Storm clouds billowed up looking dark, menacing and absolutely beautiful one Fall afternoon in Paris last year. Undaunted by the impending storm, I tossed a red scarf about my neck and walked briskly through the crowded city streets and into the Jardin des Tuileries.
How I love Parisian gardens, be they small, tidy ones tucked away at the back of an old church, or grand, sprawling ones like the Tuileries or Luxembourg. The Tuileries was my favorite that trip. It was a five minute walk from my brother’s apartment, and the perfect escape from honking horns and yelling passersby.
It was a source of never-ending delight for me since I never knew what I’d find there. Fully expecting marble or stone statues in classic poses, I was highly amused by this fellow and his compatriots dotting the landscape for some sort of exhibit.
I strolled past amorous lovers, watched children shrieking with laughter as they played tag in the trees, smiled at finely dressed elderly couples walking slowly along hand in hand.
The massive gates of the gardens always make me feel special, like I’ve been granted access to a place normally reserved for royalty. I smile as I walk through them, suddenly feeling more confident and not caring one bit that I may be the only woman in the park not wearing heels.
It was a beautiful morning, made all the more lovely by a stop at a cafe for luscious Crème caramel and a hot, strong cup of espresso.
My friend Tuula has a great post up today featuring 17 Ideas for An Afternoon in Paris. It’s perfect for a bit of armchair traveling on this cold, Fall day.
What would be your ideal dessert on a wander through Paris?
Love your post! The guy at the top totally made my day! 🙂 And I don’t care what we eat in Paris, as long as I get to go.
Pain au chocolat!!! Always Pain au chocolat! 😉
Oh geez, the photos are amazing Krista, have you let us in on the secret of what camera you are using 🙂 (only half kidding here!:) It’s funny how almost anywhere else those clouds would look terrifying, but in Paris they’re absolutely beautiful – especially with the Tuileries as the backdrop. So lovely, thank you for this!
Thanks for sharing these gardens with us. In Paris I would have to eat croissantsm when if they were stuffed with chocolate would be a perfect dessert:D
I want to be THERE, wearing a scarf, sipping that espresso & eating that dessert! 🙂
Totally looks like the perfect day! I love the overcast weather!!! Those pics are awesome.
So cool Krista…., I can just see it now you sitting there in your Oh So Parisian red scarf sipping coffee, watching the world go by. Nice one girlfriend. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely breathtaking photographs! And oh, that creme caramel – looks so delicious!
You take the most marvelous rambles! I spent many a day rambling around Paris when my daughter lived there. It’s such a walking city! And you can always stop and have something divine to eat!
I am a parisian, as you know, Paris is at its best in the Fall with all its shades of grey and the leaves turning golden and reddish brown, it is the best time to have coffee with whipped cream on top and a few macarons, a parisian delicacy.
Isn’t he fabulous, Marie? I never fail to grin when I see him. 🙂 Yes, let’s just go to Paris. We can decide on the menu when we get there. 🙂
Ohhh, a perfect choice, Zorymar!! I love having one for breakfast too. Mmm. 🙂
Thank you, dear Tuula. 🙂 My camera is a fancy-schmancy el-cheapo Nikon Coolpix. I dream of a nice camera one day, but I do love this little guy. He does pretty well for his size. 🙂
Yes, Val – I have to eat croissants every day when I’m there too. 🙂
Awww, that would be fabulous, Nicole!! I’d absolutely make room for you at my table. 🙂
Thank you, Andi – it really was. Aren’t those clouds marvelous?! 🙂
Aww, thanks, Anna. 🙂 I can imagine you enjoying such a scene yourself. 🙂
Thank you so much, Tiina! I’d delighted to meet you and so happy you like the photos. 🙂
You’re so right, Barbara! Paris is the perfect rambling city. 🙂 How wonderful to share it with your daughter. 🙂
That sounds so perfect, Alina. 🙂 How lovely to have such a beautiful place as your home. 🙂
I love the stormy skies in your pictures, and that creme caramel break would be a definite highlight. My dessert of choice? Probably Gateau St Honore.
🙂
Superb dessert Krista!
Thank you, Mary. 🙂 Me too! Oooo, I’ve never had that dessert before! I had to go look up some photos and wow! I simply have to try it now. 🙂
Thank you, Elra! So glad you like it. 🙂