Paris in Spring...A Year Later
Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 11:57AM 
There are some places that just get in your soul and stay there and you think of them often. Those places change you, giving you a better understanding of a life lived and enjoyed by so many others, both resident and visitor...Paris is that kind of place. It haunts you to come back..especially if you have been there in the spring. One year ago...NOW, we were there and yes, it has taken me a year to get these photo's in order and start my editing. As I move through these wonderful memories..I have renewed joy in my time there, not only in Paris, but also in the South of France, where we spent two weeks after leaving Paris. I have been to Paris twice now, but this was our first time to the South of France and so soon, I hope to also share a few of those adventures and magical landscape with you...but for today, just memories of Paris for those of you who have been there and perhaps, for those of you who have not...you'll dust off your passport.
Walking along the Avenues with the smell of fresh bread entering your brain...you hear it calling to you, and you cave.
Trees starting to bud..no mud under your feet, just beautiful deep shadows criss-crossing the buildings...unique street lights and amazing architecture. The sun is warm and inviting and bouncing off the buildings. Wrapping you in a warm hug.
Always in my view, the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, as it reaches into the deep blue spring sky..
I really think one of the things I love most and think is so civilized is outdoor dining..truly, there is nothing more pleasant on a warm spring or summer day than to sit, at leisure, over a beautifully prepared meal, toss in a glass of wine and you know that life is to be savored. At home, for me, this is not a common sight and when you do find it, the season is short lived. Also the French, take their time and enjoy all that a meal outside implies...slow down, rest, chat and breathe in life.
Simple beauty and color everywhere..these being one of my favorites...
What would Spring be without an abundance of tulips...truly, so many flowers blooming there in early April...I wonder if one could have a bad day in Paris...
Lunch break for the school children..where else, of course outside at the Park...Like London parks are a big part of the make-up of Paris..and all enjoy them. I loved this shot not only of the kids lunching, but of this majestic tree, both in it's color and shape. A place for the kids to sit and gather around. The other thing about the parks, everyone sits on the grass, like we did growing up..now it's "stay away, don't sit, might have ticks"...geez, I'm going to sit in the grass again this summer, maybe even lay down and gaze at a few stars...if it's good enough for the French, it's good enough for me..and besides, I'm half French.
Yes, Paris gets in your head and never leaves...It turns you upside down and you really get a natural high and head rush, just by being there...It makes you stop and look. Smell and smile. Slow down and enjoy. Breathing is easier here..the pace allows for daydreaming and planning...Tasting not only a macaron here and there but trusting in the goodness of life...Merci Paris...je te aime..
Reader Comments (14)
oui oui oui
I agree . . .
what a special place to be
in Spring!
Hard to believe I was there in May, exactly 50 years ago!
So young and naive at the time!
Love your captures here and feeling your JOY through your photos and verse.
I would probably sit in the grass over there, but have to confess I'd never do that again here in our backyard . . .
Once bitten . . . !!! xox
Beautiful photos...Paris is such an amazing place!
The pictures and story about Paris are beautifully done...makes me feel like I am about to go there myself! Such wonderful memories you have, and how life there is like we want it all the time, I know I do. Lovely processing on each one. The one of the Eiffel Tower is stunning - a wall print or card, and the park with kids eating lunch and that lovely tree...makes me feel like I'm there. I always love reading your thoughts about the places you visit and the friends and family in your life. Happy weekend!!
Hi Cheryl!
I come back to your post this morning, reading it and looking at your gorgeous pictures for the second time... I had wished to leave you a little note before but I had a busy weekend and can do it only now.
Your pictures of Paris made me smile as you've given the image of a beautiful Paris with cafés, parks, flowers and young kids.... this is in fact the lovely side of Paris and I'm glad that you enjoyed your second trip in Paris with such beautiful weather and mood...
I smiled too at reading what you say about french people and french way of life!... that's so nice of you... you say you're half french, aren't you?
I'm not a parisian but, as you did last spring, I love visiting Paris, which I do once or twice a year (2 of my kids live in Paris)... walking in the streets and looking at all the beautiful buildings and monuments are pure enjoyments!
May you have the opportunity to come back again and stroll along the Seine and in one or 2 beautiful parks on a sunny day....
Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and your enthousiasm about Paris.
Oh Cheryl, this is just wonderful timing, I am going to Paris and London for 2 weeks in a little over a month and these just speaks to my heart. There is something about Italy which I so love and can't wait to experience Paris also that people understand what life if about. They know how to relax and enjoy their surroundings and take a break from life in simple ways. Thank you for your glimpse into your time there.
Not only beautiful in the spring but equally as gorgeous in the fall!
Beautiful photos! I hope to visit Paris some day!
Thank you for taking me to Paris today! Wonderful photographs! I have never been to Paris, it seems everyone who has absolutely loves it. I would have to agree about eating outside, I love to eat outside when the weather is nice, add to that a glass of wine... perfect. :)
Antoinette is really is special there in the spring...not like here..I would go again tomorrow if I could, just to see all the flowers and walk in the parks..
Valerie for any one who has been there they know how special Paris really is...I think you have to experience it though.
Thanks so much Beverly...i also like the Eiffel Tower one...it is so hard to choose what to put up when you take so many...thanks always for your visits and lovely comments.
I've never tried it in the Fall Liz...maybe I should next time...
Michelle if you ever get the chance than you should go...it's not that far and you to, would fall in love..
Cheryl these pics of Paris take me right back there last September. It was such a whirlwind and at this point feels like it was all a beautiful dream. We too spent 10 days in the South of France in Bordeaux and down towards Spain. Hubby and I would like to go back and
just spend time in Paris. We
just didn't have enough time there to be completely leisurely about it! But the French really do embrace "Joie de Vivre" and I so would love to embrace that attitude! As much as we loved London and England I much preferred Paris and France! But our next big trip is to Italy! So many different countries to visit and so little money! ;)