Saturday, July 31, 2010

A Charming Courtyard - Village St. Paul


This last trip was the first time that I've had the opportunity to just stroll my neighborhood by myself and explore the little nooks and crannies that make Paris so very special. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love experiencing Paris with my Paris loving family and friends. I think Paris is best shared with others, but it's also fun once and while to just strike out on your own and see what you can find.

There is an area of the Marais called the Village - St. Paul. It's a series of charming little shops and cafes, often tucked into tiny courtyards, that hold some wonderful surprises. When I wandered in this lovely place, I found this interesting chair and a table that looked as if an artist had just left. Along the wall were these colorful photographs. I might have bought one, but alas, noone was around. I made myself at home of course!

12 comments:

Alexa said...

What a find, V—and you made the most of it! (And I know just what you're talking about. Sometimes you really need to wander on your own, take all the time you want to compose a shot, and not feel guilty about doing what you love to do.)

cocoa and coconut said...

Paris is definitley an amazing place to share with others! I love the area of Marais!!

Sheila said...

I enjoyed reading about your quiet discovery. When I first arrived in Paris six years ago I was alone for about 12 hours before my daughter's flight from Rome arrived. After checking in at the little hotel, I thought I'd explore and set off alone, knowing that I was within blocks of Notre Dame. I remember how comfortable I was exploring by myself and my first glimpse of that beautiful cathedral. It is a special memory.

Louis Duke Photography said...

oh my goodness, I so love this.

MadAboutParis said...

Let's face it, we adore Paris when it's hot, when it's cold, when we have a group of bloggers, or when we take off on our own adventures...just as long as we can regroup at night at Café Nemours for a coupe!

TheChieftess said...

The first time I visited Paris, I was traveling alone...and celebrating my 30th birthday!!!! I was recently divorced, and decided to do my European trip I never took after college when my sisters did. I met a lot of people in youth hostels during my travels. On my birthday, I went with two new friends to the ballet at the opera house, then to the left bank for a late dinner. We accidentally walked through the red light district and laughed all evening about how we realized why all those women were standing in the doorways along the road!!!

Harriet said...

This is one of the places that I also 'discovered' on my last trip. Had lunch at a very small cafe there. Thanks for the memory.

Katie said...

Lovely place to sit and absorb the magic that is Paris. Great little photo exhibit; too bad no one was around to take your Euros! You brought home your own amazing Paris photos though.

Virginia said...

i love it when you all share your sprecial memories with me and my readers. Wouldn't it be fun to gather at a cafe in Paris and share reminisce with each other over glasses of vin!

Welcome Sheila and Louis. I think it's your first time here or maybe your first comments. Please stop by often.
V

Starman said...

It does look like the place is set up for a sale. The artist must have needed a "break".

Owen said...

Intriguing... maybe the artist was still sitting there... but having gone transparent for a while, like a chameleon, changing colors...

Shell Sherree said...

I love the way these are pegged onto the clothes line! A happy find, V.