Paris is a feast for the senses. Voilà mes préférés: J'aime...
…voir (to see):
Children sailing toy boats in the fountains of the Luxembourg Gardens
Over 2000 years of architecture ranging from the ancient Roman ruins in the Latin Quarter to the post-modern curiosities of La Défense
The zinc Mansard roofs, orange chimney pots, ornate limestone façades, and wrought iron balconies of Hausmannian apartment buildings (especially at night when the lights are on and I can steal a glimpse of the interiors)
The sublime symmetry of la Place Vendôme, le Palais Royal, and la Place des Vosges
Impressionist Art at the Musée d'Orsay & Monet's Waterlilies in the Orangerie
The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre
The 19th Century Paris department stores with their art nouveau escalators and elaborate glass domes: Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Bon Marché
Parisians returning home from a long day at work, smiling, whistling, singing, stopping by a café for an appéro (Eric suggested this one; He was so impressed by this when he visited Paris!)
Vintage Citroën 2CVs and Vespas
Beautiful, artistic pastries that look almost too good to eat
Pastel macarons chez Ladurée
"Les Soldes" signs in January and July
The window displays, pink ballet slippers, and tutus at Repetto on the Rue de la Paix
The colorful fruits, vegetables, seafood, cheeses, flowers, etc. at the outdoor markets
The perspective from the Arc de la Carrousel in the Tuileries to the Obelisk of Luxor at the Place de la Concorde, through the Arc de Triomphe to the Grande Arche de la Défense
The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Tour Montparnasse, the Pompidou Centre escalator, the café au Printemps, the steps of the Sacré Coeur, the towers of Notre Dame...
…entendre (to hear):
La Vie en Rose and other lovely (albeit a cliché) French standards played by street musicians
Little children speaking French
The "din dan dong" of bells chiming in church towers around the city
Carousel music at the manèges near the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel de Ville
The Seine lapping against the sides of the river boats
"Bonjour Madame!" and "Enchanté!"
…sentir (to smell):
Freshly baked bread
steaming crêpes
Chanel N°5 at 31 rue Cambon
Diptyque candles
Gorgeous roses and peonies at outdoor markets and fleuristes
Old books in the bouquinistes along the Seine and at Shakespeare & Company
…goûter (to taste):
Warm crème brûlée
Café au lait for breakfast and un petit café (espresso) after a meal
Croissants and pain au chocolat
Galettes with gruyère
Sandwiches on crunchy baguettes
Soupe à l'oignon gratinée
Un croque monsieur
Lovely petits choux at Odette
Moules frites (mussels with crisp, salty fries)
Chocolat africain chez Angelina
Lavender ice cream
Wine: a bold Bordeaux, a bright rosé, a light Sancerre, a crisp Champagne, a kir royal
…toucher (to feel):
A crusty baguette that leaves crumbs all over
Silk Hermès scarves
A happy puppy in a park (or a restaurant!) that begs for a pat on the head
Rich lotions and creams from French pharmacies (La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Avène, Roger & Gallete)
The warmth from the flame of a candle I lit for Mom and Dad at Notre Dame
Cobblestones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps
What are your French favorites?
