Family stroll in Paris
When this former Parisian, now a tourist, visits the French capital, there is little pressure to hit landmarks, museums, or famous parks. It is all about taking a family stroll downtown, and getting reacquainted with my parents and my brother’s family while savoring favorite locations. Paris, always a willing partner and a generous host, provides the perfect backdrop for our adventures. This summer, we had a great day in the 14th arrondissement. A family stroll in Paris is more fun outside crowded touristy areas. I like “le 14ème” because it seems to have different personalities and does not show off. The architecture is not as uniform as in other areas. From the local eyesore (la Tour Montparnasse,) to the famous brasseries that helped establish Parisian café culture, the crêperies of the former Breton colony, to a handful of touristy sites (les Catacombes,) a famous cemetery, and cheaper-than-average hotels (mostly international chains,) the 14th arrondissement offers a lot of variety to a lot of different people. I like the neighborhood mostly for its authentic Parisian flavor, regular streets, lined with regular buildings, regular cafés, regular parks and regular shops. Yet, the 14th arrondissement is still Paris; it can be charming and surprise at every corner.
On an overcast July day, when Paris often seems to hesitate between spring and summer, my family and I strolled along peaceful streets in the western section of the 14th arrondissement. That time of year, the weather can change within minutes, and a few raindrops are not entirely out of the question. It is best to dress in layers, and to carry a small umbrella, sunglasses tucked away in the pocket of a denim jacket, just in case. Fortunately, these habits are easy to remember for a former Parisian turned Seattleite. Besides, the weather is mild and makes walking for hours an enjoyable experience.
Don’t like the weather? (rue des Thermopyles)
… wait five minutes! (rue des Thermopyles)
To rest tired feet, there are small parks (“squares” en français) and benches along the way.
Jardin Alberto Giacometti
There are opportunities to peek into Parisian lives.
La vie #enterrasse
There are fun discoveries in the heart of the big city.
The family that exercises together, stays together. (Square Olivier Noyer-Léonidas)
“This is, after all, an urban space reserved for seniors!” “Mamie” exclaims.
Picture snapping counts as exercise too, n’est-ce-pas?
When we get hungry, there are many unassuming cafés and restaurants to choose from. Sans chi-chi. Low-key. Une terrasse. Une table. Cramped space. Simple fare. Good company… and people watching!
Essential food groups: Croque-Madame, frites, salade verte
Steak-frites, sauce Béarnaise
A happy “Mamie” and two of her grandsons
A Parisian, in his natural habitat.
A little later, we pay tribute to favorite French icons au Cimetière de Montparnasse (Montparnasse cemetery.) There are so many celebrities resting there, it is difficult to choose. This time, we call on actor Philippe Noiret and Serge Gainsbourg.
Bonjour, Monsieur Noiret.
Salut l’Artiste! A tribute to “the Man with a Cabbage Head,” (and his love of cigarettes.)
Feeling at home – and at peace – in French cemeteries.
Finally, after several hours of walking, talking, laughing, and exploring, it is time to head home, but first, l’Apéro: And what better place than a Parisian terrasse to wrap up our family stroll in Paris?
Avec a friendly Parisian waiter, bien sûr!
“Tata Véro” and her nephew
A bientôt.
All photos by French Girl in Seattle
Please do not use without permission
A 1990 tribute to an ailing Serge Gainsbourg (1928-1991,) and one of his iconic songs, la Javanaise, with Jane Birkin (in the audience,) Michel Sardou, Patrick Bruel, Laurent Voulzy, Vanessa Paradis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyKMHEnRmVg
My favorite Philippe Noiret movie: Le Vieux Fusil (the Old Gun,) Philippe Noiret (1930-2006,) Romy Schneider.
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Your post was a wonderful way to start my day! Thank you so much!
Merci de votre visite Leslie. So happy you enjoyed my family stroll!
Loved this article and I, too, love the 14th. And I loved Philippe Noiret. One of his last roles was performing “Love Letters” in Paris with Anouk Aimee. I was so lucky to have seen them there.
You were lucky indeed. I would have loved meeting Monsieur Noiret. A talented actor, and a very classy gentleman.
A nice proof of what may seem as a simple walk in a not touristic area can offer as pleasures! … if you know how to appreciate them!
Merci de ta visite, Peter. In Paris one never knows what one may find at a street corner. Maybe that’s why it is such a beloved and special city?
I love experiencing areas of Paris which are fairly new to me through your pictures and comments. Thank you so much for your wonderful posts! I hope I can go back to Paris soon. I will never tire of going there!
Merci Carol Ann. I am glad you enjoyed discovering a new area in Paris. I enjoyed feeling appreciated 🙂 A bientôt.
I love this post so much! I lived in the 13th arrondisement, and I used to stroll through the 14th all the time. This brought back so many wonderful memories and feelings. While I definitely ventured to the touristy areas, my friends and I always ate and socialized in the 13th and 14th. It really IS the truest flavor of Paris! 🙂
The 14th is a treat! There’s musée Bourdelle also and a great oyster cabane right near Tour Montparnasse. Which isn’t so bad when you’re too close to really see it…
Thanks for a lovely blog!
Merci…I see the Frenchman’s love for Gainsbourg and Birkin…and your son junior has grown into a handsome young man…You intrigue with tales of the 14th…sounds like exactly what I am looking for on my trip…