Our Intro to Paris

I thought that Paris would feel like a dirty, sprawling metropolis.  However, Paris is not so much a sprawling, ancient city, as separate distinct cultural neighbourhoods that have spread into each other.  Because of this, each area feels unique and cozy.  The neighbourhoods, called arrondissements, are numbered according to their proximity to the city’s historical center.  However, the culture and vibrancy of the city center does not decrease intensity in the neighbourhoods farther from the center.  If anything, the Parisian culture increases away from the center because tourists do not dilute it. 

 

We had the privilege of staying in an apartment on the Ile de Cite, one of the islands in the Seine.  Even though we were staying in the center of touristic Paris, we enjoyed the close proximity to all the historic monuments that we “needed” to see.  It was great living 10 minutes away from the Louvre, a 15-minute walk to the medieval Jewish quarter, and just a short stroll to Notre Dame. 

We arrived in Paris on December 6^th after a delightful train ride from Sauzet.  After we had settled into our Paris home for our last week in France, we decided to start exploring the city immediately.  By the time we left the house, the sun was setting and the wind bit through all our protective layers.  I was astonished to see Parisians strolling on the streets wearing short skirts, leggings, and no warm clothes.  Perhaps their knowledge that they were completely fashionable kept them warm.  Or maybe they were just good actors.  

Hint: Click on the photos to enlarge!