Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Summer in the City


Paris in the summer boasts some very nice weather.  It's perfect for sitting outside at the cafes and parks.   We found it much cooler than we expected.  What we didn't bargain for were the huge crowds everywhere we went.  This photograph is a good example. The bateaux is packed to the gills and the bridge is full of pedestrians as well.  I can't even describe the sea of humanity pouring through Tuileries to the Champs Élysées.  I guess it's a trade off of sorts. What is your favorite season in Paris?

20 comments:

Octavian-Andrei Brezean said...

summer in Paris yeeey :D

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a great photo Virginia, so many people on the boat, would have made me a tad edgy! I think when we were there in May it was perfect, but i suspect i would love it in Paris at anytime!!

Linda Carswell said...

We were in Paris last year in Autumn....it was chilly, but the best thing about that time of the year is that there are hardly any tourists and you get a feel for what Paris is really like!

But I adore Paris any time of the year!!!

Vreni said...

Definitely spring!! November, when the Christmas decorations are already on, but it´s not yet too cold, is also a good date.

Janey and Co. said...

I only go in Spring or Fall...but given the chance I would take any season...crowds or no crowds...just to be there. I have Paris on my calendar for Oct. this year :)

M said...

Having been there in late August, mid June and mid April --- I would say printemps -- April was gorgeous! But, really, Paris ANYTIME is wonderful, I'm sure!! Great photo ... You can feel the crush of the crowd!

Amanda said...

Less tourists in spring and fall.
Summer is too crowded and a lot of stores and restaurants are closed, particularly in August.

Stephanie A. Mann said...

I am been in Paris in April, May, June, and November. When we have gone in November it has usually been around Armistice Day with flowers decorating the memorials to the fallen resistence fighters around the city and the chestnut vendors out. I love that time of year at home so I love it in Paris even more.

Daryl said...

I was there in August and it wasnt crowded because everyone in Europe is on holiday .. likely they're all here in Times Sq

Virginia said...

I"ve been in Nov., January (yes Jan, twice!), June and July. I"m the "I love Paris anytime" Girl. I will say that the crowds are a real turnoff for me but love not having to bundle up. I agree that late summer is not a good time as many restos and shops are closed and it gets hot and there's not much AC to be found.

Jack said...

Nice picture. I like European cities in April-May or September-October, but summer in the country is nice.

Starman said...

"What we didn't bargain for were the huge crowds everywhere we went." You're kidding, right? You went to Paris, the most popular tourist destination in the world, in the summer, and didn't expect crowds?

TheChieftess said...

Spring is my favorite season just about anywhere, except here!!! (summer here is the spring we never get...)

Virginia said...

Starman, yes we expected that it would be more crowded but were really amazed at the number of people that are willing to stand in a line for hours to shuffle through Notre Dame and the people coming up through Tuileries was mind boggling. Live and learn. Hey, when it's freezing in janvier, you can get in anywhere you want to on a moment's notice! :)

PeterParis said...

April, late September... or whenever you and other nice friends are around! :-)

Alexa said...

Not so many tourists in winter, but it gets dark so early!
When I lived in Paris, I actually liked being there in August, when everyone else left and I felt like the city was mine all mine (and I don't remember hordes of tourists then either). But I'll take it any time, of course!

Virginia said...

I see we have several wonderful months/seasons that we all love. I"ve never been in April or September as Peter suggested and I'd love to see it then. Meanwhile, I'll keep going whenever I can hitch a ride! I leave you with this....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_yN1R2b5M&feature=related

Pamela said...

I would love to go in the summer being that i love the warmth but the crowds...oh too much for me!
Yikes that boat looks like it might sink with all those folks!!

Unknown said...

I have only ever visited in winter, but will be experiencing my first summer there shortly.. glad to hear it wasn't too hot, I wondered why none of the apartments seemed to have air conditioning! Looks like all we will have to battle is the crowds!

Leif Hagen said...

Reminds me of my bateaux mouche ride with our Parisian friends Claude and Valerie in July 2009!