For a long time, well before I took high school French, I thought the first European city I’d like to visit would be Paris. Two of my cousins were born there; one had been living there again until recently, and the other is working there presently.
I pictured sitting in some cafe watching the people and absorbing the culture, the art, the music. I love this description: “Paris’ grandeur is inspiring but what I love most about the city is its intimacy. Its quartiers are like a patchwork of villages, and while it’s one of the world’s major metropolises – with all of the culture and facilities that go with it – there’s a real sense of community at the local shops, markets and cafes that hasn’t changed since my childhood. Yet because every little ‘village’ has its own evolving character, I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering hidden corners of the city.”
In the past couple years, the director of our library went there with his family; one of my sisters was taken there by her daughter on the way to the south of France; and there have been several others I know who have made the trip.
Maybe it’s that France saved the bacon the of the American colonists during our Revolutionary War.
When I think of the city, it’s the Eiffel Tower, of course. I had a pencil sharpener in the shape of the structure when I was a child. La tour Eiffel shows up in no fewer than five dozen films, including Midnight in Paris, which I saw.
Paris is also the Moulin Rouge, and of course, I saw that film as well. One of the best lines in one of the best films EVER is “We’ll always have Paris.” That comes from the 1942 classic Casablanca, spoken by Rick to his former lover Ilsa.
Oddly, the various attacks against Paris, including the Jewish cemeteries being defaced, Charlie Hebdo, and, most notably, the events of November 13, 2015 makes me MORE likely to want to visit.
LISTEN to some of my favorite music about Paris:
Sous le ciel de Paris – Edith Piaf
My Father – Judy Collins
April In Paris – Count Basie (the “pop goes the weasel” version)
Free Man In Paris – Joni Mitchell
George Gershwin’s An American in Paris – André Previn/London Symphony Orchestra
Audition (The Fools Who Dream) – Emma Stone from the movie La La Land
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ABC Wednesday – Round 20
Paris is wonderful, but it’s so busy city! And expensive, yet it’s worth to see.
I loved Paris when I was there in 1997 and have always wanted to go back to stay longer, be able to wander the streets and back streets, cross the bridges, and mosey along the Seine. I was only able to do a bus tour before and go the Eiffel Tower and the Galeries to see its magnificent domed stained glass ceiling. Then it was off on a 2-week tour of the entire country. I am dying to see the Musee D’Orsay! Wanna come with me? lol
Leslie
abcw team
You could go easily to Paris if you want. There is no more danger than falling down your steps ! It happens when you are at the wrong time at the wrong place. But besides that, Paris once was a very nice and beautiful city. Now it’s rather neglected, and besides the museums not the same anymore; people became unpolite against tourists and are not very friendly. I don’t go there anymore ! I had enough with or without terrorists. Come to Brussels, we also have a few attacks, lol ! I am going to Egypt next week at the red sea there at least I only risk to drown.
I’ve been there once.. . although there are many beautiful sightings its not a town to be for me .. Thankfully tastes may differ
You do need to go, it’s a wonderful city. We went several years ago however at the time terrorism was not in anyone’s mind. I loved the Eiffel Tower and sitting at one of those lovely cafes.
Ann
Paris always sounds so attractive ~ Wonderful post ~ again always informative ~ thanks,
Wishing you a Happy Weekend ~ ^_^
The other day I was imagining myself in Paris. Mais oui.
My Dad went to France and bought figurines of the Eiffel Tower and gave them to many relatives. They kept it as precious items, when we grew older, they took it every time we visited them.
Beautiful city.
Paris is the best place with P. I had been there once, loved my moments there.
I have not seen movies on it yet.
Happy ABCW!