Paris in the past week was far from empty, but it was quieter. Making for a pleasant visit: the terraces of restaurants and café’s were filled but there always was a table available for us. And enough traffic and passers-by to do some people watching from behind your coffee.
Coffee at Flores bistro, Boulevard Hausmann. Image Ton Zijlstra, license CC BY SA
The metro wasn’t as packed as I remember from previous visits. Metro stations didn’t have crowds at all, regularly allowing me to take pictures devoid of people. The trains we took between Paris and Versailles where we were staying were almost empty even.
Gare d’Invalides. Image Ton Zijlstra, license CC BY SA
All in all a great way to visit the city, busy enough to get a feel for the city, but not so busy you feel rushed along by the people around you, allowing us to set our own pace.
We spent the week in Versailles and Paris, camping in the woods and enjoying the city during the day. Bought some books, started reading, drank some wine, took a few swims with our daughter, and enjoyed hanging out with the three of us a lot.
We drove back home on Saturday, and celebrated E’s birthday on Sunday. Tomorrow Y’s school starts, and the regular programme will resume. The past week with the unplanned visit to Paris was an excellent way to end our summer.
Metro station Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette, image Ton Zijlstra, license CC BY NC SA
@ton Good times. Les bons moments.