Matinée au Jardin du Luxembourg

This sunny November morning,  I had my choice of green chairs around this fountain at the Jardin du Luxembourg. No kiddos sailing boats, but a few pigeons to keep me company.

I Love Paris in November!

Paris in November. I love the bare trees, the fall color...tout!

Square du Vert-Galant

Autumn in Paris. I can't wait to get back there!

Avant et après

As many of you know, I was in Paris last November during the terrorist attacks. We arrived on 12 novembre, so we spent almost a week in Paris in the aftermath. I've not spoken much about our time there but thought I'd share some images for the next few days, chronicling Paris before and after that horrendous evening.

Galerie Vivienne, one of the most beautiful of Paris' passages, was directly across from our apartment. I snapped this on our walk back home our first night in Paris. It strikes me how quiet and peaceful it looks. Built in 1823, it is one of the prettier passages and very well kept with lovely shops and places to dine. 

Les balcons à Paris

It is no secret that November in Paris is a favorite of mine. I try and reassure friends that the leaves are turning a fabulous golden yellow, but also, the flowers on the balconies are still spilling over in reckless abandon. I don't know WHAT they feed those geraniums. Today a photo taken last Novenber 14th. I rest my case.

Paris Rouge - les feuilles

Along the Seine, just behind Notre Dame, the vines add seasonal color. J'adore novembre in Paris

L'homme

I spotted this man in silhouette at the other side of this tunnel. I took some shots and then I think he spotted me. Shortly, he walked into the tunnel and came in and out of sight, always seeming to keep me in sight. Something told me I needed to turn and leave the quai. Sometimes I listen to that inner voice. 

Automne à Paris

Rue Bonaparte. This trip, I'll be very close.  Hope they don't sweep up those beautiful brown leaves before I get there.

Novembre à Paris

 Dripping in glorious vines.

La Croix

Forgive me if I repeat myself,  but I really think Novembre might just be the best time to visit Paris. The vines, which we call Virginia Creeper here in the south, had turned such glorious colors that we found ourselves swooning over every courtyard. Could you blame us?

Les Feuilles

I think November in Paris may be stealing my heart for my favorite time of the year.  There was so much to love: the colors of the turning leaves, the geraniums on balconies STILL in full bloom, moderate weather, the city decked out for Christmas and..........not so many tourists!

At The Risk.......

 of boring you silly with fall leaves in Paris...... I post yet another. I hope you will bear with me. I've not seen any color or leaves in Paris for about three years as I always visit in January. This trip was an absolute delight, filled with geraniums, Virginia Creeper and the fall leaves. I couldn't resist.

Photo Month in Paris - Yousuf Karsh

If you love Paris and you love photography, then November is the month you need to go!  For the entire month, fabulous exhibits, many free, are offered all over Paris from the Grand Palais to the smallest galleries.  We didn't opt for the extravaganza Paris Photo, at the Grand Palais, but in one day saw three terrific exhibits, at no cost.  Today we visit the Mona Bismarck American Center, just across the Seine from la Tour Eiffel.  The Yousuf Karsh exhibit was excellent.  You might not have know his name but you certainly would know his work.

Mona Bismarck American Center

34 Avenue de New York

75016 Paris

Day 5 - Jardin du Luxembourg

Novembre

2008

À travers les branches

Novembre à Paris!

Automne dans le Marais

These photographs were taken almost exactly a year ago in le Marais district of Paris. I just love the colors of this "Virginia creeper" and the fallen leaves almost as much as I loved walking the streets and photographing this old and lovely part of Paris.

12.12.08

" Great Big Showoff"

"Monsieur et le vin"

( No, I did not ask permission to take this one!)

"Remembering"

Montmartre Cemetery

" Musee du Louvre"