-
Les Catacombes de Paris: An Homage to the Dead
As the days grow shorter and crisper, and the time to honour our dead fast approaches, I am reminded of my tour of les Catacombes de Paris last fall. This highly unusual Parisian site had been on my list of spots to visit for a while. However, I must admit that I viewed it with a high degree of hesitation. I wasn’t sure that I was up to descending into the bowels of the city that I love so much and walking among the bones of its long dead. You see, I’ve never been one for horror movies. My tolerance for frights is pretty low. Even when watching a streamed…
-
The Sweetest Little Shop in Paris: La Maison Méert
I was strolling through the streets of le Marais district in search of le Musée Cognacq-Jay one fine day last September when I chanced upon a little jewel. For there on the corner of Rue Elzévir and Rue de Parc Royal, its glossy black façade gleaming in the autumn sun, stood the sweetest little shop in Paris, La Maison Méert. Enticing Confections Located a few short blocks from the regal Place des Vosges, I was soon to discover that it offered more than just a romantic storefront. For as I approached its welcoming window, a wonderful selection of freshly-baked sweets greeted me. And if these delicacies weren’t enough to entice…
-
Saving Notre Dame: An Epic Endeavour – Part 2
I continued my return visit to Notre Dame by crossing le Pont de l’Archevêché and making my way down to the riverbank. I wanted to recreate the scene I had discovered two years earlier while passing under le Pont de la Tournelle. And while the spot remained a place for youthful gatherings, the view from it had changed drastically. And I was to get a little closer look a few days later when I had the privilege of rowing ‘La Traversée de Paris‘. The Treasures of Notre Dame In the meantime though, my mind went to recalling my visit to the Treasury of Notre Dame three years earlier. And I…
-
Saving Notre Dame: An Epic Endeavour – Part 1
We are currently living through a distressing period of history. And as April 15th approaches, I am reminded of another heart-wrenching episode that made the world stand still a year ago. I recall being glued to the TV that afternoon, unable to take my eyes off the flames engulfing the much loved cathedral of Paris. I remember too, the relief I felt when I awoke the next morning to see that the heroic efforts the firefighters had put into saving Notre Dame had paid off. Our Lady was still standing, although severely damaged. Revisiting Our Lady I was further relieved when I had the opportunity to revisit Notre Dame during…
-
A Parisian Antique Shop To Love: l’Objet qui Parle
Last September, I returned to Paris with the primary purpose of rowing through the City of Love. And a few days after fulfilling that dream, I happily achieved another. For I happened to chance upon the captivating Parisian antique shop or brocante: l’Objet qui Parle. A Stroll Through Montmartre I had spent a sunny afternoon strolling through the rambling streets of Montmartre. If you’re familiar with the enchanting movie Amelie, you will likely recognize this neighbourhood with the shining Sacre Cœur at its heart. After saying a little prayer in the Basilica, I made my way to visit Le Mur de Je t’aime – The ‘I Love You’ Wall –…
