On Sunday the riders in the Tour de France were making the final leg of the race, from Versailles to Paris. I joined the welcoming committee at the Tuileries and watched the peloton pass a few times as it completed the 10 laps between the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe that mark the end of the race. Then I walked up the Champs-Élysées to listen to the broadcast of the closing ceremony and watch the light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe. The riders go so fast and stay so close together; it’s an astounding level of control.
The peloton flies by
L’Arc de Triomphe, lit yellow to celebrate the completion of the 100th Tour de France
In the late summer (just for fun), Paris sets up man-made beaches along the banks of the Seine complete with sand, reclining chairs, umbrellas, and the requisite ice cream and beverage vendors. No car traffic is allowed on the adjacent street, so people bring their kids and their dogs and camp out for picnics or just lounging around. I joined them one sunny afternoon and found a nice spot under an umbrella right along the riverside. It’s a pretty cool civic perk during a time when many residents prefer to leave the city for their vacations.
Paris Plages
The Rodin museum is one I remembered well from my first visit to Paris many years ago. It is set in an 18th-century mansion with creaky wooden floors and a large outdoor garden. While I’m still a novice at art appreciation (even after so many European museums), Rodin is one of my favorites. It was good to see his classics are still holding up and attracting new fans.
The Thinker
Since it is my last week here, I’ve been doing a lot of walking around and stealing looks at Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower from various vantage points. It’s nice having them jump out as you turn corners or cross bridges just to remind you–“you’re in Paris!”
Eiffel Tower, all-time finalist for best places to take a date
Eiffel Tower illuminating the sky
Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame by night
Locks on the bridge behind Notre-Dame, pledges of lasting love
I learned the French government monitors the consumption of baguettes per capita and makes stimulus efforts when it decreases; also, it offers tax incentives to companies for providing lunch stipends so as to maintain the thriving cafe culture. It shows how the French take such pride in being French. Perhaps it will help help Paris remain Paris for a very long time. That would be a good thing.
View from my apartment window
L’Arc de Triomphe
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Michael – looking good man! Don’t you just love Paris. I could have spent a week in the Louvre.
Kevin, thank you! I think that if I were to be offered ownership of a single building and its contents, I would prefer the Louvre.