So we continue our “just do it” tour in Paris, France! Dave and I have been drawn to Paris for a long time. It’s history, it’s beauty, it’s art and it’s romantic ambience….we wanted to go so we did. Neither one of us had ever been which made it all the more special. There is something bewildering about Paris. You can just feel the vibe of the past there. Whether it’s Renoir, Joan of Arc or Napoleon Bonaparte, they were there and you can tell. Dave is a history buff so he also really enjoyed being in the Louvre (the former castle of Louis XIV) and loved being at the Arc de Triumph.
We found the people there very friendly (contrary to what you hear)…although the fact that Dave speaks french probably helped. Many Parisians along the way could detect his Canadian French! We pretty much hopped around the city (thank you Cindy Charest for the metro briefings!) and thank you to all who made suggestions for us. We also took time to enjoy drinking fine french wine in the various cafe’s along the way. I loved knowing that Picasso, Gertrude Stein, Hemingway and the like also “hung out” in some of the same little cafes that we did. I especially liked Monmarte, where Van Gough and Renoir painted, lived and frequented the little cafes. Here are a few photos taken with the D700 and the cell phone!
(BELOW RIGHT) Dave was fascinated with the little cookie markets all over Paris
(BELOW) The next few are in Monmarte. The photo below to the right is where Gertrude Stein and Picasso hung out. Dave and I had a glass of wine there!
(BELOW) The Sacre Coeur to the left in Monmarte
(BELOW left) Me waving in front of Napoleon’s tomb
(BELOW) in the photo on the left you will see Dave carrying my purse. He had to carry my purse when I had the big camera. He deserves a medal of honor for that.
(BELOW) looking from the top of the Arc de Triumph
(BELOW) The Louvre
(BELOW) The hunchback of Notre Dam teaches Dave to catch pigeons
(BELOW) At night in Monmarte (Dave borrowed my hat)
(BELOW) at night in the Latin Quarters
(BELOW LEFT) This street is in the scene in Mid-Night in Paris where Owen Wilson (Gil Bender) waits for the old car to take him back in time
(BELOW) We went to a show at the Moulin Rouge. Highly recommend it.
(BELOW) from the top of Notre Dame
(BELOW) On most of the bridges crossing the Seine River (the right and left bank) couples put locks on the bridges with their names on it. We weren’t going to do that but then we said what the heck!!
(BELOW) At the end of the trip at the last minute, I wanted to see the Hotel de Ville. On many of my engagement photo shoots, I envision the famous photo called “Kiss at the Hotel de Ville” by Robert Doisneau and try to have my couples re-create it. Half the time they don’t know what I’m talking about. I wanted to try myself! I set my camera and waited for a willing stranger to walk by! This is my favorite photo taken by anonymous!
