Street art - Paris 13th

In Paris, art is not just found in the museums! It is everywhere, even out on the streets.
Here, near Bibliothèque François Mitterand.

On the Quai Panhard et Levassor.

Near Bibliothèque François Mitterand.

Near Bibliothèque François Mitterand, on the court yard of what looks to be a condamned building, inhabited by squatters.

At La Butte aux Cailles, a cozy boho neighbourhood, which is definitely worth a visit!

"Such is life, it shall pass!"

At the Square René le Gall, a park where I used to take my son playing.

Paris je t'aime

These are pictures of some of the moments that I cherish, that took place in the city of lights.

 One day, my son and I went to visit the Square Jean XXIII on the Ile de la cité.

Situated in the very centre of Paris, behind the Notre Dame cathedral, it is still rather peaceful.

The fact that the river Seine flows alongside this little park, further adds to its charm.

 

I have long ago lost count of the number of times I have been for a stroll along this avenue... Does it require further presentation? It is, bien sûr, the Champs Elysées. Nearly as famous as the Eiffeltower, is the Arc de Triomphe, situated at the top of the avenue.

I have so many memories from here, night and day... The reason I just had to take out my camera on this particular day, was because of the way that the sun was shining from a blue, cloudless sky.

Every tourist must stop in the middle of the street to take a picture. It is mandatory, or at the very least, appears to be so! :)

Many a cherished parisian memory of mine involves food. And you do not have to visit an expensive four star restaurant to treat yourself à la française. Just stop by any boulangerie to pick up some freshly baked bread to go with your meal, or cheese. For breakfast, get a warm-from-the-oven pain au chocolat, to accompany your coffee.

Disneyland Paris

If you are still in touch with your inner child, the holiday season festivities may bring about some warm and fuzzy feelings of magic and joy! On that note, allow me to share with you some of my pics from the happiest place on earth... oh wait -  make that the happiest place in France. ;)

Disneyland Paris is made up of two parks. The Disneyland Park is divided into five areas of different themes: Mainstreet U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. My personal favourite is Fantasyland, because of how pretty it is (yes, in fact I am in touch with my inner child!).

Fantasyland, seen from the side.

An Italian ice cream shop.

The classic merry-go-round.

This one is for the younger children! On the It's a small world attraction, you travel onboard a small boat, which takes you through a tunnel...

...and inside it there are pretty dolls that depict different ethnicities and nationalities from all around the globe.

 This is Frontierland....

 ...home of a Mexican fast food restaurant called Fuente del Oro. (Many years ago, I worked in this restaurant. Sadly, when I finally returned there ten years down the line, nobody who used to work there back when, was there any longer!)

This is the princess' castle. It is found at the very centre of the park.

 Adventureland, home of the brave!

Adventureland is the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds. In here, you can lose yourself amongst the adventurous scenic decor.

The pirate's ship.

Inside Discoveryland, the Space Mountain is found. It is a roller coaster that journeys through darkness. Its destination: the moon!

Walt Disney Studios is Disneyland's other park, and one that I am less familiar with, since it did not exist back when I worked for Disneyland. All I can tell you is, you will need to count an extra day in, just to visit this!

The 13th arrondissement

In Paris there are twenty arrondissements. They are laid out in the shape of a clockwise spiral, starting from the centre. Each arrondissement has its own maire and town house. In fact, the arrondissements exist entirely for administrative purposes, and the borders have been set with no regards to where different neighbourhoods begin and end. The numerous parisian quartiers often overlap those borders.

Nevertheless, each arrondissement is known to have more or less of its particular style. The 13th arrondissement is a quiet residential area and perhaps not the first place you think to visit as a tourist.

The Le Monde newspaper is found in the 13th arrondissement.

Line 6 of the métro is airborne for a large chunk of the journey.

But it is also well known for its large population of Asian immigrants. If you want to visit China town, catch line 7 of the métro and head over to Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d'Ivry. This is where most of the Chinese restaurants and shops of Paris are found. When I lived in Paris, I liked to come here for inspiration on how to decorate my apartment - you can find nice things here, for cheap!

The town hall of the 13th arrondissement is found on the Place d'Italie, which is a large square with a fountain in its middle. Around it, traffic circulates. The town hall is on the north side of the square, and on the south side you find a midsize shopping centre, with prices and qualities ranging from budget to luxury.

The main métro exit of the Place d'Italie.

Chambéry

On last week's episode of Parenthood they were waxing lyrical about a place in France called Chambéry, which is in the region of Rhône-Alpes. Despite the fact that I lived in Paris for so long, there are many places in France I have never been, and this is one of them. Looking at the pictures, it is making my mouth water. I want to go!

Pictures were borrowed from here, here and here.

The Seine river

I thought it might be nice to write a little about different parts of Paris! After all, I know the city well, having lived there for a long time. My Paris is not a city of luxury, but it is one of beauty and diversity.

Like so many other cities, Paris was built around a river. The Seine river has got two islands in the middle of it, one of which is called the "Ile de la cité", but way back it was called "Lutèce" and the city actually consisted of this island.

On the island, the very well known Notre Dame cathedral is found. Along the riversides, it is nice to go for a stroll. Especially in summertime, there are so many things happening here! Artists are painting, dancing is organised, and musicians are singing and playing... There are restaurants inside some of the boats, but bringing your own snack here is equally nice!

On the St. Louis island, famous ice cream vendors are selling their italian gelato, and why not have your gelato by the Seine, overlooking the cathedral? When the weather allows it, of course.