Discovering the Unknown in Paris
Bonjour,
Sunday afternoons are somehow meant for strolling, especially amid beautiful weather.
After a quick trip to the Bastille market, we ate a light lunch and talked about what we wanted to do for the rest of the day. As we clicked off all the various places we could go, we finally settled on a stroll down new streets going to places unknown. Admittedly, we’re still struggling with embracing the area around our apartment, but we’re trying.
There is one church down from La Place de la Republique that I see when we go to the Monoprix. That was our first stop and a pleasant one, l’Eglise Sainte-Elizabeth of Hungary. It’s a massive, slightly unkept Romanesque church with gorgeous stained glass and listed as a historic monument.
This was the start of rue de Temple and we walked the entire length of the street all the way to Rue de Rivoli. It began very quietly with almost no one around and all shops closed, many abandoned with street repair and construction everywhere. We ended up in the very vibrant, active area behind the BHV, the big department store in the Marais. It clarified clearly how the area we are in differs from what we are accustomed to as we saw it slowly emerge in front of our eyes. We have certainly learned some new subway routes and how things are connected. Line 1 has always been our thoroughfare but we’re expanding our knowledge.
So, not a bad stroll on a nice day. Thanks for joining us! And here’s some unique Café chairs from the day.
À bientôt
L & B
August 22, 2022 @ 11:03 am
I very much enjoyed being on your stroll with you today! The church was lovely despite needing a little cleaning. I like when you capture everyday life in flowers, businesses and interesting sites. Climbing to the moon on the subway stairs was an unexpected treat.
August 22, 2022 @ 1:49 pm
Merci, Cindi! Glad you enjoyed!
August 22, 2022 @ 11:58 am
The subway stairs art– love it! A real encouragement to keep climbing.
August 22, 2022 @ 12:05 pm
I wonder why some people and places enjoy finding ways to make things just a little nicer, more interesting and more fun. At the same time, making improvements and enhancements never even cross the mind of other folks or places. Probably lots of reasons.
August 22, 2022 @ 1:21 pm
Thank You Linda! We just make reservations for June 2023 and we are staying in the area you last mentioned with a view of Notre Dame. We are planning to get a loadable Metro card and wanted to know if you guys ever used the Navigo Easy? I read the ability to buy 10 Metro tickets (paper) is no longer available. Thanks again!
August 22, 2022 @ 1:51 pm
Martin, we use a regular Navigo card which we load every year on the first day of each month. The 10-ticket carnet is still available though they vow that it’s being phased out. You can buy a 5-day ticket (just one) but you have to really hold on to it. I don’t know the particulars of a Navigo Easy. Sorry!
August 23, 2022 @ 6:09 pm
I love the churches in Europe. They are so peaceful and beautiful, reverent and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this today. Your entire stroll photos are delightful. Beauty everywhere if you just notice it, and you did!
August 25, 2022 @ 5:42 am
The stained glass looked more like photos in that church. And it certainly needs some cleaning. As to the history while sipping…it’s so hard to truly grasp the 1300’s we’re right where you were. That doesn’t seem fathomable! Adored the subway steps!!
August 25, 2022 @ 6:31 am
Glad you’re back to reading!!!