April 14, 2018 • 28

WPC: A Spring Awakening in Paris

When spring comes to Paris the humblest mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise.~Henry Miller–from the novel Tropic of Cancer

Every year Paris flirts with spring, teasing its citizens with days of glorious sunshine, interspersed with chilly, gloomy days of rain.  Still, signs of the spring awakening are everywhere and they are glorious.  Why don’t you join me on a trip there?

The Paris Marathon

In April, runners from around the world gather in Paris to race in the 26.2 mile event that winds through the city and passes along the banks of the Seine.  The little boy on the left cheers them on for the last 3 miles of the race.  He shouts, “Allez garçons!”

Allez Garcons. Paris Marathon. Shot with a Fuji X-T2

Le Jardin de Luxembourg

He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo.
Nothing is more fantastic. Nothing is more tragic. Nothing is more sublime.~Victor Hugo

Even on mornings with overcast skies, you and I will join Parisians in the city parks.  Some locals come to exercise; others to read.  Still, others like us will enjoy a few moments of sunshine as we explore the park.

We will pass people–friends chatting in groups, students working on assignments, or families having picnics.  As you can see, the park is orderly.  People walk on the paths and they don’t play music.  They sit in specific designated areas and have a picnic.  I think we should bring a few baguettes, a piece of goat cheese, and some fruit.  What do you want to drink?  Perrier or wine?

When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. ― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

Along the Boulevards

The ghostly winter silence had given way to the great spring murmur of awakening life.~Jack London

As you and I explore the city, we’ll see cherry trees in bloom in parks and along the streets.  We’ll also see early bloomers like the crocus, daffodil, and tulips.  But my favorite is still the cherry trees.  What’s yours?

The Rodin Museum

Paris is always a good idea.~Audrey Hepburn

How can we go to Paris and not visit some of their wonderful museums?  In the garden at the Rodin, you and I will take photographs of Rodin’s monumental works and discuss his love affair with Camille Claudel, who was his muse for many years.   Of course, when we are in Paris, love is in the air.  C’est toujours vrai, n’est pas?  

Le Penseur at the Rodin. Shot with a Fuji XT2

A Tour of Montmartre

Of course, you and I will want to explore different neighborhoods in Paris, which have their own unique identity.  We’ll eat great kosher food in Le Marais, wander around St. Germain de Pres with its marvelous art galleries and local bistros, and we’ll take a walking tour of Montmartre, where famous artists and writers like Hemingway, Modigliani, Van Gogh, Picasso, Braque, Toulouse-Lautrec and Apollinaire lived for some time.   Art and love go hand-in-hand throughout the streets of Montmartre.  There’s the famous I Love You Wall, where these words of love are displayed in over 100 languages.   There are less obvious signs too, like the one below.  Dozens of these love sketches are drawn on buildings throughout the winding streets.  Each design is slightly different.  This one says, “I’m greatly in love with you.”

It’s midnight. One half of Paris is making love to the other half.~Greta Garbo in the movie Ninotchka

Love is Grand with You. Montmartre, Paris.

So, what do you think of Paris in the spring?  I hope you enjoyed our time there.  And thanks for sharing the journey with me.  Have an inspiring week–no matter where you are!

Categories: Photography

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28 replies »

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    • Hi, Sheetal. (I hope I have your name right!)
      It’s a pleasure meeting you here! Thanks so much for your kind words. As you can tell, I love writing and photography! I do hope you have the chance to visit Paris. It’s a stunningly beautiful city.

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    • Hi, Sally! It’s great hearing from you. Now go back to your vacation. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the “tour.” I hope you’re having a great time on your trip.

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    • Thank you, Maria! It was a gorgeous time of the year to visit. A little cold and rainy on some days and beautiful and sunny on others. Hope all’s well with you. I’m sure you’re enjoying the spring flowers!

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