A Gorgeous Day at Parc de la Villette in Paris
Bonsoir,
It’s 9:45 pm and we are just in from a busy day touring one of Paris’s largest parks, Parc de la Villette. We discovered last evening as we were strolling Le Paris Plages near us that there is another beach section on Canal St. Martin which evolves into La Parc de la Villette. But first, here are some great shots from last evening’s stroll. 
Now to today! Parisians love the Canal St. Martin and it’s something we haven’t seen or done in all of our years in Paris. And we hadn’t been to the Parc but once about six years ago. We saw totally new areas for us today as well as the most unusual, brand new Paris symphony hall which is located on the edge of the park. You can decide if you like it! It opened before it was finished much to the architect’s dismay. It appears to already have some structural problems and the maintenance will be difficult and expensive. It’s very artsy-fartsy, much like the new opera house at the Bastille. Enjoy first the pictures of the beach along the Canal.
There is a cruise which goes the full length of the canal and we had a great vantage point for watching the draw bridge.
Here are other areas of this massive park.
One of the extraordinary differences this year over other years is the extreme paranoia over picture-taking of people. We were stopped several times today and warned by security not to take pictures along the beach. There was all kind of fun stuff going on including a zip line, beach side table hockey, boules, and huge bubble boats that rocked and rolled. All would have made for great pics but no dice.
Finally, here’s the new symphony hall. The general theme on the roof, sides and tile floor is birds in flight.
Hope you have a great upcoming weekend. Tomorrow (Friday) is most likely a trip up to Montmartre, our absolute favorite.
À bientôt,
Linda & Bernie
July 31, 2015 @ 7:39 am
A fun day with beautiful weather! I hope Bernie caught some of that sunset form his window perch.
July 31, 2015 @ 11:06 am
What a great deal of interesting sights to see! Symphony Hall is certainly unique. I like the birds of flight concept, but maybe not the execution so much.
July 31, 2015 @ 1:24 pm
Now I’ll REALLY be envious of a day at Montmarte. Hope it’s a beautiful, cool, clear day for you. Temps down and NO humidity here today. Made for the first comfortable morning walk in a long time.
July 31, 2015 @ 2:55 pm
Any further information about why they have become so sensitive about picture taking? Does it have to do with the conservative Muslim believe in the idolatry of all human images?
Have to think about the Opera House. Strong lines, interesting material–but weird looking.
July 31, 2015 @ 3:56 pm
Totally agree. The new symphony hall is totally weird! As to the picture-taking, don’t really know other than the fears created by the Charlie Hebdo attack.
July 31, 2015 @ 8:44 pm
The Bilbros think the picture-taking deal is just the fact that the French are very private. They have had issues with both Google and Facebook in regard to privacy. You might read up on that to see what you find.
July 31, 2015 @ 3:08 pm
Enjoyed photos-felt like I was w you on the canal beach walk. Appreciated the carousel photo:) loved full moon photo. It is beautiful here also. Walked RTJ golf course last night by moonlight. It was so bright, no flashlights needed:) Was spectacular evening with lovely breeze, low heat & humidity. We were pinching ourselves ..not believing it was end of July instead of late Sept. Glorious weather expected through week end-a truly special gift from mother nature for all here. High 90″s / 100+ range w humidity returns Monday just as all the schools report back for fall. Anxiously awaiting your posts from Montmartre!
July 31, 2015 @ 3:53 pm
Love hearing from you, Karen!
July 31, 2015 @ 5:05 pm
Just to make sure I didn’t get left behind, I read ahead about Montmartre. One quote I noticed that you may keep in mind. “At night, the view is even more impressive and if you have managed to end up there with a lover, new or old, consider yourself lucky to be at the top of the food chain!” . Y’all enjoy yourselves.