Many of us hold dear our memories of Paris and the majestic Notre- Dame Cathedral. Notre-Dame was always an iconic image anchoring my memories of over 30+ visits to the City of Light. The tragic fire has left a smoldering hole in the hearts of so many. The almost 900 hundred year old Cathedral has survived plagues, a revolution, and the Nazi occupation.

This mesmerizing image was taken by Philippe Wojazer from Reuters. Over 400 heroic firefighters battled the blaze for 9 hours. I am very glad the towers are saved, much of the stained glass and most of the artifacts. French President, Emmanuel Macron, said “We will rebuild together.” Francois-Henri Pinault has pledged 100 million Euros and fashion conglomerate, LVMH, has pledged 200 million Euros. They have now raised over one billion dollars.

I took this picture a few years ago from almost the same spot as the previous image.

Our daughter Lisa and her Boys are showing solidarity with Paris by touring Notre Dame the day after a terrorist incident next to Notre-Dame in 2017.

Our son-in-law Ray is with the Boys in front of the Cathedral.

We as tourists can show our support and love of Paris by returning soon! The “Yellow Vest” protests have been really stressful and demoralizing for many residents! Let us come back to our beloved Paris to show how the United States cares!

On your next journey explore Paris with a new perspective and a grateful heart.

“I think Paris smells not just sweet but melancholy and curious, sometimes sad but always enticing and seductive. She’s a city for the all senses, for artists and writers and musicians and dreamers, for fantasies, for long walks and wine and lovers and, yes, for mysteries.” M. J. Rose

Wander aimlessly around your favorite arrondissements and soak in the true sense of place.

Stroll the lanes with no agenda other than seeing with an adventurers’ spirit and a curious eye.

Sit in a cafe and be a Parisian for an afternoon sipping a glass of wine observing the passersby.

Go out for an evening and celebrate in a true classic bistro like Josephine chez Dumonet.

Experience a weekend market like this one on Rue Poncelet in the 17th. Our friend Philippe, in the blue jacket, showed us all his favorite local vendors.

Bask in the wonder of stained glass at the Sainte-Chapelle in the Ile de la Cite.

Explore new areas of this enchanting city like the Place Dalita in the 18th. This was named after “Dalida” (1933-1987), a famous singer who emigrated to France from Egypt with her Italian parents. She sang in over 10 languages and sold over 170 million records. Though she had millions of fans her life was extremely tragic. Thousands of admirers and the curious still visit her grave at the nearby Montemartre Cemetery and place flowers of remembrance.

The Montemartre Cemetery contains many graves of famous artists and performers like the famous Russian ballet dancer, Nijinsky, shown above.

Marla takes a short rest while visiting the “Palais- Royal”.

Visit the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle and gardens in the 5th.

Or….something very different like the Bibliotheque Nationale de France in the 6th. Marla walks by a fashion shoot.

Discover a sculpture by Picasso in the Square Laurent-Prache behind the Eglise de la Saint Germain des Pres in the 6th.

Have an ice cream at Berthillon in the Ile St. Louis.

Spend a weekend hunting for antiques in the labyrinth of shops in Marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen. It is easy to become deliciously lost in this wonderful place of ancient and not-so-ancient treasures.

Many buildings have plaques of remembrance to those who lost their lives during the Nazi occupation.

Parisians love their parks. Walk by the Roman style colonnade in Parc Monceau.

Of course you must stop for an amazing pastry. Gerard Mulot on the Rue de Seine in the 6th is one of my favorites!

Enjoy a wonderful splurge for lunch at the “La Tour d’Argent.” Classic cuisine coupled with classic service is a delight. The lunch “menu” is the more affordable option at 105 Euros and a great value for such a unique experience. The restaurant began in 1582. The very best views of Notre Dame were from their windows. Go anyway as you will remember it forever.

Take a cruise on the Seine.

The museums are of course a must! Be sure to buy a “Paris Museum Pass” in advance for quicker entry to over 60 Paris museums! The Musee d’Orsay was jammed this afternoon!

Buy someone flowers! Traveling alone? Well…you deserve flowers!

And finally,….find a quiet chair like this one in the Tuileries Gardens and ruminate over this beautiful and amazing city. Think of all the travelers, writers, artists,and performers, who have had an “affaire de coeur” with this special place.

Ilsa: But what about us?

Rick: We’ll always have Paris

Photos: Dick Gentry, Philippe Wojazer