Interesting Sites in Paris--Mostly in Pictures

The best of America drifts to Paris. The American in Paris is the best American. It is more fun for an intelligent person to live in an intelligent country. France has the only two things toward which we drift as we grow older – intelligence and good manners. -F. Scott Fitzgerald

I am lucky enough to be one of those Americans.... le sigh!

As you know this trip was not about sightseeing, but more to spend some time getting to know this city that we are going to living in or outside of soon.  I have to admit that I have a terrific love.hate relationship with Paris.  I absolutely love the city, don’t get me wrong.  I just hate entering the shops because I know absolutely zero French (slightly more then zero, but honestly not much)  In desperation I often lapse into Spanish and instantly get scolded by my sons.

We stayed in the 4th Arrondissement on this trip.  We were close to the Republique Metro Station.  Since we did very little sightseeing, we choose instead to soak up some of the city.  Here is some of the things that we saw...

 Right outside out flat was the Canal Saint-Martin.  The picture above is a boat going through the lock system.  Interesting fact, the canal goes underground for a period and it started above ground right in front of our flat.

 We found this absolutely wonderful Boulangerie/Pattissier on the way to the metro station.  They are an "artisan boulanger" which means everything is made from scratch on the premises, no frozen dough here.  Often places will have things delivered from a central location. Note to self, look for the "artisan boulanger" sign when choosing a Pattissier!  We stopped by every morning.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  The kids would order a fondant au chocolat and I would get a pain au raisin.  We also managed to get dessert one night as well.  Chocolate Eclairs, a pistachio macaroon, a cookie and a pistachio brest. It was so good that Liam said he was going to miss it when we left Paris.  I miss it, too!

Good-bye Favorite Pattissier, Aux Peches Normands!  The Bearys will miss you, we hope to visit you again soon or find one just as good in our own neighborhood!  If not, we know how to find you!

 This is the statue near the metro station.  It in the square of the Place de la Republique.  The beautiful building that you see behind it is part of the Crown Plaza Hotel.

 We thought these doors looked a lot like the Tardis!  Dr Who fans will know what I am talking about.  If you have not watched it, let me recommend you to start. We love it!

 I now know where to go to get my hair done when I want to bring back my 80’s style!!!!

 When I first saw this tiger, it was a quick glance and I panicked a bit because I thought it was real.  I stepped back for a closer look and snapped this photo.

 The green truck?  On the side walk is a guy cleaning spraying the walk with water.  Probably trying to clean up all the dog poo all over the ground.  In case you have not heard the horrible rumor, Paris sidewalks are full of dog poo.  We did spend time dodging piles.

 You can play table tennis at the local parks!  This park is actually over the Saint-Martin canal.

 An example of a new building next to an old one.  For the record, I prefer the older looking buildings.

 Paris is filled with Urban Art.  I am afraid that it is going to be an obsession of mine.  Be prepared for lots of pictures in the future.

On Saturday, we spent some time in a little park called Square Du Temple.  While we were there a Mercedes with darkened windows round the corner and laid on the horn.  I noticed photographers standing outside waiting as well, it turned out to be a bride and groom!

I will leave you with this photo... no real explanation needed... Awesomeness, just awesomeness.


A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life. -Thomas Jefferson