One of the things I like best about living in the centre of Paris is walking through the streets at dusk. From mid-May until about mid-September, we can wander down after dinner, through the Palais Royal gardens, across rue de Rivoli and under the Louvre coming out next to the glass pyramids.
We then have the choice of turning right and walking down to the Tuileries Gardens if they are open (April-May, 7 am to 9 pm, June to August, 7 am to 11 pm, September to Mars, 7.30 am to 7.30 pm), where you can find a chair just before the trees begin, put your back to the Arc de Triomphe and watch the Louvre change colour), or left, onto the Place Carrée then right over the Pont des Arts.
You can also walk around the pyramids and go directly to the Seine, crossing over the river at Pont Royal, which is what we did last night.
I love the intricate iron lamp posts lined up along the bridge.
We turned left after we crossed the bridge and walked past the bouquinistes, closed at this hour. We noticed that some had numbers of various shapes and sizes, but most of them had nothing at all.
We envied the people sitting on the deck of one of the river boats but will wait until it’s a little warmer this year before we join them. We might even take a cruise on La Calife again. It’s a small boat moored on Quai Malaquais between Pont du Carrousel and Pont des Arts, that offers a 2-hour cruise down to the Eiffel Tower with Mediterranean-style cuisine and menus at 49 and 67 euros. Don’t forget to take something warm as it can get chilly on the water at night. Book a day or two ahead. You can reserve on-line or phone.
We then crossed back over via Pont du Carrousel with a perfect view of the sunset.
Le Calife, quai Malaquais, Paris 75006. +33 (0)1 43 54 01 08, www.calife.com. info@calife.com
These are great suggestions for a special evening in Paris. I have to admit that I have always avoided cruises on the Seine that include meals as I have assumed the food would be awful. Having a personal recommendation from you tempts me to put aside my prejudice and try it. I just need to find a warm night!
Yes, I went on one of those big boats many years ago and it was ghastly. The food on La Calife is more North African than anything and we enjoyed good meal but we mostly liked the ambiance. They handed round rugs when everyone started getting cold! It was during the European presidency when the Eiffel Tower was lit up with the European flag and we arrived at 9 pm when it started shimmering. It was very impressive.
Ooooh lovely photos! Am taking my Mother to Paris in June and can’t wait to just wander the streets with her. Such a beautiful city…le sigh!
In June, you’ll be able to eat in the Tuileries Gardens. So wonderfully relaxing.You’ll find details on the Places to Eat and Drink tab. If you see a powerwalker go by, it might be me!
The best and most beautiful time of the day to explore Paris is at dusk, though sunrise is pretty special too. It glows so beautifully.
I have more problems with the sunrise but powerwalking in the Tuileries in early morning during the summer makes me feel like a real Parisienne!
Beautiful photos – I felt as if I was strolling along the Seine with you. We haven’t done a dinner cruise yet but it sounds like a wonderful idea.
Let me know how it goes!