fbpx
Top

So, let me begin with things to see in Paris. The first memory of my first journey to France in 2003 is related to the unusual heat.

Things to see in Paris

One of the Paris Metro stations

Sure, it was August, but that part of Europe was actually hit by a tropical wave that made the weather – unbearable.

That could not slow me down, of course, and I was ready every day early in the morning, supplied with a few bottles of water, light clothes, and sandals, and went into another adventure. (I remember that water was sold on almost every corner. It had to be available because of the heat. Also, streets were often empty.)

Things to see in Paris

To tell you the truth, when I think about it today, I often wonder how I coped with those conditions. I was walking all day long, along the Seine river, climbing up the Triumphal Arch, spending a whole day in Versailles, and rushing from one museum to the next. In the evenings, when my “batteries” finally dried out, I was listening to the news and couldn’t believe my ears. Hundreds of people asked for help every day because they couldn’t bear such high temperatures.

Those were the moments I was… Let’s say – a bit concerned.

France-Paris-Glimpses-of-the-World

Lovely detail on Paris streets

But then again, as soon as the new day broke out, I was once again – ready to go.

“Yes, the heat was unbearable, but there was no time to waste or to wait for better weather conditions. I just took a lot of water and went for a walk – as early as I could.”

This is what I wrote in the article that was published in September 2003. It’s still so vivid.

Easy to navigate

One of the first impressions I had when arriving in the city is that it was really easy to navigate. Everything was nicely marked, all the modes of transport were reliable, and Paris traffic wasn’t complicated.

Not long before my trip to Paris, a new law was adopted saying that only public transportation vehicles (buses and taxis) were allowed to drive along the yellow lane. Can you imagine! Nowadays, that is something a lot of cities wouldn’t be able to imagine their existence without, it’s just an ordinary regulation we are so used to. But it was a novelty back then.

Paris-bridges-Glimpses-of-the-World

Imposing bridges on the Seine river

“If you want to take the subway, there is a 14 Euro ticket that lasts for two weeks, and you will get the map of all the subway and bus lines. There is another map at every station, so it would be quite hard to get lost. If you would rather go by bus, pas de problème! More maps, info at the station on when to expect the next bus or when the bus will stop if being inside the vehicle.”

Because the public transport was so well organized, even the rush hour wasn’t that bad, at least above the ground. Below, it was like in a bee hive. Given the weather conditions, it was nice to hop on the bus from time to time to cool down, since all the vehicles were air-conditioned.

Traveling with expats

And then it came to me. I was traveling to Paris by bus since the bus ticket was really cheap compared to flights back then. What I didn’t know is that this line was mostly used by Serbian expats who were either going back to France after their vacation or were on their way to visit family in Paris.

Paris-landmarks-Glimpses-of-the-World

The famous Notre Dame Cathedral

During that long trip (it took more than 20 hours), I couldn’t help but overhear stories about how “easy Paris is to navigate even if you don’t speak the language”.

People were talking to each other, proudly telling their expats’ stories, seemingly all successful. But then again, I was forced to watch some old low-budget TV series that was popular when they were young, and listen to folk music that all of us back home have long forgotten about. All of us – yes, but they didn’t. It was like they skipped a few decades. What an interesting journey.

Pont Neuf, despite all

“No matter how much time you are planning on spending in the city, let me tell you – it’s not nearly enough. Where ever you turn, expecting the Eiffel Tower or any other of the things to see in Paris to appear before you, you will come across yet another important building or a historic sight. This is where the skill of a Japanese tourist might come in handy – you come, see, snap-snap, and move on, there’s not enough time.”

Paris-Glimpses-of-the-World

THINGS TO SEE IN PARIS: Parisians were against the Eiffel Tower

We all know about the famous things to see in Paris, right, so I am not going to list them. Let me just share an interesting conclusion that I have drawn out of the historical anecdotes regarding a few popular locations.

For example, a lot of us have enjoyed a nice cruise along the Seine River by the so-called bateau mush. So, do you know the story behind the Pont Neuf (the New Bridge) that you go by while cruising?

Here is how it goes.

Paris-bridges-Glimpses-of-the-World

THINGS TO SEE IN PARIS: Pont Neuf still proudly stands

It is actually the oldest standing bridge on the river despite the name, and it was built by Henry IV who ordered that it should be decorated by the so-called mascarons of his ministers and advisers. They were against the construction, saying “it will not hold”.

After long and serious arguments, Henry IV ordered their faces to be carved in stone and put on the bridge “for future generations to laugh at, since the bridge is going to last”. And so it did.

Against the will of Parisians

“It seems that the most popular sights in Paris have always been built against the will of Parisians.

Paris-Seine-river-Glimpses-of-the-World

Bateau mush‘ on the Seine River

When the Eiffel Tower sprung up for the World Exhibition in 1889, all tall and made of iron, citizens demanded it should be knocked down at once since it was damaging the beauty of the city, they said. Today, it is the most recognizable Paris landmark.

Also, it took 45 years for the church to be built on top of the small hill of Montmartre since the soil was moist and unsteady for such an immense construction.

Paris-church-Glimpses-of-the-World

THINGS TO SEE IN PARIS: Sacre-Coeur with ‘a defect’

The church of Sacre-Coeur was built in the end, completed in 1914, but with an anomaly – there was some kind of deviation of the material it was constructed with since it turned more white when it rained. Hence, Parisians were not happy, they didn’t want a defective church. So, they wanted to knock it down as well,” I wrote back then.

Funny, isn’t it? So, remember that when you stroll around and visit all those things to see in Paris such as Notre Dame and Centre George Pompidou, when you stand in front of the Comedie Francaise building, Palais Garnier (Opera House), or the Pantheon.

And if you want to go to the L’Arc de Triomphe terrace, climbing up the steep narrow stairs, try not to think about Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Joking aside, there is a great view waiting for you up there, right on the top.

Next: GOING AFTER BAUDELAIRE

The full France SERIES

Paris travel blog pin

 

0

Comments:

  • Meg

    26/07/2017

    I just want to let you know that I really like your blog. I have included you in my list top list of travel bloggers, and nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award here: https://wandertoes.com/2017/07/26/travel-bloggers-you-should-read/ Thanks for feeding my wanderlust.

    reply...
    • 27/07/2017

      Thank you so much, it’s such an honor! 🙂 I’ve been nominated already though, but am so glad you like what I do. Thanks for thinking about me! 🙂 Best of luck!

      reply...
  • 29/07/2017

    oh my what are the odds that you actually visited during that heat wave! It is true that it is very easy to get around Paris and I love the subway ticket as its cheap and efficient!

    reply...
  • 30/07/2017

    Gosh, it amazes how different peoples experiences can be. I had a horrible time getting around in Paris, in fact, I haven’t gone back and avoid it! It started with a gypsy incident driving into town and ended with me cursing at someone then adding “I bet you understood that” (not one of my prouder moments). This is encouraging, I need to shake it off and give Paris another chance!

    reply...
    • 01/08/2017

      So sorry to hear that! You should definitely give it a go one more time. Who knows, it might get amazing this time! 😀

      reply...
  • 30/07/2017

    I always have reservations about going places when they’re hot, but sometimes it’s just unavoidable. Glad to hear you didn’t let it stop your explorations!

    reply...
    • 01/08/2017

      To tell you the truth, I didn’t even think about that at the time, since the trip was planed in advance when nobody even thought about the heat wave. And then, I just didn’t want to postpone the whole journey, so I was melting day in, day out! 😀

      reply...
  • 31/07/2017

    I agree the subway is a great way to get around to see the sites of Paris if you decide a 10 mile hike around isn’t for you! (ive done both! haha) Paris is a beautiful city

    reply...
    • 01/08/2017

      I’ve done both too. 😀 Firstly, I went by foot, and afterwards took the subway if I was to go by the landmarks I’ve already covered. It was too hot at the time! 😀

      reply...
  • 01/08/2017

    Wow! It’s always a shock when you get to place and the weather is unexpectedly hot or cold. I was in Sweden during a heatwave in 2014 and it was miserable because I hadn’t brought anything for that kind of weather. I also didn’t realize how recently Sacre Coeur was built!

    reply...
    • 01/08/2017

      I know what you mean – you go to Europe (France in my case, Sweden in yours) and don’t expect the temperatures as if traveling to the Middle East! 😀 And yes, Sacre Coeur has been built for almost half of the century, and was finally finished in 1914. But it does seem ancient, right! 🙂

      reply...
  • 03/08/2017

    Paris is such a great city, I agree with you no matter how much time you spend here its not enough. Your pictures are edited so well – they have this Parisian old world charm in them!

    reply...
    • 03/08/2017

      Oh, thank you so much, so glad you like them. They are actually shot with huge old camera, then the film was developed (back in 2003) and I’ve scanned them now for blog purposes! 😀 That’s why they are so “vintage”. Amazing, right! 🙂

      reply...
  • 03/08/2017

    The last few times I’ve been to Paris it always rains!! The weather can have a major effect on travel plans – it is hard to get motivated in that heat, but sounds like you powered on through! I would have just crashed out in a pool somewhere 😀

    reply...
    • 03/08/2017

      Hehehe, there was enough time to go to the beach at the French Riviera afterwards. That’s probably what got me more “motivated”! 😀

      reply...
  • 08/10/2017

    I really enjoy reading your writing and your post are always very inspiring and enlightening! You can never get enough of Paris!

    reply...
    • 08/10/2017

      Oh, thank you so much! So glad you’ve enjoyed the post. <3
      So true, I don't mind going back to Paris, not ever. It doesn't matter how many times I've been already! 😀

      reply...
  • 21/11/2017

    Paris is one of the countries I wanted to see at least before I get old. Nice post! More power!!

    reply...
    • 21/11/2017

      You should, it really is unique. So glad you liked the post! 🙂 You have few more on France in the series if you’re interested.
      Thank you for stopping by, Carlo. 🙂

      reply...
  • 21/11/2017

    *places, rather. Sorry

    reply...

Post a Reply to Paige Wunder cancel reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

If you need a freelance travel writer or you would like to see your country, city, flight, etc., presented on the blog, drop me an email. 

Find our more on Freelance Travel Writer page.

I am looking forward to working with you.

Danijela ćirović

Slide

GET TRAVEL EBOOKS

Great stories in one place - eBooks, digital brochures, and postcards.

Share