Les Halles

 Last summer while in Paris I visited the renovation site of Les Halles, where there was a wonderful exhibit of old photos documenting the history of this grand old market.

Once known as "the belly of Paris" Les Halles remained the largest & most important open air market in France up until the mid twentieth century. The 800 year old steel & glass pavilions were the hub of food distribution for the entire city.

Bustling with activity the market was the mother of all French markets & the heart beat of the city of lights.

However, the overriding success of the market came to be it's eventual downfall. Due to traffic congestion bottlenecking the city center & the growing problems of sanitation, the market was shut down & moved to outlying suburbs. 

 The 1960's saw the beautiful pavilions torn down leaving a gapping whole in the landscape that remained vacant for several years to come.

Redevelopment of the area was controversial from the start. Parisians looked on with skeptical curiosity as the "modern" underground shopping mall & metro station began construction.

Unfortunately the hope for the new commercial space was never realized. Claustrophobic & difficult to navigate the colossal design was never embraced by the public & slowly fell into urban decline.

Today Les Halles is undergoing yet another transformation in hopes of uplifting & revitalizing one of Paris' most historic ares. The renovation should be completed by 2016. I look forward to returning to Paris at that time to see just how it has all turned out.

I am linking up with Paulita & her Dreaming of France meme.

The photos above were my shots of some of the oversized photos in the exhibition at the construction site.

People Watching in Paris

One of the great pleasures of traveling is the simple act of people watching & there is no better place for it than  in Paris. Last summer I had the opportunity to wonder the streets of Paris admiring not only the beauty of the city of lights but the people that inhabit it.

I hope you have enjoyed this little gallery of people watching. And because I am dreaming of France today I am linking up with Paulita at The Accidental Blog & her Dreaming of France meme.

Paris

Day 3




I spent most of my third day at the Musée d' Orsay, one of my favorite places.


Although I have been many times before, there have been quite a few changes since last I was there. And really I never tire of seeing the amazing collection of art in this handsome building, once the train station for the Paris-Orléans line.



Being alone, it was a pleasure I could grant myself, staying all day & luxuriating in the beaty of this magnificent museum.


I even indulged in a lovely lunch in the majestic formal dinning room upstairs.


Both old world elegance & modern sophistication made it the perfect spot to relax & dine before viewing more of the paintings I love.


Afterwards I just walked enjoying my last day in Paris.


In spite of it's incredible beauty the city was already beginning to feel oppressively hot & crowded.


And as much as I had enjoyed my stay, I was starting to look forward to the peace & tranquility of the countryside.


It was time to move on after a perfect three days in Paris.

Paris

Day 2


On my second day in Paris I enjoyed being a total tourist.


I started off my day with a visit to this elegant pâtisserie,


where one finds, I am told, the best macaroons in Paris.


A few of these jewel like confections in every imaginable flavor made for a perfect little treat for later in the day.


Lunch time in the Tuileries was happily busy & crowded. It can be hard to find an empty chair but the wait is worth it for a typical Parisian picnic in the park.


After a visit to the Jeu De Paume & the Musée de l' Oranerie, which proved to be both beautiful & a cool respite from the heat.....


......I found that the crowds had dispersed & that there were chairs to be had to wile away the afternoon.


I made my way to Le Marais & bought a falafel here where they most certainly have the best of its kind in Paris.



I walked to la Place des Vosges where, although I am a big fan of the iPad, I was surprised to see this. Large screens are place in front of buildings, which are under renovation & advertisers pay large sums to put their mark on the exterior. I guess I would have to say at least that it was discreetly done with the photo of the building underneath.


I ate my falafel in the park, my second picnic of the day. There was a lovely & lively atmosphere. It seems everyone comes out in the early evening, children playing, tourists & residents alike sitting on benches or lounging in the grass.


When I am alone, I rather prefer to eat this way, although there are many lovely little bistros & restaurants to choose from.


I did treat myself to some of the most delicious handmade sorbet I have ever tasted, which was delightfully refreshing.


Afterwards, I simply wandered the streets marveling at the beauty of this magnificent city.


I passed some of the grand monuments as the light was fading & the sun setting.


It was another beautiful day in Paris.

Paris in 3 Days

Day1

Because I made my reservations on such short notice I was not able to book a flight directly to Toulouse as I have been doing for the past few years. The only flight I could get was to Paris & then take the train down to the southwest. Well, Paris was ok by me & in order not to be too jet lagged before taking that long night train, I decided that I really needed to stay in Paris at least a few days. Wouldn't you agree?
I had hoped to post my Parisian adventures as they happened from my hotel but as fate would have it the wifi was not working. But here, a little late, is my first day in Paris.


Every trip to Paris must have at least one photo of the Tour Eiffel. I took mine through the window of a bus as I rode by.


I used to live in Paris about 15 years ago, so I chose a little hotel in my old neighborhood. I arrived on Wednesday, market day just as it was 15 years ago.


After strolling through my old neighborhood & the market, my first stop was Poilane's boulangerie!


I saw lots of Soldes ( sales ) & bought a T shirt for 3€.


Saw lots of iconic places.


Rode the Metro & lots of great buses.


Had lunch here.


It was hot but the woman at the table across from me had a fan.


I loved the old mirrors that gave the atmosphere extra old world charm.


Went to this park.


Enjoyed resting & people watching.


Wanted to peek in this door.


Looked up a lot.


Walked across the Seine.


Saw the face lift of Notre Dame.


Marveled at the of Paris roof lines


And the shadows that they cast. It was a perfect day in Paris.