All posts filed under: Paris by Arrondissements

Galerie Vivienne, Paris

The timeless Galerie Vivienne

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The weather here in Paris is absolutely stunning. However, for those who are like me and cannot cope with the unbearable temperatures that accompany such weather, do not fear. Why not escape the intense rays and escape into one of the many covered passages of the city? Located in the second arrondissement, my favourite covered passage is the Galerie Vivienne. Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is situated in a wonderful location – a stones throw away from the Palais-Royal and the Bibliothèque Richelieu. The ornamentation of Galerie Vivienne is splendid. As you walk through the passage, look down and admire the gorgeous mosaic tiling. Don’t forget to look up and around – the passage is adorned with interesting decorative designs and sculptures. Also, the entire passage is covered by glass ceiling, including a recently restored rotunda and glass dome adding extra opulence in this almost timeless arcade. Galerie Vivienne is not only adored for its elegant architecture and decorative designs, but also for it’s shopping. Of all the covered passages in Paris, Galerie Vivienne is …

Summer in Montmartre, Paris

Roses at Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre

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Summer has truly arrived here in Paris, which means that not only is it beautiful sunny weather but it is also the perfect time to go exploring around the city! Last week I headed to the 18th arrondissement, to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, and had a wonderful afternoon wandering the streets. Whilst there, it was hard not to be impressed by the stunning array of roses that have blossomed. Located in the Square Louise Michel Park, these gorgeous flowers welcome those heading up towards the Church. You can never have too many photos of flowers, right?  

Rue Crémieux, Paris

The Portobello Road of Paris – Rue Crémieux

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If ever there was a single road that could transport one out of the Haussmannian designed world of Paris architecture, and into a completely different sphere, then it would certainly be Rue Crémieux. Located in the 12th arrondissement, a stone throw away from Gare de Lyon, Rue Crémieux possesses a charm unprecedented within the city. The road is magnificent. Lined with beautifully coloured and decorated terrace houses, the rainbow-like facades could easily have been taken directly from Notting Hill’s very own Portobello Road and placed right bang in the middle of the French capital. As I was taking in the sheer variety of the houses, a sweet couple pointed out a signage to me, which marked the height in which a flood in 1910 reached – rising to around 6 feet tall. Rue Crémieux offers a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Here you can wander at your own leisure, thanks to the road being pedestrian only, so you don’t have to worry about being run over when taking photos!  

Les jardins du Musée des Archives Nationales, Paris

Les jardins du Musée des Archives Nationales, Paris

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Located in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement (also part of the Marais), the Musée des Archives Nationales is another of Paris’ hidden gems. Les Archives Nationales, which is held in the main building, is one of the largest archival collections in the world. As an historian I find that just incredible. The building in which the museum now stands was originally the Hôtel de Soubise. The hotel was built for the Prince and Princess de Soubise in the 18th century. However, since 1808 the building was appointed as property of the State, hence how it has become the home of the Archives Nationales. First opened to the public in 2011, the Jardins of the Musée offer visitors respite from the busy city. Opening up onto courtyard that is enclosed by archaic arcades and encircled by typical 19th century landscaping, the main entrance into the Musée des Archives Nationales transports visitors into the past. Here you can rest, or continue with a leisurely walk through towards the right hand side of the courtyard (when you’re …

The Promenade Plantee, Paris

The Promenade Plantée – A hidden gem of Paris

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Located in the 12th arrondissement is one of Paris’ hidden gems. The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont (tree-lined walkway en Anglais), is an exquisite promenade that stretches just under 3 miles (around 4.7 kilometers) spanning from the Bois de Vincennes to Place de la Bastille, via the old Vincennes rail line. Having walked across New York’s High Line last October, I was convinced that it was unique to the American city. However, Paris’ Promenade Plantée was in fact the very first green space constructed to form a public park/promenade, as it was inaugurated in 1993. Similar to New York’s High Line, the Promenade Plantée was erected from a disused railway line The entire promenade is aligned with a variety of beautiful flowers, plants and trees. It was almost like walking through a perfumery – the sheer amount of different plants was not only aesthetically magnificent, but also nice on the nose! The Promenade Plantée offers a variety of wonderful sights and experiences. Part of the promenade follows the route across a wooden …