Come along with me as we do a little Paris walkabout. We’ll check out a few favorites and seek some fascinating new places in the 6th, 5th, and the 4th arrondissements. It is even fun walking on streets known to us on many previous trips as always there seems to be new visual gifts offered up for us. Our mission will be seeing things in a new way.

My camera lens caught the rhythms of cafe life at La Palette a popular spot on the Rue de Seine. The street has always been a favorite of mine for it’s many galleries. The street has a poster gallery where I would always pop into over the years looking for Pochoir prints.

Maison Sauvage is a popular spot on the Rue de Buci to watch the parade of life. Our daughter was there last month and our good friend Lynne from Steamboat Springs stopped by last week.

An interesting commercial canvas of posters and graffiti.

Marla stopped to check out a dramatic window on the Rue de Seine.

We have always been interested in the story of Jim Thompson Fabrics whether in Bangkok or in their showrooms of the current company. Marla takes a look through the window at their showroom at Rue de Furstemberg.

Jim Thompson Fabrics has always abounded in creativity! Each leaf in the window display is covered in their fabric.

We crossed the Petit Pont Bridge on our way to the “Il de la Cite” in the 4th arr. The Seine shimmered below us as we spied the Notre Dame Cathedral in the distance.

The Cathedral reconstruction is making good progress . Click Link for information on the status.

We headed to the Rue Chanoinesse and passed the enchanting “Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole” which dates back to 1512. This area was spared the massive 19th century architectural overhaul by Haussmann and Napoleon III. The mayor of Paris gave a special permit for the massive wisteria to grow so large.

The area has an ancient undeniable charm.

The tiny lane of Rue de Chartres.

Admiring a building on the Quai aux Fleurs.

No city in the world commemorates its past quite like Paris. The plaques tell us Rene Coty, President of the Republic, lived here from October, 1939 to January 16, 1954. The poet Edmond Haraucourt died here November 17, 1941.

If you are hooked on amazing love stories, it will be hard to find one more interesting than “HELOISE AND ABELARD…THE CURSED LOVERS OF THE ILE DE LA CITE.” Marla walks where they lived in 1118.

Doors commemorating Heloise and Abelard.

The face of Abelard.

The sad face of Heloise.

The twisting lane of Rue Xavier Privas near the Place St. Michel.

A wall as a modern artistic creation on the “Street of the Fishing Cat” which is also the narrowest street in Paris.

This is one of the reasons I love this part of Paris….a lane of mystery.

I walked by this little cafe and loved the unique layout and decor!

I always love exploring the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre which dates back to 1776.

Le Procope is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and opened in 1686. This is the back side on the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre.

There is art and creation everywhere you look!

Wallace Fountains of Paris have been dispensing clean drinking water to residents and visitors for 150 years. This one is off the Place Saint Michel. The original fountains were a gift to the people of Paris from Sir Richard Wallace, an Englishman. Click on this Link for more information on their amazing history!

When I look at back at our Paris visit last month I am amazed at what we accomplished in only two days! I am looking forward to more trips to this iconic and enchanting place in the future. I would like to rent an apartment once again to experience the joy of local markets and Mar’s fabulous cuisine! Thanks for coming along.

Next up we will visit the wonderful island of Guernsey.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission