Paris Sightseeing

You can't get bored in Paris. There is always something to see or something going on. From the obvious highlights like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Pont Neuf, Fountaine St. Michel, Champs Elyssee, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Place Vendome (another Napoleon monument), Place de la Republique, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel, the Sorbonne, a few famous statues, and the list just goes on and on.

From graffiti alleys to book stands, with everything you could imagine for sale, to musicians, there were many interesting sights on the street. But one thing that hit us was how many wedding shoots were going on in the middle of this crowded touristy city. The photographers definitely earned their keep with the constant interruptions and irritating passersby. We even saw people like this nun asking if they could have their pictures taken with the couple.

The best part about walking around Paris was constantly rounding a corner and finding something breathtaking or fascinating waiting for us. I enjoyed exploring different neighbourhoods in Paris on foot. One highlight was walking one afternoon through the St. Martin canal district and hearing some incredible jazz in the distance. I followed my ears and found myself at a small bar with the windows open and the liveliest music spilling out. It seemed like the whole block was being treated to a free concert. I took a break and savoured the soothing music before continuing on my walk.

One of the ubiquitous sights in this beautiful city is the constant presence of security. We got used to the bag checks for everything and the fully armed patrols and the sirens but it was always there even if people acted as if it was normal. And to them it is the new normal. The Bataclan night club is just northeast of the Marais and a sobering reminder of Paris's recent history.

Finally the main sight to see in this city is the people themselves. Parisians are fascinating to observe and taking a seat just to look around was always entertaining.