July 17, 2026
Why yes, I take photographs of all kinds of seemingly random things when I travel! I take a lot of food pictures, to send home to Belovedest. It reassures him that I am indeed eating (as if I ever skip meals!), and more importantly during this trip, that I was well-hydrated.
Breakfasts are a key part of my day…
And because it was hot when I was there (not the SUPER hot that they’re having, but hot enough for me to need a lot of breaks):
I don’t take photographs of people in Paris – I don’t like it when people take my picture here in Chicago without asking, so I don’t do it when I’m in other cities! Your mileage may vary…
But this meant that the only photograph I could take at my closest cafe was around 7 a.m., when all of the fresh food delivery trucks were EVERYWHERE, and when most of Paris was sleeping through the cool hours of morning…
I know that lots of people struggle for months before a trip to Paris, choosing restaurants for each dinner. I’ve pretty much decided that I can eat pretty well at the cafes on the Rue de Bretagne… Below I share a particularly excellent Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese with Bechamel sauce and MORE cheese on top…). My appetizer was a pair of suppli – Italian rice balls filled with cheese and truffle sauce. OMG. The dessert? Mango mousse…
What was particularly easy for me, this trip, is that my hotel was literally around the corner from my cafe. There was a tiny store-front for a coffee roaster in between…
One of my favorite museums is kind of off the beaten track, in the Parc Monceau. It was the home of some rich guy who collected all kinds of things from China, mostly. They have tremendous special exhibits; if we don’t see this painting in next year’s “12 Paintings, Twelve Months” I will be surprised…
It’s difficult to walk around Paris and NOT see art – depending on how you define art. If art is a way to decorate space, then there’s plenty of art there!
I’m always particularly amused by the dozens (hundreds) of little tile art installations high on the walls at any corner of any street:
I thought this was interesting – “misogynists prefer high-maintenance b****es” and “misandrists prefer macho guys”.
This is good advice: please don’t fall in love with someone you don’t love” and this is beautiful: “here we are, myriad stars, illuminated a thousand times, at the bedside of the world.”
You don’t find these things in every city…
I particularly like this! There’s a backlash against trendiness and fashion in the neighborhood where I stay. The dozens of consignment and resale shops that were there during the winter holidays are STILL there, and thriving. Buying new isn’t always admired the way it once was:
Do I interpret this correctly as the “stairway to heaven”?
Never forget, there are some pretty spiffy monuments in Paris! I am so focused on my neighborhood, my cafes, and the people there that I forget that I could go see something HUGE AND WONDERFUL…
It was sale season in Paris. It’s startling to think that retailers are going to be receiving cooler-weather clothes soon….
And for those who think that a loose overshirt, over a tee shirt, isn’t “Parisian,” I offer you this:
No matter what you collect, you can find two million of them in Paris!
If you want a houseplant, or cut flowers, you won’t have to go far:
I think I’ve shared pictures of jewelry stores every time I’ve gone to Paris. I’m still always amazed that you can find so many beautiful things…
Just within a couple of blocks of my hotels, I found so many interesting, beautiful images:
I don’t know why I haven’t picked up take-out from this shop. Maybe when I’m back and it’s a decent temperature to sit in the park for dinner!
“Good for You”
Healthy food, without artificial flavors, without preservatives or food additives.
“Good for the planet”
Recyclable packaging or eco-responsible. Actions again food waste.
Yes, it was hot. Every day. By the time I got back to my hotel for a nap, this tiny sculpture might have been me:
But even the coffee roasters in the neighborhood have given their imprimatur of approval to iced coffee!
I will be back to Paris soon. It’s essential to my well-being!
love,
Janice
p.s. Ten years ago, We worked our way through a number of outfits and chose accessories. Accessories are where the fun is!
Things I love in Paris – save it to Pinterest!
I love your Paris reports.
Street art really does express a lot about a city. My son travels a lot. He has an impressive collection of street art photos from numerous European cities, Soth and Central America and many here in the US.
Thank you for this delightful tour of Paris. I love its parks, cafes and museums. And, I’ve been admiring the beautiful style of soccer played by the French team, particularly Olive and Mbappe.
Oh- and it may surprise people to know we have a thriving sidewalk cafe, coffee shop and public art scene in Boise!
Should proof read before I post. Olise! Spell check changes words relentlessly sometimes. 🤬
Wow….you just made my day. These artistic glimpses of your Paris truly are inspirational. I love your idea for including that magnificent painting in the 12 months-12 paintings for next year. But, many of your other photos also have qualities that might be incredibly fun to explore. In particular, I am mad for the very chic street painting of the stylish lady in shades of blue and black. Now, THAT would be a fascinating wardrobe.
I am so happy you’re home and wish you all the joy at being back in your home turf.
I was thinking the same thing – there’s something captivating about that stylish lady in shades of blue and black. I’d love to see a wardrobe built for a character based on this painting using those colors. I imagine the storyline could be every bit as intriguing as Edith and the Kingpin!
A feast for the eyes! Many thanks
You are free and I want you to be. But I was screaming with excitement on the inside as I read the words “next year”!
Me too…but I didn’t want to jinx it!
Would you share the name of your hotel with us? I like the sound of that neighborhood!
Hotel Jacques de Molay on the Rue des Archives in the northern part of the 3rd Arrondissement. It’s small, and it was just perfect for me. Do make reservations directly though, hotels.com was hacked, and for some reason this hotel was among the ones targeted. Go figure…
hugs,
Janice
Thank you so much for the name and the good advice!
This is great! I haven’t been to Paris in a few years, but what I always loved is that the prices were displayed alongside the items in the window. I always found that so smart and helpful.
Glad you had a great time!
Just lovely. In all ways. Thank you for sharing.
Between the wildfire smoke, the heat dome, cyclosporaisis, the endless 2020 election recaps, it’s just what this weary soul needed.
I too love the street art of the lady. I perceive her in navy and blue (perhaps wishful thinking). I can certainly use it as my wardrobe inspiration! The more I gaze at it, the more I am just smitten with it!
Periwinkle is my favorite color. Switch her black outfit to navy, and perfection!
Amen sister!
Beautiful photos and report for my Friday morning. I can no longer travel but love to hear about other peoples adventures. Thank you for sharing.
lHow delightful! Your reports always show how to find beauty everywhere. I’m traveling for business in August for the first time since I lost significant weight over the last two years. I’m embracing black for my core, especially as I found a couple of cotton and linen t-shirt dresses WITH POCKETS! And due to your influence, I’m choosing a couple of scarves to brighten the mood. One for the airplane, which can be cold, and another lighter one for the meetings. It’s been fun to look at my wardrobe and my accessories wardrobe using your insight! Thanks for making every day more interesting.
I didn’t realize that this morning I really needed to see a wee Cheshire Cat art installation from Paris, but I did!
Some days, things fall into place…
love,
Janice
Beautiful post, took me right there – thank you!
Beautiful photos Janice! Also, that lady in blue and black would be another great inspiration for 12 months-12 paintings next year!
I’m over PARIS
I’m jealous…and haven’t flown in over 20 years…won’t be flying in the future either but I sure enjoy your venture; the food looks luscious; the photos are gorgeous…if only … I can dream and travel through your blog
I know that this post is just the tip of the iceberg, but in your true genius fashion, you capture the artistic and community vibe of Paris with your photos the way no one else can. Thank you!
I yearn for shops that sell good quality costume jewellery that feels and looks good.
Although I read every column — this is my favorite — BY FAR — for this year. Heavenly inspiration and a reminder that there still is beauty and style to be found.
I love seeing your emails in my INbox. This one on Paris was very special. I was fortunate to live near the Parc Monceau from 12 – 17, attended French schools and developed friendships that continue to this day. You included so many of my Paris favorites – street art, wandering, museums, leche-vitrine (window-licking, i.e. window-shopping), and for me – free concerts at churches after Sunday mass or before Sunday evening mass. The City of Paris has a website featuring many free museums, many in private homes donated to the city (Victor Hugo, Cognac-Jay, Balzac as well as Petit Palais, our favorite). I’m returning in September and look forward to observing fashion (and maybe a little shopping…).