On the plane to Paris in September I happened to read an interesting article in Vogue Magazine.  It seemed appropriate to pick one up as I headed to the Fashion Capital of the World. 

A writer started her article with all the gloomy news in the world.  Then she moved into the theme “Things that make me feel good.” as a way to counteract the bad stuff.

She then went on to feature classic camel overcoats.  What you might expect in  a fashion magazine.

That’s the way I feel about Paris—Capital of Cool.  In troubled times, there’s something comforting about going to Paris, meandering the familiar winding streets and wide boulevards in and around the iconic buildings. It is good to know they have stood the test of time providing a stimulating and enjoyable urban life.   

When in Paris, I always love going to something new—and have already written about the Atelier des Luminaries which was fabulous—but mostly I like to walking the streets with no apparent destination, simply to savor the sights.     The French call that being a flaneur.  

This isn’t the first blog post where I’ve featured scenes from the streets (link here) and it won’t be the last.  I hope you’ll walk along with me.  

Hotel du Petite Moulin

But before we hit the streets, let me show you a few scenes from one of the most colorful hotels I’ve ever stayed in.  Often we rent an apartment  in Paris, but since this trip was only three days, I booked a hotel on the Right Bank in the Marais.  Here are some shots of the colorful spaces.  

The Streets the day traffic was banned 

On the Sunday that we were in Paris, traffic was banned from 11 am to 6 pm.  People came out on foot and bikes in droves.  Enjoy a few images of what this looked like.  

Grafiti and Street Art

I always love the graffiti and public art in Paris which takes many forms. 

Look Down.

If you are in Paris it is a good idea  to look down.  For one reason, the city is filled with dogs and no one seems to pick up the poop,  but more importantly, expect to see some fun images.  

Enjoy Window Shopping and People Watching

If you do nothing else, meander the many shopping streets and I don’t mean the Champs-Elysees  which is filled with International shops and tourists.   Visit streets like rue de Francs-Bourgeois or rue Vieille-du-Temple in the Marias, Rue du Bac in Saint Germain or  Rue du Faubourg-St. Honore for local flavor and creative window displays.  

I never tire of walking along the Seine and near the major tourist attractions.  Always something fun to see and interesting people to observe.   

Reflecting Sunset

And always, I love capturing reflections.  In this image I was trying to capture a glorious sunset in the windows of this apartment building, while a resident steps outside to take a picture with her IPhone.   

For more about Paris, do browse DesignDestinations.org for more than 25 blog posts about the city of Light.  Also, I will be doing a two hour talk about Paris at Olli at Aquinas College on March 13.  Here’s the link to the catalog for the winter program with all the details.