Paris - Summer, 2022

Arriving into Paris aboard the Eurostar places you in the center of this magical city. The bullet train arrives at Gare du Nord and a short taxi drive can get you to the River Seine in 15 minutes. We had an apartment halfway between in the La Marais neighborhood so our ride was even shorter. 

Our apartment was let by Plum Guide and we were not disappointed. An agent met us outside and walked us up to our second floor flat. He explained the utilities (washer/dryer and wash-machine, etc.) and then left us the keys for our stay. We liked what we saw virtually when we reserved the place  online. We fell in love with it when we entered the space. Although it was well over a100 years old, it was up to date and charming. It looked out into a courtyard and was super quite.

In the past we have always stayed in Latin Quarter on the Left Bank. So after settling into our new quarters we headed out to reconnect with our former neighborhood in the 3rd arrondissement. It felt like coming home as we walked along the avenues, and rues, and boulevards of Paris. Fortunately our favorite shops were open and we promptly secured a fresh baguette at La Prisienne Boulangerie, a couple cheeses from Laurent Dubois Fromagerie, and a bottle of Bordeaux at Le Repaire de Bacchus. Then it was down to the banks of the Seine to sit and watch the river sparkle, wave a passing boats, and pay homage to the cathedral of Notre Dame. 

Art, style, and design. We encountered these quintessential French elements wherever we walked in the La Marais neighborhood. Small shops dotted the streets with windows that beckoned us to come in. It was fun to talk with the owners as they were so kind to use English so we could converse. They were eager to explain the process of making their products, whether from leather, or wool, cotton or wood. They were artisans with simple yet tasteful creations that reflected their amazing skill and craft. 

The Parisian cafe is an institution that hs no rivals. Its all about relaxing together amidst strangers and friends. Their signature seating has chairs paired side by side so you look out onto the street together. We stopped numerous times at sidewalk cafes to people watch and enjoy a bite or a sip. Is there anything better than to sit with an espresso and your partner and chat without end? Joie de vivre! 

As it turns out La Marais was the historic Jewish quarter of Paris. For long years this neighborhood was filled with thousands of families whose roots were Jewish and nationality French. Tragically, we learned that during WW II their fellow citizens were complicit with their arrest and removal from their homes and city. There is in an amazing museum that chronicles the history and plight of the Jews of Paris called the Memorial de la Shoah. We visited the current special exhibit, "By the grace of God, the Churches and the Shoah”. It tells the complicated story of how various church leaders and individuals supported or resisted antisemitism in France.

The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was tragically damaged by fire in April, 2019. Since then it is undergoing a rigorous repair. Helpful and interpretive signage adorns the fence that surrounds its perimeter and describes the painstaking process of restoring this gem to its former majesty. It is hoped to be reopened by 2024. That is also the year that Paris will host the summer of Olympics and welcome the worlds finest athletes. 

Paris truly is a champion among our world’s cities. There are endless streets and a harmonious skyline that beckons one to explore. We were thrilled to walk and encounter countless treasures, for the eye, for the tastebud and for the soul.