Éblouie par la Nuit (Dazzled by the Night)

One of my favorite French singers is Navii. One of his songs is “Éblouie par la Nuit” where he bikes around Paris singing how much he is dazzled by the nighttime views of Paris (while singing about a love in his life, of course).

When I walk around Paris, I, too, am dazzled by the city lights, the people walking by, the cars, the sights. I spent an evening on Champs-Élysées walking up and down the avenue enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. This is where Arc de Triomphe is located. I visit this area almost every time I’ve been to Paris. It’s so lively with lots of people shopping, eating, and taking selfies in front of the Arc de Triomphe.

On this avenue is a large selection of stores and restaurants with high end shops like Louis Vuitton and Dior. But, it is egalitarian in that there is a McDonalds, Quick, and Five Guys along side La Duree (a high end pastry restaurant – Macaroons!). I find that when walking among the neighborhoods of Paris, my personal cares and concerns fade as I focus on the spectacle and the stories of those around me. Who are these families walking along the Champs-Élysées? Where do they come from? I listen to a little of their conversations and some are in French, some in English, and many other languages – Italian, Arabic. And each has an entire story to tell, and they are all in this moment enjoying an evening in Paris trying to get the best selfie angle.

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I ate dinner at Bistro des Champs where I enjoyed Parmesan-encrusted ravioli and yellow chicken with french fries. A lot of the menu items in Paris come with french fries. I have always found that a little odd that the French like french fries so much. But, “C’est la vie.” Maybe they do that to cater to tourists, although a very basic dish in France is peppered steak with french fries.

Ratatouille! Did I tell you I like the dish, Ratatouille? Well, I do, and you’ll probably hear it again in these posts. While in the movie by the same name it’s called a peasant’s dish, I’ve found it be a savory combination of red sauce and vegetables. I’ve sauteed fish with Ratatouille on the side twice now since I’ve been in Paris. It will probably be a weekly dish for me in Paris.

Le Metro! I love the metro in Paris. I did get a Navigo monthly pass which lets me get on all over the city included in the cost. I love taking the metro and RER trains all over Paris to get around. I read a lot on the metro to pass the time. Many of the signs and stations are in Art Nouveau style. I read up on the differences between art nouveau, art deco, and Arts and Crafts, because it’s important to know these things in Paris (https://canvas.saatchiart.com/lifestyle/inspiration/art-deco-art-nouveau-arts-and-crafts-whats-the-difference). I enjoy looking at the architecture to see the artistry that went into the stations in Paris. One of the metro stops on Champs-Élysées is Franklin D. Roosevelt. The train platform is in Art Deco style.

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Tomorrow I visit my Parisian eye doctor and tour a flat to potentially rent long-term. Talk to you in a few days.

Until we meet in Paris…