Sign in with Facebook"The last time I saw Paris..." Paris by themajor
Paris Travel Guide: 22,200 reviews and 54,008 photos
It's hard to talk about Paris without stumbling into cliché but having used my first acute accent in record time let me answer the question posed above. Although it dates from nothing weightier than a 1950's Elizabeth Taylor flic (ahem, a totally different meaning in french) this expression evokes part of the romantic Parisian dream honed by Offenbach and his operettas, carried by soldiers returning from two world wars, and polished to perfection by Gene Kelley and countless Hollywood films. The last time I saw Paris was in May 2009. The last time before that? Never!
This all comes from living on the English coast slap opposite our chums in La Belle France. It was so - 'er, relatively - close that it was always put on the back-burner when it came to holidays. We could go there anytime! But we never did. Up to this point,my last dip into France had been a school day trip to Dieppe in 1971. We went to see the castle but the teachers had failed to do their research (pre internet days my friends!) and it was shut. But we were happy and fenced gaily with baguettes as the ferry slowly ploughed back to port.
Of course I had come to Paris in search of it's culture. Historical, musical, artistic. I wanted it all! But preferably not an artist's garret. No. What I wanted was all the experience but none of the poverty and disappointment...I have quite enough of that at home! As I didn't have time to rattle off a first novel, I contended myself with putting on my louche dressing gown, donning my 'intelligent look' spectacles, sucking knowingly at my pen and producing some of the funniest and finest postcards the world has ever received. Honestly. Next time I'll send you one...
So come with me now as we stroll along the boulevards, berets aloft and our pockets full of escargots. Well perhaps not as there are quite a few gendarmes knocking around at the moment. Parles-vous français? Non? Then we shall speak in english...
Reviews (7)
Tomb Rater
Things to Do
(4)
First built in the 17th Century as a hospital and nursing home for injured soldiers, Les Invalides is best known... more travel advice
Art attack
Things to Do
(4)
The Centre Pompidou long enjoyed a reputation as a haven for modern art aficianados. It exploded onto the scene back in... more travel advice
Quite an Eiffel
Things to Do
(4)
We could not avoid the Eiffel Tower. I felt I couldn't possible ignore it's existence so I went for a quick crawl... more travel advice
A road well travelled?
Warnings and Dangers
(1)
I've often worried how the French Foreign Legion came to be such feared fighters in the desert realms of North Africa.... more travel advice
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Comments (7)
C'est magnifique, le Major. You have style, sir.
Now I just have to decide if "swish" is good! since it's delightful, I assume yes. :-)
wow, a 'major'new page. wonders indeed. you seem to be a bit soft on the french...still I guess diplomacy is part of you reportoir
Nice page mate. Very well written.
Great place for a silver wedding anniversary! And I'm glad you went over by EuroStar. I haven't gone up the Eiffel Tower since Wednesday, October 26, 1966.
you fence with baguettes, i practice judo with llamas. no difference really.
Hi Major, Nick, Very good review, thank you. Guest lobby is inviting, bedroom rather ... surprising! Like they tried to honour you with some French Liberty! :) Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary.