Strolling Paris And A Blogger Meet-up

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May 1st is a big holiday in France. All of the businesses, shops and musées are closed, as are many of the restaurants. This is the view from our breakfast table. Normally this street would be full of cars and pedestrians.

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We decided to take a stroll along the left bank of the Seine. Joggers were out in force, as we’re families with kids on bikes and scooters.

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One of the things I love about France is the abundance of art in public spaces. Art is almost a birthright here.

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Love locks on the Pont des Arts. Even the bouquinistes sell the locks which can be personalized with magic markers. This has spread to railings of other bridges as well and has become controversial. There’s a movement to ban the locks entirely under the premise that they desecrate landmarks.

Soon afterward we came across a street protest (wouldn’t be May Day in Paris without a protest or two, apparently) flanked by cops in riot gear. We were shooed to quite a distance by one of these cops who indicated this crowd might get nasty, so we turned into Saint Germain where everyone seemed to be out in huge streets (not protesting) and every other person seemed to be selling…

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Muguets! (Lily of the Valley) another May Day tradition. But I had an appointment, so we wandered toward the agreed-upon meeting place…

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Where I was soon joined by Josephine of Chic At Any Age who had come over from London on the train! Because of the holiday we decided to enjoy a leisurely lunch and then stroll and take photos. While it had poured the entire time we were eating, the weather cooperated, and the sun came out just as we began our stroll.

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Here’s Josephine, who I discovered has a wonderful eye for angles, composition and spotting what could be great images. We ambled through the Tuileries, looking for photo opportunities…

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And we practiced our selfie skills. 😉

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From Place de la Concorde we walked in the direction of the Opera Garnier, stopping along the way for some lèche-vitrines .

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We spied an open pharmacie and couldn’t resist popping in to check out the skin care selections. One of the things I love most about France is the pharmacies, where the staff are knowledgeable about the products and very helpful.

After that we stopped by our hotel to fetch le Monsieur and go for a cup of tea before it was time for Josephine to catch the train back to London. I had such a marvelous time with her, and she’s just as charming, lovely and personable as you’d imagine from reading her blog.

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Les magasins and boutiques are open again today, so we’re off to do some shopping. A new scarf or two may find its way into my basket… 😉

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42 Comments

    1. I don’t remember so many of them. The last time I was there they only covered about 1/3 of the space. Now it looks like it is filled up! That’s a lot of weight on the bridge.

      1. When were you there Cindy? I was last there in September 2012 and I think it was about 1/3 then.

      2. “That’s a lot of weight on the bridge”

        Exactly! Weight that was never factored in when the bridge was constructed. The sentiment is lovely, but they are compromising structural safety. That’s another premise under which they should be banned.

        1. They are actually having to replace the grills of the bridge on a regular basis. It’s not only hideously ugly but also a significant public expense.

  1. Two of my favorite bloggers who I would have loved to be touring Paris with…I love this post…great pictures, messages, and the company you keep! (May 1 is my youngest son’s birthday…so it is a holiday at our house!)

  2. May Day is Labour Day in most of the world, so normal that there should be protests. Most of the marches are utterly peaceful in Paris, but there are exceptions – usually easily avoided.

    I love the pharmacies too. They have everything from good skin cream to toothbrushes for people with sensitive teeth.

    1. If you were over on the Left Bank, that was most likely an antifascist demonstration in memory of Brahim Bouarram, who was murdered by overflow thugs at a Front National demonstration twenty (?) years ago. It was being organized by some fairly radical left groups, and neo-fascist goons like to go pick fights at these sorts of things. Sadly, Paris isn’t all pretty scenery.

  3. A new scarf? Are ya going to Hermes? The mothership??? Love the picture of you with Josephine and it’s so great you two got to meet! It looks like you two ladies had a wonderful time!

  4. What a wonderful day. We did walk! I was glad I was wearing my new trainers, very “a la mode”. Am having a bit of a rest today and processing my photos, have 2 very good ones of you Susan. What do you call 2 bloggers wandering round Paris. A duo, cluster, group, bevy who knows lets make a word up and lets do it again next year.

  5. Oh what a perfect way to spend a rainy day. I would love to meet Josephine myself, as I will be in London in October. Should I start a blog, too? Ha! Keep those photos coming!

  6. This brings back so many fond memories of my visit to Paris last fall. The weather looks fairly similar. I so love Paris. My-Reason-for-Living-In-Chicago, agreed that the strolls we took through the Marais and the Jardin du Luxembourg with a bag of freshly baked Madeleines were the most memorable of our entire trip. I loved everything about Paris and enjoy looking at those scenes on your blog! Thanks for posting!

  7. I missed the muguets this year. I love May 1 in Paris. I so enjoy les vitrines. Did you try any different products? I want Josephine’s hair when my greying project is complete. It looks like you two had a lot of fun!.

  8. I’m so envious of you both meeting up and having such a great time in Paris! I went there for my 65th birthday and am thinking of returning again this year for my 67th…..! I’m looking forward to hearing about all your purchases!

  9. A lovely post, thank you. Especially appreciate shots of art on the streets. Hope I can make it to Paris one day, just for that if nothing else.

  10. Love the photo of Josephine and you. I been enjoying all the photos you have shared on your tip. It brings back lovely memories of when I was there. Thanks for sharing!

  11. I just love hearing about your Parisian adventure! Thank you ever so much for sharing my dear!

    xoxo
    Tamera

  12. This looks like so much fun! And I have such Paris envy. Can’t wait to see what makes into your bag.

  13. Ooh scarves! I had an afternoon in Paris a few months ago and the one thing I made sure to pick up was a scarf. (Also, it was cold and wet so I wanted a scarf to keep warm).

    Looks like you’re having a lovely time. Thanks for sharing your travel pics.

  14. Please tell us what products you purchase at the phamacies! Thank you and safe travels.

  15. I’ve just come from Josephine’s blog and yours is next in my reader, Susan I am so delighted that both of you lovely women met. I do like the “selfie” and those flowers are superb. I hope you and monsieur continue to have a lovely time.

  16. Fantastic post with wonderful pictures. I love you both! I thought Josephine’s raincoat looked lovely in the photos–but then both of you looked tres chic — Susan your sense of style is impeccable. I wish wish wish I were there with you! Sally

  17. I´ve just found your wonderfull blog and I adore it. I was in Paris 2 weeks ago writting my blog, and I miss this citty. I love Paris. I´m following you. Thank you for sharing this moments with us. kind regards from Barcelona ( and sorry for my poor English )

  18. Looks like you are having a great time, as usual. I sincerely miss Paris when I stare at your photos! Have few macaroons on my behalf, one of each flavour!
    Au revoir!