Postcards From Paris: La Tour Eiffel
The cool morning breeze wakes me. I open my eyes to an unfamiliar room. I’m back in Paris! Smiling to myself because it’s another beautiful morning in the French capital.
There’s a knock at the door. We’re greeted with a warm smile and a Bonjour. Le petite dejeuner, or breakfast, has arrived. Hubby and I sit down at our small table facing a quiet residential street. Warm croissants so buttery they coat our lips, so delicate that with each bite flakes fall from our mouths. That aroma that can only come from French cafe au laitdances around our room.
Hubby has business meetings to attend and I have all afternoon to myself. Alone, but in Paris I never feel lonely.
I spend my alone time doing what I love most in Paris, walking. This time I’m walking the streets of Paris as a tourist not as a resident. No matter my reason for being here I feel the same sense of adventure and discovery in every step I take.
I make my way to one of our old neighborhoods. Eventually ending up at the front gate of our first flat. I don’t dare type in the digicodeto see if I can swing the heavy metal gate open. Instead I peek between the metal gate and down the corridor to the bright courtyard. Standing there daydreaming of our early European days.
Down the street peering from old Mansard rooftops and terracota chimneys is the famous landmark. Taking the very same route I used to every morning I head towards it. The cement sidewalks turn into gravel and grassy pathways of the Champ de Mars. There she is, La Tour Eiffel.
Suddenly memories rush through me and I feel as though we never left. The gravel paths we walked so many times. The grass that our puppy ran around chasing other dogs. The countless picnics we had gazing up in awe at the Eiffel. That one unforgettable Bastille Day (French Independence Day) that gave me goose bumps and secretly brought me to tears. The countless hours we spent in the observation deck queue. Pretending that my fear of heights wasn’t bothering me as we looked over the magnificent views. Occasionally pinching ourselves to make sure we weren’t dreaming. But none of it was a dream it all really happened. So many cherished memories.
I find a quiet bench to rest my tired feet. Sitting there once again I am reminded of how lucky I’ve been. I live in Europe. I get to be here on this bench looking up at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. This used to be my park, the one I walked every morning. My house used to be right down the street. And even though I don’t live here any more I get to come back for a visit. In the distance I can hear the hoards of tourist but on this pathway and by this bench no passers by. I feel as though I’m the only one here. Lucky indeed.
Gaze up and camera hanging from my neck I make my way around the tower. Wanting to take a little piece of this memorable day with me, I point the camera up. I’m looking for unique perspectives and views I could have missed. Taking my time and patiently waiting to press the shutter until the frame feels right.
On my walk back to the hotel I stopped at our old boulangeriefor a baguette. It was still warm, oh how I love that. I ended my day trip to the Eiffel tower doing my two favorite things in Paris, walking and eating a piece of freshly baked baguette. It was a great day.
Gorgeous clicks! I love that retro processing…
Cheers,
Rosa
Thank you Rosa!
Nancy, thanks for that virtual stroll around Paris. Your photos are very atmospheric. It must have been lovely to visit your old haunts.
Hi Hester,
Thank you :)
nothing beats freshly baked baguette.
Nope ;)
Lucky you.
Thanks!
Beautiful post Nancy!!! You have captured the Eiffel to perfection :)
Hi Nandita,
Thank you so much;)
I once lived in the 7th arrondissement and I know how lovely and awe-inspiring the Eiffel Tower is under any time of day or any circumstances. Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Victoria,
It appears we have another thing in common:) Thanks!
such wonderful pics; have fun
Thank you Priya!
What wonderful light and angles you have captured. I was in Paris just before Xmas but I only had a point and shoot and there never seemed to be the time to wait for the perfect photo.
You have made me want to return to Turin, Italy, where I lived for nine years in my twenties, just to see it again through older eyes.
Hi Suzanne,
That’s too bad that you didn’t have the time. But a great excuse to have to come back;) You should go back to Turin. I find it fascinating to see places from my pasts. Thank you!
Oh how beautiful. I miss Paris every day. Great photos. Enjoy every second for me.
Hi Emily,
Thank you and I hope you come back soon ;)
This made my day. I connect with this so incredibly much! “Alone, but in Paris I never feel lonely.” I’ve never lived in Paris but I spent time there alone while my boyfriend was working and I have never been happier. :) have an incredible time.
Hi Keely,
Thank you and glad to hear you connected with my story. You know exactly how Paris can make one feel.
this was lovely to read, You caught me up in every feeling you described, and I loved the photos
Hi Tania,
Thank you so much:)
You have made me smile! Thanks! Well, it is meant to be ‘April in Paris’ and I am reading this, with great enjoyment, in May, but there are more interesting views of the Tower than I have ever taken or seen :) !
He Eha,
Thank you so much and glad to hear that this made you smile :)
Lovely writing and wonderful photographs! Paris me manque beaucoup, much more than I thought it would.
Thank you! Well you must return for a visit very soon.
I have dreamed of visiting Paris, thank you for taking me with you on your walk today, it was so lovely to experience it from your perspective–personal, like an old friend. The photos are stunning.
Hi Judy,
It was my pleasure, thank you. You must realize that dream. Paris awaits you and it will be everything plus you’ve dreamed of:)
Your photos make me miss Paris so much… I cannot wait to go back! Absolutely beautiful photos!
I hope you have a blast. Well in Paris it’s pretty hard not to. Thanks :)
What a beautiful read accompanied by equally gorgeous images. Paris captured my heart, too, and I can only imagine what it must have been like to actually call it home for a time. You have me longing to visit again. You have summed up what would have been a perfect day for me, too. :)
Hi Jean,
Thank you so much! You should come back for another visit soon.
Ahhhh so nice. I loved reading your stories pretending that it’s me. LOL. Your story ended with stopping by boulangerie for the nice warm baguette. Perfect trip to Paris…
Hi Nami,
Thank you:)
Stunning! Paris is my favorite city in the world. I’ve never been as lucky as you to have lived there, but part of my heart always lives on in the French capital. Thank you for this lovely window into your time in Paris.
Hi Victoria,
Thank you and it was my pleasure :)
So gorgeous! When I finally make my way there…you must be my guide!
Definitely!