If I Could Take A Walk in Paris…
Whenever I am in Paris, I often just like to meander.
When I decide to take a long walk, I head in a certain direction and see where it takes me.
One day I headed north from my apartment in the 9th arrondissement crossing over Rue de Clichy walking up hill into Montmartre.
Basilica Sacré-Coeur
I could have turned right and followed the multitude of tourists crowding the cobbled streets towards the famous square with all the artists, Place du Tetre. I could have kept walking to the left around to the dominating white dome of Sacré-Coeur Basilica, but instead I did the opposite.
I went the other way along Rue Norvins.
The tourists thinned out as the street becomes Avenue Junot which wends down in a gentle curve toward St. Vincent cemetery.
Avenue Junot, Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
You know when you come across a place where you are overcome with emotion.
It’s as if it is already familiar even though you have never been there before.
It gives you a feeling of well-being, almost euphoria, grounding you, pulling you deeper into yourself.
That’s what happened to me on Avenue Junot.
It is not like any other street I have seen in Paris — It is a residential neighbourhood with towering leafy trees that form a canopy over this street oozing with sophistication and elegance.
Restaurant Marcel at the corner of Villa Léandre and Avenue Junot
There are very few people about. Only a few patrons sitting quietly in the one restaurant called Marcel’s and it too has an understated glamour.
Villa Léandra
And oh that corner! It is the beginning of a small road, a cul-de-sac called Villa Léandra — where there are real houses with iron gates, front gardens and flower boxes. Hard to find in Paris.
Real Houses on Villa Leandra
Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
I spy what I first think is a very grand three-story home. I find out later it is the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, offering five incredibly designed suites each starting at a mere 522 Euros a night.
Facade of Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
Bathroom in one of the five suites in the hotel
Outdoor garden café
There is a bar and outdoor patio, and I promise to go back for their High Tea one day.
Yes, if I were able to take a walk again in Paris, I would go back to Avenue Junot.
It may not have the same impact on someone else that it does on me. Does it trigger a favorable childhood memory long buried? Or is an assembly of many things I value and that feed my soul?
I am not sure.
But I do know I could happily drown in the feeling I get walking down this street.
Is there a street or place that gives you that “feeling”? Please comment in the box provided below.
Pearls Are Always A Good Idea!
My blog about wearing our pearls was certainly popular and I am still getting pictures. This one is definitely worth of mention.
This is my dear friend Charlotte who surprised me with this photo. Normally, Charlotte would be hard at work as an executive coach, fiercely competing at tennis, or dropping everything to help a sick friend or neighbour.
But cleaning windows?
These are indeed unusual times.
“Yes, I am tackling the mould and I can tell you, the pearls really helped.”
(Notice also the leg weights on her ankles! Multi-tasking?)
Bravo Charlotte. You look uh, well chic!
And COVID invincible.
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www.womanofacertainageinparis.com
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Can see why Avenue Junot had that effect on you, Diana! It’s like being transported to a unique place and you want to go back again and again to capture that feeling! Hotel Particulier is especially appealing – would definitely stay there on my next visit to Paris!!!
Gretchen — You did it. You left a comment on this blog. Your comments are always so special. And I have
loved hearing from you every week but I am thrilled you are now sharing them with us. Well done.
I wish I had known when I was on avenue Junot that that beautiful house was actually a hotel. I might still have been intimidated to go in … but now that I have seen it online I will definitely make a point to having lunch there… want to come with me???? Diana
I can recall that spot that brings me back to euphoria. It was 2002 and I had the opportunity to travel to Australia. The gold coast has magic in the air and every morning the locals are surfing at sunrise. I still remember that day of walking the coast and thinking how wonderful it is. During these times of isolation, its these beautiful memories that bring my travels to light.
That sounds incredible. I can even imagine it as you write about it. Australia is on my bucket list!
Stay well and thank you for taking the time to comment on this blog. I really appreciate it. Diana
I get that feeling in Fairmont, British Columbia. The mountains, waterways and tall trees bring peace to my soul.
I can just imagine! Come to think of it flying over the Rockie Mountains on a clear day gives me that
“feeling” as well. There is such a power in that. Thanks for the comment Trisha! Always love hearing from you, Diana
Love this about finding a street that speaks to your soul…. yes BFF …. I could see how that one would! Enchanting!
I’m such a visual person and can think of many lanes in small villages or towns that gave me ah ha moments ; a walk I took 40 years ago in the “New Forest “ in England …. a country lane that looked like a hobbit haven with miniature New Forest ponies meandering in the roads …. magical!
I was only in the New Forest once many years ago but I can see how that would inspire the goosebumps of
pure joy. Thanks, Shardie.
I love seeing the pearls on the other women of a certain age. I think you may have a good thing happening here during this strange period in time. One lady a week featured in her pearls. I like the way this pearl lover wears hers!
It inspires me to tAke mine out and i will.
I think you may be right. Ladies keep sending me pictures, wearing your pearls — the more creative and outlandish situations better.
Hopefully everyone will pick up on this idea Luci! Thank you for the comment. Diana
Wow. Goosebumps. I want to go there now. I have walked in that area but missed that street.
Back to reality with creative window cleaning. Thinking of you Charlotte. You are the best multi tasker I know and you do it with such style !
I think you would love that neighbaurhood — nothing like the rest of Montmartre at all.
And yes, I too am into spring cleaning. And Charlotte has inspired me to wear my pearls
to motivate me!!! Thanks for the comment. So appreciate hearing from you!
Diana
A book that took me through old streets of Paris was Cathy Marie Buchanans’ Painted Girls.
It is a novel that takes place in Paris during La Belle Époque and also the story of Degas.
Our book club had the pleasure of hosting this wonderful authour. Her book was so rich and I
couldn’t put it down. It was a ” Pearl” of a book!
Diana, if we ever go to Paris….we would love to see it through your eyes. In the meantime , i am teaching myself a Charles Trenet song on the ukelele. Once I have it down pat I will put on my pearls and send you a clip!?
Renee– thank you for this great comment and I will have to get that book. Sounds wonderful. And is right up
my alley for my Paris Book Club which I will starting in a few weeks. I am listing all the books and memoirs that
I recommend about Paris and France with the intention of having live Webinars to interview the authors! Stay tuned!
Diana
I would love to stroll the streets of Paris again. Loved our walks from our hotel in Montmartre up to Sacre-Coeur.
The open air lunch we had at Giverny, at an old mill. It felt like a dream, or something out of the movies.
The cemetery where Jim Morrison rests. Some of the graves are like little tiny houses.
Sooo love Paris❤️
Lunch in Giverny — how fabulous. I have yet to go there. It is a place I want to see when the gardens are in full bloom. I can dream…
Lovely hearing from you Sally … and thank you so much for your comment. Stay well. Diana
I absolutely adore this post – taking a walk in Paris is one of my favorite things to do. I have tens of thousands of pictures that I have taken, people, street art, shop windows, food, and all the beautiful architecture. Getting lost in Paris is always a good idea.
Hi Nancy — I apologize. I thought your name was Grace! Thank you so much for finding and following me.
I look so forward to reading your blog too. It sounds like we have a lot in common bonded by our love of Paris.
I know our paths will cross in a way that will be wonderful for both of us! Thank you so much for your comment. Diana