Paris, Je T’aime

What is there to say about the most amazing city in the world. Each time I visit Paris I find a new reason to fall in love with the city. Autumn in Paris has been by far the best time to visit, with the leaves changing colors, the brisk temperature perfect for frolicking through the city, Parisians trotting around in their best autumn attire. It truly is remarkable how magical the city is. Almost like a film, where it seems nothing has changed in the past 80 years, everything just as picturesque as it was when Ernest Hemingway or James Joyce roamed the streets during the 1920s.

First to check of the list when going to Paris is of course the tourist destinations. The Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame, and last but definitely not least the Eiffel Tower. What amazes me most about the city of Paris is how everything changes at night. Notre Dame goes from a majestic church to the castle of the hunchback. Sacré-Cœur during the day stands tall, while at night seems only a light off in the distance. The Eiffel tower goes from a monumental structure to one of the most beautiful sights in the city, shining brighter than the stars. Be it day or night, Paris truly is amazing.

While the typical Parisian sights are incredible, what sets Paris apart from any other city in the world is the unknown elements. Things such as the best place to get crepes, the best bookstore, which cemetery to go to, and which markets are the best. While I had been to Paris before, not all of these things had been discovered, so I made this my priority. Out of all of the things I saw in Paris, one of my all time favorites was Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Recommended by a friend living in Paris, this bookstore now holds the key to my heart. Shakespeare and Company has had some 50,000 writers stay in its midst (the store also serves as a sleeping facility, with 13 beds). People such as Henry Miller, Anais Nin, Allen Ginsberg and Ernest Hemmingway spent hours writing and sleeping in this bookstore back when it opened. The history of the store itself can be seen on the bookshelves, finding books that have been signed and dated by the author.  Right in the heart of Paris opposite Notre Dame, Shakespeare and company is a reading library as well as a bookstore, and specializes in English- language literature. With the faint sound of Debussy’s Claire De Lune playing in the background, this bookstore served as the perfect stop to sit back and enjoy a read while gallivanting around Paris.

All in all, Paris proved itself to be one of the most remarkable cities. Everything about the city was breathtaking. Every word of French spoken was perfect, every sunset picturesque. What else is there to say other than Paris, Je t’aime.

The Moulin Rouge

The Louvre

Arch De Triomphe

Versailles Gardens

Versailles

A couple from Belgium got engaged at Versailles. I was able to capture the moment.

Worlds Best Crepes

Luxembourg Palace

View from Sacre Couer

The Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame

Dancing in the Opera House

The Picture Perfect Sunset

Shakespeare And Company Bookstore

The Perfect bed in the perfect bookstore