Perhaps one of my most favorite past times while visiting Paris was walking the streets in the early morning. Starting from the fourth floor flat, I looked over the courtyard to surrounding rooftops. Neighbor’s windows right across the way reminding me of the Alfred Hitchcock movie “Rear Window.”
There was a heavenly boulangerie at the corner of our street. I could smell the bread baking in the middle of the night and if I was early enough the croissants were still warm from the oven.
When I first arrived in Paris I was a little apprehensive about safety, but the more I was there the more I saw women walking or running alone at all hours so I felt quite safe in the area we where staying in. Several embassies were located in the neighborhood and fancy cars passed us by on the streets. There were a good number of brasseries within a few blocks and if you looked at the right angle, the Eiffel Tower rose high above.
I was able to take my time and look at the nooks and crannies and discovered hidden gardens and Art Deco doorways. I rarely took the same route twice as each new turn revealed new treasures.
Once you have visited the “Must See” tourist attractions of Paris, you can begin enjoying the true Paris. The Paris that can be found only on the streets. The color, the historical architecture and the clean lines of the buildings. Early enough and you see that even the streets are still cleaned by individual street cleaners with brooms. An elegant town but yet a simple lifestyle that relies on good manners, care for one’s surroundings and an unhurried pace.
Lunches that are not rushed but rather to be savored at a sidewalk table and good conversation is the first course.
I could meander the streets of Paris for a year and still not even begin to see what this wonderful city has to reveal.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Great shots and wonderful commentary, Emily. I spent my junior year of college in Paris and was thrilled to visit again in 2011. I too love to wander through the streets of the city.One of friends has a bizarre sense of humor, so when I told him that I spent most of my trip walking the streets of Paris, he asked me, “So, did you make much money?” 🙂
LOL ! That is too funny Mike. Wow, I envy you so. Being able to study in Paris. Ooh La La !
Heading to Paris in September for the first time and I cannot wait to wander the streets and experience the true Paris!
Stay tuned on my blog as I’m posting from my week’s stay in Paris this last month. It will give you lots of travel tips and ideas of places to visit. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
What a gorgeous place! I’d love to visit someday! (Paris is definitely on my list of somedays’) 😉 great post!
I truly hope you can make it there some day as well Didi. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome 🤗
I love the atmosphere in your photos, lovely!
You are so very kind Roselinde. Thank you very much.
Very Parisian. I had a room in Paris with French windows in the late 60’s overlooking the rooftops. Your photo bring back memories.
Oh I can only imagine how wonderful it was back then Sherry. Thank you.
I am glad to see I am not the only one with a penchant for French window shutters and empty streets: aren’t they just charming? I never seem to get enough of them. And remember, whatever happens next, “you’ll always have Paris”.
I could spend all day chasing windows and doorways in Paris Fatima. Lucky you to be able to close to enjoy it when you can.
Hi, Emily! What a lovely post. You paint such a beautiful and vivid image of Paris both with your words, and your photos. Makes be feel and want to be there!
Thank you so much for such a kind and generous comment. My pleasure to share my Parisian experience with you.