There is one thing I will always love about Paris. Boutiques come and go. Menus change. Old restaurants close, new ones open. But the flaneur will always have many streets to meander down and passerby to observe. New to Paris? There is no better way to get to know the city than wandering with the mere purpose of studying, observing, pondering your surroundings. Many Parisians have this simple act perfected to such an art, one might think it’s a course of study offered by the Sorbonne.
I mentioned last week that I was feeling restless in my metro•boulot•dodo routine: get up, take the metro, work from my desk and return home for bed. Come the weekend, I am bursting with energy. This last Saturday, I could think of nothing better than to spend my day exploring.
And so I set off to enjoy the Rive Gauche. The last time I wandered into the Latin Quarter, I noticed many streets I had forgotten, avenues I didn’t even remember, and best yet entire pockets of Paris I had yet to discover. I had a few addresses but no desire to connect them in a logical plan. Without a final destination in mind, I arrived at St Sulprice and set off in no particular direction.
I wandered this way and that, a left here and a right there. Though I had my sense of direction and knew some of the streets I was on, at times I didn’t know exactly where I was. And yet I wouldn’t say I got lost either. Lost implies you’re trying to find your way somewhere but I was content not knowing where I was, where I was going or where I’d end up. I discovered many boutiques I could drop a fortune, others I’d always wanted to visit, legendary art galleries I’d love on my resumé and restaurants I’d been dying to try – all without intending to. After over six hours on my feet, it goes without saying that my craving for exploring Paris was satisfied… at least for the moment!
As for this weekend, I’m headed back to the US. My brother is getting married and I couldn’t imagine not being there for him and my new sister on their special day. It’ll be a whirlwind of a trip with visiting family and friends from clear across the country that I haven’t seen in years! In only a few short days, I’ll be back on a plane to Paris, joyful for precious moments shared with loved ones and satisfyingly exhausted from making every waking second count.
Until my return, wishing you a wonderful weekend of new discoveries!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Have a safe trip home! Nice to get in a little dose of the US to keep you going
It is a welcome break from my internship, I’m not going to lie!
Lovely pics of a favorite neighborhood. Like you, I enjoy “getting lost” in Paris. Enjoy your quick trip back home. A bientôt, Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Thanks Veronique – I just arrived and I’m already having a blast. Even if I did wake up at 2am US time…
I can’t wait to do more aimless Parisian wandering! Safe travels and enjoy your US family time…xo
Come February, there will still be plenty to do!
Gosh Stephanie you really have a talent for making the view so dreamy in my mind with your writting! I love that feeling too of wandering Paris….knowing some streets and not others! ahhhhhhh it’s the best!
XO
Sam
P.S. Have a great time at the wedding and we’ll miss you!
Isn’t it? And it’s not like there is a huge risk of ending up in a bad neighborhood… Glad I was able to bring you back! Mental meanderings can be just as inspiring!
Lovely “pockets of Paris”!
I wandered the streets of Venice and found it to be the best way to get to know her.
Just got back from Alaska and being a flaneuse in Skagway was a very lovely experience!
I actually have just been playing with a short story (/novella?) idea about being a “Flaneuse Italiano.” The character wanders through galleries observing the students, professors and people and their reactions to specific works and perhaps why.
The Wanderfull Traveler
Thanks Murissa! It was a joy to find!
And if you ever publish your short story – let me know! I’d love to take a look!