The streets of Paris

One of the advantages of repeated visits to a place is to be able to focus on the moment, instead of chasing bucket list items and enduring endless queues. To slowly drift down the worn streets of the French capital is a sublime pleasure in life.

Sure, Paris can be stressful and crowded, but stay away from Montmartre and the Eiffel tower and you will be much better for it. Replace the well-known sights with whatever feels good at the moment.

Along the lanes of Père-Lachaise.

The past weekend I’ve been contemplating Mali photography at Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain. Taking a sunny autumn walk at Père-Lachaise amongst dead people and fading trees, while looking for an elusive album cover by Dead Dan Dance. Getting lost in the narrow alleys of the 11th arrondissement. Having excellent wine at Paul Bert. Buying Macaroons from Pierre Hermé and eating them sitting on the stairs of Église Saint-Sulpice.

Enjoying le déjeuner at Les Deux Magots.

Sipping cocktails at a speakeasy bar hidden inside a dodgy pizza place a bit south of Bataclan. Paying my respects to René Descartes in the crypt of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Trying orange wine to a bowl of cevice at the tiny place Clamato operated by Michelin chefs. Visiting a movie location from Before Sunset.

Straddling the “rose line” (sic) at Église Saint-Sulpice. What would Dan Brown say?

“Ah, Paris. City of light. City of love. City of… breakfast? Yes please.”
— Anthony Bourdain

And so much more. Paris is full of wonder in every corner and I can’t wait to be back once more. Qui vivra verra.