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.
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!