Spring and Summer here in Paris is beyond beautiful. Not only does the sun finally come out, but so do all the delightful flowers. This spring, I headed over to the Champ de Mars, and spent a wonderful morning wandering around taking photos of the many beautiful flowers and blossom trees.
Have you ever walked past this big tower near Hôtel de ville on Rue de Rivoli, and thought ‘what is that?!’ If so, you’re not alone, with myself included. I have often been around this mysterious tower, and known nothing about it… untill now. What you are viewing is la Tour Saint-Jacques. Built in the early 16th century, the tower was part of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (yes you might have guessed it – ‘Saint James of the Butchery’). However, the church was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797, and all that remains today is the tower. After lots of reconstruction beginning in the 19th century and finishing in 2009, the tower was given a new facelift and brought back to its original splendor. However, la Tour Saint-Jacques still possesses an air of mystery. While you can access the square surrounding it, it’s another story with the tower itself. Often I have found myself by its gates, wondering if the lock preventing people from entering is ever unlocked – and only last week were …
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!
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 …
Paris has opened it’s arms to the Roland Garros, and those visiting the area around the Eiffel Tower will be welcomed by a giant descending ball and live coverage of the tennis on the Champs de Mars. For those who know me, will know how much my family and I love tennis, both playing and watching; and I am so excited for this year’s French Open! Not only to be able to while away the time watching the tennis by the Eiffel Tower like I did this weekend, but also because I will be attending the French Open this year!! My family will be coming over tomorrow, and we will spend the whole day there on Thursday – so keep checking out my instagram, as I can imagine I will be uploading quite a few photos! Who do you think is going to win this year? Could Nadal become the first man in tennis history to win the same Grand Slam title 10 times?! (I hope so!)
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 …
Róisín Astell 