On Missing Paris

My recent trip to Quebec City did little to cure my longing for Paris. As many of you know, my first true love is Italy. But I do love Paris. I really do.

And we have been talking alot about Italy lately, but France and Paris are never far from my mind.

You may remember that I did a little ode to Italy awhile back. If not, you can read it here.

I think it is time I paid equal time to my other passion. Don't you?

So here are some of the reasons I love Paris and miss her so.

The Eiffel Tower
that you can see from any of the bridges
that cross the Seine
especially the ones near Notre-Dame
where delicious crepes can be eaten on the go
while strolling along the banks of the river
with a homemade French baguette in hand
from a famous boulangerie
where accordion players serenade me
near the I'le Saint-Louis
lined with colorful storefronts
like florists
and the famous Berthillon ice cream
and on the way to the Marais
you can stop at your neighorhood cafe
to enjoy a flaky croissant
and a cafe au lait
served in white porcelain, cold to the touch
while you hear the music that is the French langauge being spoken
none of which includes the phrase oh la la
or sitting in a Paris garden
like the Luxembourg or Tuilleres
so perfect for picnics
with chestnut trees, and colorful blooming flowers
pouring over the iron balconies
that grace the apartment buildings
with Mansard roofs
that have huge floor-to-ceiling windows
that open toward the inside
and are decorated in the Louis-the something style
from treasures found at the Paris fleamarkets
like Vanves
and Clignacourt
which is just a short Metro ride away
the cobblestones
that glisten in the rain
and glow in the evening
lit by the ornate streetlamps
The haute couture
in the department store windows
the best French cuisine
prepared by the best chefs
in the best restaurants
with the cheapest red wine
which is still oh so delicious
served in cozy hole in the wall wine bars
along with French onion soup with thick melted cheese
enjoying the best confections, like macaroons
perfectly made at Laduree
and wrapped in exquisite packaging
the reserved and delightfully funny and stylish French people
especially the women with their scarves
and stiletto heels
and my dear friend, who is an adorable, funny, stylish, French woman
and food blogger
who shops at the best French food markets
and her handsome French hubby, who owns a Pharmacie
that has supplied me with some of the best French skin care
and pure French soap from Marseille
and finally, that je ne sais quoi that is Paris herself.
which is even more beautiful after dark
when Paris is all aglow

What do you miss about Paris when you are away from her? Haven't been? That's ok. Tell me what you think you'd miss!

janie
December 1st, 2008
Love your photo and your passion. It makes me want to go and get on a plane.

anne
December 1st, 2008
I haven’t been to Paris yet!! maybe one day soon!
I miss the French markets, the cafes, the food markets as well..so I think if I went, I would miss a lot more

My Melange
December 1st, 2008
Well, Mission Accomplished then!!

My Melange
December 1st, 2008
Hey, France totally still counts. Paris will always be there for you!

Terry Ann Black, RN
December 1st, 2008
I miss Paris in the Springtime
I miss Paris in the fall
I miss Paris in the summer, when it sizzles
I miss Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.
I miss Paris every season
Every season of the year
I miss Paris, why oh why do I miss Paris
Because my love is there.
Not really, but we did LOVE it!

My Melange
December 1st, 2008
Wow!! Never knew you had such a *fabulous* singing voice!!! It is hard not to fall in love with her. She leaves imprints on your heart

adrienne
December 1st, 2008
I have not been yet, but have always wanted to visit the old stomping grounds of Josephine Baker.
Oh and I would probably miss the shopping…:)
adrienne

My Melange
December 1st, 2008
Adrienne- that sounds like fun!! I take it you are a shopper You would love and miss the Marais with all its funky boutiques. I *so* hope you get there one day!!
Thanks for the comments. Come back soon.

shelbi
December 1st, 2008
oh my, ms. malange, I am going to be blog stalking you my friend. i have only dreampt of seeing Paris. ::: sigh :::
your blog is my new armchair travels daydreaming respite

My Melange
December 1st, 2008
Well Shelbi, pull up that comfy armchair grab a big bowl of cafe au lait or espresso and dig right in girl. That is what I’m here for! And your thoughts are *always* appreciated!! I’d be honored to have you dreaming over Paris on my blog.