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L’Acteur Grec – The Greek Actor – Arthur Bourgeois (1838-1886)
This is Paris in autumn: the timeless statues and monuments stand against the golden leaves and rainy skies. Here, in the Luxembourg Garden, a wonderful bronze man rehearses his lines with the dome of the pantheon in the background.
I had forgotten how much I love Paris!
It felt like forever since I had spent time in that wonderful city – and indeed, my last post from there dates to the summer of 2010 (see: Just another Monday Morning) .
These days, I never know how I’m going to feel after squashy plane trips. So, to give myself potentially-needed recovery time after the long travel time from Australia to Europe, I booked two nights in Paris before my onward connections. I found accommodation in the 5th arrondissement: in the heart of the city and within walking distance of the major sights and the direct metro line to and from the airport.
It was a northern autumn, and the skies threatened rain most of my stay. I made the decision to leave the cameras packed, and set off on foot with just my iPhone15Pro – and an umbrella just in case!
Come explore some central Parisian streets and gardens:
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People in Motion
My plane landed ridiculously early – and by 7am my bags and I were on the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) in the Charles de Gaulle Airport and ready to speed our way into the city.
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Welcome to Paris!
As I rolled my bags through the streets of the city, I couldn’t help but admire the historic architecture – and remember my first-ever trip to the city, which was before bags had wheels! This, the Church of the Val-de-Grâce, was built between 1645 and 1665, and is part of the Museum Of The Armed Forces Health Service complex.
Part of the Public Consciousness
Joan Of Arc is known as the Liberator of France. This depiction, by Émile François Chatrousse (1829-1896) is on the Boulevard Saint-Marcel.
In the Jardin des Plantes.
Old monuments and tributes to famous personages are everywhere. This one is French sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet (1824 – 1910) by Henri Léon Gréber (1854 – 1941).
Grande Galerie De L Evolution (Muséum d’Histoire)
This elegant building in the Jardin des Plantes was designed by Louis Jules André (1819 – 1890). It is considered typical of the recognised architecture of the end of the 19th century.
The Mexican Hothouse
It is hard to believe that this beautiful glass-and-metal confection is almost 200 years old! Designed by Charles Rohault de Fleury (1801 – 1875), it was finished in 1836.
Naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc the Comte De Buffon (1707 – 1788) by Jean Marius Carlus (1852 – 1930)
The Jardin des Plantes started life as a medicinal garden in 1640 under King Louis XIII. Later, under the direction of the noted naturalist Buffon, who ran the gardens from 1739 to 1788, they became Europe’s most eminent centre of scientific study of natural history.
Who knew there were so many kinds of Sunflowers?
The gardens make for a pleasant environment to walk off jet lag!
A Paris Rain
Fortunately, the afternoon rain didn’t last much longer than my coffee!
A Treat on every Building
An Umbrella in the Autumn Rain
The Pont Marie from the Quai des Célestins
With the Seine meandering all through the city Paris, it is a city of waterways and old bridges.
A Just Reward
I’m so glad I’m no longer a strict vegetarian! Paris is all about food – and this confit du canard was wonderful!
Beautiful Buildings against the Sky
Église Saint-Médard
France is still largely Catholic and there is a church on every corner.
Mother Mary
The Chapel of the Virgin is an 18th century addition to this 15th century church.
The Archangel and the Saint
This bas-relief by Adolphe Verrebout (1847 – 1892), shows Saint Michael appearing to Joan of Arc.
Au Jardin De Mouffetard
One of the many things I love about France is the small markets with fresh food.
Oysters at the Poissonnerie Saint Médard
All the shops invite you to think about your next meal.
Stone Dome
The dome of the monumental Panthéon commands attention at the top of little Rue D’Ulm..
The Panthéon
This monument, built between 1758 and 1790, has a confused history. Originally meant to be a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, it later became a mausoleum for the remains of distinguished French citizens – including Voltaire, Emile Zola, Jean Moulin and Marie Curie.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712—1778) by by André Bizette-Lindet (1906 – 1998)
In the Place du Pantheon, a sculpture depicts the influential Swiss-born philosopher, writer, and political theorist.
The Faune Dansant
The Dancing Faun by Eugène Louis Lequesne (1815 – 1887) is one of many sculptures in the gardens.
Gendarmerie
Two police officers walk the beat in the in the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg.
La Fontaine Medicis
One of the features of the Jardin du Luxembourg is the beautiful Medici Fountain. Built in 1620, the fountain – like the nearby palace and the garden as a whole – was originally commissioned by Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France and the regent for King Louis XIII. Today, the gardens and palace are owned by the French Senate.
Dôme des Invalides
This is a sight I look for on all my stays in Paris: the gilded dome of the tallest church building in the city.
Hôtel National des Invalides
Les Invalides was originally a hospital and a soldiers’ retirement home. Today, the complex also contains museums and monuments relating to French military history.
Plat du Jour
Every meal in Paris is an event! I found a busy restaurant, and treated myself to the daily special: a wonderful hot goat’s cheese salad, followed by this sea bream fillet with roasted vegetables in a citrus sauce. Delicious!
Next Stop: La Tour Eiffel
The iconic tower is a must-see in Paris.
Olympic Remains
Paris was still on a high following their hosting of the Summer Olympics.
The Eiffel Tower
I’ve been up the tower in the past, so I was happy to admire it from outside the barriers.
La Dame de Fer – The Iron Lady
The lacy metal tower was designed and built by engineer Gustave Eiffel (1832 – 1923) for the 1889 World’s Fair and to mark the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution.
Sous la Pluie
In the evening it rained again – but that only helps the lovers!
They do say Paris is for lovers – but then, who doesn’t love Paris?
I certainly smiled the whole time I was walking through the elegant streets and parks.
Photos: 23-24September2024
