France 2024

 A few months ago I travelled to Europe for a little over three weeks. Two of those weeks were spent in France. I had always been ambivalent regarding visiting France. Everyone I spoke with who had visited ooh'd and ahh'd about their visits. For whatever reason, I refused to believe them. Finally relenting, I visited. Turns out everyone was right. France is fantastic!

In addition to Paris, my travels took me through the Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy. Highlights of the trip, in addition to Paris itself, were the many cathedrals I toured, Bourges, Amboise, a wonderful night on Mont St. Michael, crepes and cider in Brittany, those famous beaches of Normandy - including a visit to the American Cemetery, Giverny and Monet's Gardens. Such a beautiful country. Regarding Paris, pretty much everything was amazing. I was especially captivated by the "cafe culture." So many open air cafes with seating spilling nearly onto the streets, filled with people sipping coffee, or something stronger, while watching other people and engrossed in animated  conversation with table mates. All very French. 

It was a memorable visit and I look forward to returning in the next year or so. Many more wineries to visit!

A few of my favorite images follows.   

The Eiffel Tower in nightly lights. Beautiful.

Le Pouce by César Baldaccini. This one about 12 feet tall!

An evening stroll in a wet Amboise.

Shot through a cab as we drove by. I had no feel for how large was the Arc de Triomphe.

The Cathedral in Bourges

Dott electric assist bike in Paris. Watch out for them. There are millions on the roads!

A colorful subway stop. So easy to get around Paris.

It's not called the City of Love for no reason.

I was told there is a famous painting in the Louvre. Never got close enough to confirm.

I found the statue quite dramatic. Not everyone felt the same.

Another "rainy alley in Paris" image.

Sketch artist near Sacre Couer.

Golden hour double rainbow over Mont St. Michael.