. Hues of orange leaves falling from the trees that you didn’t even know existed.
There are so many delightful parks and gardens surrounding the museums. A favorable starting point for your stroll in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe. Destination: Musée de l’Orangerie. This is just about a 35 min walk, and depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can build on it.
There are easily some nice places to stop for a treat, or window shopping is always fun. Laduree Paris is a classic stop to get macaroons. The Jardin des Champs-Élysées is just a precursor to the gardens to come. Just inside the Jardin des Tuileries, you’ll reach the Musée del l’Orangerie. This museum extends the beauty from the outside in. This museum is a dedicated installation of Monet’s Water Lilies. Utterly stunning expanses of paintings that circle the rooms. The length of the paintings circling the room is unlike any other art museum I have experienced before.
Walking and moving through the gardens and museums – its just amazing to me that the beauty is so transcendent. It doesn’t stop when you enter the museum – it continues. And with such grandiose windows, you won’t miss the outdoors.
View from inside the Louvre
Go for a stroll in Paris, you’ll fall in love.
