25 April 2010

Paris, jour deux~






Remember when I said that I found EVERYTHING interesting to shoot? Well, this post should help illustrate that a bit more clearly...





We did a LOT of walking in Paris. We could have taken the metro, or a taxi, and we did, a few times. But most often, we were far more interested in walking. There was so much to see!!!




The second day in Paris, Kasey, Simone, and I started off by heading out to visit Sacré Coeur. I had been to Paris three times before and yet had never made the trek up to see her, better yet go to the top and experience the incredible views. I honestly didn't even know you could go to the top. Clearly I wasn't aware of how one got there. Have I mentioned that I am claustrophobic...? Simone decided to stay at the bottom - possibly meet new friends, have her portrait painted. So many opportunities there. Kasey and I, however, in search of a particular photo opportunity (thank you Natasha for verifying where it was actually taken from - why the hell I didn't ask you before the trip is beyond me. You have no idea how much time was spent analyzing where it could have possibly been!).




~that is simone in the center with the orange purse waving at us!

We thought we might have to sneak up to the top, but shockingly, they actually had an accessible way up. So we paid for our passage and through the one way gate we went. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the stairway. A sign above clearly posted "300 steps up - 300 steps down". The number wasn't the issue. The size of the stairwell was...




Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do for a photo, so up we went. I pretty much just held my breath and went for it. On one small landing, I shot a photo of Kasey in a doorway. She was considering hiding it it's dark depths until the next tourists came along so that she could scare them. Thank god one of us has the voice of reason constantly rolling in her head...



When we stepped out of the teeny, tiny, miniscule little stairwell into the fresh air I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. The view was incredible and completely worth the trip. I had made it. I was victorious. (insert "we are the champions" music here) And then Kasey arrived on the little platform. And was so kind to inform me that there looked to be a little door ahead, leading to more stairs. We weren't *quite* at the top just yet. And look! The next stairwell was even smaller. and darker. and smaller...






We did however make it to the top, only to realize that this was clearly not where our beloved shot had been taken as it was too high a vantage point. It was however amazing and we spent time taking photos of the view, as well as each other.







We did make it back down in one piece, Simone was waiting for us with her new-found friend, and after a quick goodbye, the three of us were off again in search of adventure.



After we left Sacré Coeur, we headed to the Place du Tertre - a small square with local artists and fabulous crêpes. After a small "incident" with one of the local crazies, I found the sweetest artist who's work I loved (and of course brought home with me). I wanted to bring the artist home - he spoke to me in French and actually acted like he understood what I was saying. That alone is worth millions...






When we left the square, filled with our delicious lunch, we began walking down off of Montmartre and came across this darling little car. Kasey and I had been in search of a deux chevaux to take photos of and while she and I never found one (I did - in Toulouse, but that is a whole other story..) we did find this teeny little treasure.





We also found three men emptying out "the cave" of a residence. Apparently the cave is basically a basement. A treasure filled incredibly cool basement where the "garbage" that they clear out would be considered treasures in the states. Kasey and I were in pain. Literally. We racked our brains as to how we could get these fabulous old (really really old) doors and windows home. They were gorgeous. My stomach still hurts thinking about it. How about you Kase?








And then we walked. We passed so many beautiful doors...


~yes, I am wearing runners. after the first day I knew if I didn't, there wouldn't be a lot of walking and I really really wanted to walk! but for the record, there were some crazy fashions in Paris and I was NOT the only one wearing runners.






Cafés....





Rooflines..... Oh how I adore the rooflines!




Buildings....




Beautiful streets...





I loved these men playing boules in a park along the Seine. How incredibly cliché is that? They were playing along this gorgeous tree-lined pathway. Seriously - even pathways are just beautiful in Paris. I so need a little apartment there...







We did walk past the Louvre but didn't make it in as when you only have three days in such an incredible city, going indoors just doesn't seem like a good option. Especially when we had such gorgeous weather.




We did visit Fauchon with it's beautiful food, teas, spices, and treats. We stopped at Laduree to see their beautiful macaroons (which we bought the day before we left Paris).




However, my goal that day - the one destination that I COULD. NOT. MISS. was Dehillerin. The ONE place in all of Paris that I was DYING to visit. And it did not disappoint. Dehillerin will have a post all to itself, as it is worthy of it...





AFter all of our walking, we found this sweet little café that had the most delicious moules and fabulous wine. It was the perfect meal to wrap up our wonderful day exploring the city!










34 comments:

Privet and Holly said...

YES. I know exactly what you mean. I'm traveling now in a very beautiful part of the country and I want to CAPTURE every nook and cranny with my camera. Every NUANCE to pack up in my suitcase. That is the joy of photography......just wish I was a bit further along the learning curve, like YOU are! Gorgeous pics, every one : ) xx P&H

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I am enjoying your stories and photos. It would have been so hard to see all those lovely building parts being just tossed out! I like how you go through your trip in such a sweet and kindly manner.

Chez Zizi said...

Gorgeous photos. Lovely doors. Scary staircase. I would never have been able to do that, Good for you.
Cannot wait to see more.
Zizette

D. Jean Quarles said...

Oh the rooflines! Too beautiful for words. But I must say, those are some big pots at the cafe.

Lori said...

If it makes you feel any better I wore runners when we were in NYC. Yes ~ I looked like a tourist but it was for comfort!! Love this post ~ your pictures are gorgeous and I absolutely love the shot of the pathway in the park! Looking forward to trois!!

Unknown said...

Gosh I want to go!!! Thanks SO MUCH for the absolutely beautiful photos!!!

Kare said...

Lovely post Kim! I absolutely knew you would have the most amazing photos. I adore that first one especially...and hope to see it on Etsy someday! Your love of the city flows into your stories resulting in one dreamy post after another. I'm completely enjoying your trip & cannot wait for the next installment!!

PS...your scarf is fab!!

Blondie's Journal said...

Beautiful pictures {I knew you wouldn't disappoint}. I applaud you for climbing the 300 steps. I climbed up the inside of Bunker Hill in Boston and am still amazed I lived to tell about it!

I am loving seeing all the great pictures and hearing about your trip. I have been to Kasey's blog as well. How fun!

xoxo
Jane

Debra said...

I do feel as though I was there- I need MORE!!! Isn't it lovely- falling totally in love with a city?

Rochelle said...

Thank you for sharing your photos of this magnificent trip you took - it is a great tour for us who have never been there before. So much yumminess in all your photos!
Cheers
Rochelle

robin laws said...

the very first shot...my favorite! it looks like nothing other than out of a fabulous french novel...a french love story where you two (pr three, each to his/her own) dance upon the rooftop and drinking wine, taking the incredible scene and .....well you know bringing sexy back.

Morgane said...

very beautiful pictures !
The visit of the sacré coeur make me remember the anxiety i felt when i had to climb those little stairs to go on the top !
Paris is a so beautiful city , i understand your desire to shot everything: i love your artistic eye.

VM Creation Atelier said...

These is again a very good post,dear Kim!-)*
I enjoying you photos,it like as I am there in Paris...SO great!!!

You makes phantastic photos,dear Friend!!!
Absolutelly stunning and the atmospheare is unbelieveble pretty!-)*

Many hugs,
***Violetta***

Ange said...

I have a girlfriend who used to have a small rooftop appartment in Ave Du President Kennedy. We would often climb out through her skylight onto the roof, where we would sit and drink wine and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in front of us. You're right - those rooflines are wonderful...Sigh... I can't believe you're making me miss Paris!!!

Herbgirl said...

I am so enjoying your Paris adventure and am reliving my first Paris trip all over again. Went just last summer and I swear I am still absorbing that wonderful trip. Sacre Coeur was definitely a highlight and I have pics of that very same artist. My friend even bought one of his awesome paintings. Can't wait to see the rest of your trip!

Hugs N Herbal Blessings, mandy

sweetpea said...

your pics are so stunning. you look cute even in your runners. looks like a fab time.

hugs,

shelley

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing a bit of your world with us...just beautiful!!!!

Maison Douce said...

So fun to follow you on your adventure!! Dehillerin? Was that Julia Child's favorite store while in Paris? And those moules.... I bet you dipped some bread in that wonderful juice!!!!!!
Isabel

jules @ The Diversion Project said...

so so so so so jealous. its 9 months since i was there last, and i'm just dying to go again soon!

RACHELLE said...

i woulda strapped those old doors together and built a raft and floated back to the usa. i couldn't have watched that happen!

all the yummy buried in dumps makes me sick and sad.

love all the photos!

so glad you had a great time!



have you seen Napolean Dynamite?

if so this will make sense...

"LU~CKY"!

i will go there someday! but for now.... i will just stalk your photos! :)

thanks for sharing

shell
www.gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

Tara said...

gorgeous photos...and you make trainers look fabulous! what great memories you made.
~Tara

natasha said...

I know what you mean about taking photos of absolutely everything whilst on holidays ... it all looks so photogenic!

Those tiny winding staircases freak me out, too - I just try to think of how great it will be once I get to the top but generally the whole thing is very stressful!

You sound like you had so much fun, I love hearing your stories :)

PS. Thanks for your lovely comment. x

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

I have had just one trip to Paris...for a week...eleven years ago and this post was such a wonderful reminder of our fabulous trip...we visited just about all of the same spots and I shared the emotion and delight that you write about here. I have a whole host of door pictures (thought I was onto something here..later to find out everyone loves and takes pics of those fabulous doors!) Anyway, I will follow along here on your journey to continue remembering the highlights of my own. One thing for sure...you make me want to go again!
Thanks for sharing it all!
Laura

Unknown said...

I"m so Jealous!!! I love Paris - and yes, runners are the worst foot wear you could possibly wear when in Paris, but lets be realistic. It's a big city, and who wants to stop because of sore feet. ah, you brought back memories. I can't wait to take my girl there.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Kim,
I am so sorry that I have neglected you. I have so many blogs on my sidebar that it seems to take me ages to get round to everyone ! I'm at the computer for long enough as it is !!
I am loving your images of Paris, your adventures and stories and, your photographs of the beauty of Paris and of yourself, Simone and Kasey. It sounds as if you had the BEST time..... and, I think that Ange and her family are missing you.
I look forward to more of your photographs of your trip to France. XXXX

Nikki said...

I love the way you edit your photos. Very Moulin Rouge!

Moules frites is one of my favorites. Officially jealous.

Lorrie said...

Beautiful photos. I want, no need, to get back to Paris.

Debra@CommonGround said...

What gorgeous photos of your adventure. The ones with the tower in the background are wonderful. Thanks for taking me along! Come by for a visit when you can.
xo,
Debra

Shopgirl said...

Thank you so much for sharing your trip and beautiful photos! I want to go more than ever!!
-Marybeth
Poppyseeds, Stanwood
http://poppyseedsshop.blogspot.com/

Esme said...

What did you buy at Delherin-it is a great shop.

Maija said...

How wonderful!! I love looking at your photos, and feeling the pleasure of your adventure through them! I also walked my way through Paris, and though exhausting, it's the bast way to see the City!

Tricia said...

Your photos are just stunning Kim, you truly have a special talent my friend!
T

debby said...

AH..PARIGI....E' SEMPRE PARIGI...complimenti per il blog

GA+E said...

We love your Paris wandering photos! so many fresh angles! what a delight!