Paris (July 2018)

The French capital is a city of contrasts, having housed the most sensitive artists of history but also a large niche of immigration from all around the world. However, being fully conscious of the so-called Paris syndrome, and having heard of how dirty and smelly the city was, and how obnoxious people there were, I arrived there with quite low expectations. Perhaps this was a great strategy, as the city of lights really dazzled me: I don't think there is a street of Paris in which you cannot find something nice to see, and where a historical event took place. The found the architecture quite particular to the city. In fact, I don't think I have seen similar things anywhere else in Europe. Not knowing French, beyond a few words, some numbers, and the words that I could infer from either Spanish or Italian, I found that people were quite eager to help me speak in French. Moreover, I got the feeling that Paris is a city of open arms, where you can find a place for whatever your hobbies may be.

I visited the city with my parents and my sister, when they came all the way from Colombia to visit me. Paris was the first stop of a sort of European tour in the summer of 2018. Sadly, on the fourth day of our trip my camera suddenly snapped and switched off and I was cursed to take the pictures of the rest of the places that we visited with my smartphone.

Eiffel tower

Perhaps one of the most iconic features of the Parisian skyline, the Eiffel tower was one of the first places we visited. Having such a large prominence, it can be seen from different parts of Paris with relative ease. After spending almost a week in Paris, I wouldn't get tired of seeing the tower.

The Seine

Strolling along the river is the excuse to see some of the most beautiful bridges that I have ever seen. Of them, I found the Pont Alexandre III the most impressive of all, although the Pont Neuf was a close competitor.

Connie & the Pont Alexandre III
from another perspective
My parents, Connie and the bridge
Pont neuf and the Île de la Cité

Les Invalides

Napoleon and the greatness of La France are almost synonyms, and he could not be resting in peace in any other place less palatial.

Les Invalides
The main square
Overwatch forever by Napoleon himself

Notre-dame

This cathedral is the epitome of the gothic architecture in France. It was the place chosen for the coronation of Napoleon I (a painting of which can be seen in the Louvre), and its bells and gargoyles were made immortal by Victor Hugo in one of his masterpieces. Besides, the Crown of Thorns, one of the most precious reliques of Christianity, is guarded inside the Cathedral.

Façade of the cathedral
Jeanne d'Arc
Gargoyles
and their artistic version

Sainte-chapelle

This chapel was ordered by King Louis IX, and its initial purpose was to hold the relics that France had acquired in the previous years, and thus consolidate it as the head of western Christianity. It is particularly impressive that on the ground there are no walls. Instead, the chapel is completely surrounded by stained glass (and the weight of the structure is held by the arcs and columns).

Lower ground sculptures
Stained glass windows
Jesus and the chapel

Sacré-cœur

This basilica is on top of the Montmartre hill, which is the most elevated point in Paris. From it, you can see a nice landscape of the city, of which the Eiffel tower is a central figure.

The basilica
Climbing to the top
To see Paris from above
Gargoyles
Connie and Paris

Montmartre quartier

Known as the neighborhood of the artist, you need to spend only a few minutes to understand why that is the case. There is something in the air that brings out your sensibilities.

Le Louvre

The building used to be the palace of somebody in the Parisian aristocracy (that is, not from the royalty), but after the French revolution it was made of the people and began housing works of art. Nowadays, it is the most visited museum in the world, being inside made me a bit anxious. In fact, so many people go there every day to see the Mona Lisa, that you have to cue to enter the room, and then fight the crowd to get a glimpse of her. However, at that point, you are still a few meters (at least two) away from the painting, which, on top of that, is behind a thick glass that makes it difficult to watch it.

The first glampse
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
The iconic crystal pyramid