Weekend strolls in Paris

Sunday mornings are (when you've not been partying hard on Sat nites) well spent over a quick cup of coffee and a croissant and head out to outdoor markets. This time it's the weekend flea market of Les Marches aux Puces of St Ouen. (metro: Porte de Clignancourt)

(I'll blog about the colorful outdoor food market the next time!)

Being someone who can always find something to buy at these places, it was a relief that I didn't. But I could see how I want to dress up my Parisian apartment if I do get one in future! Of course, I'm not going to turn my place into a castle! But it's always interesting to add a little bit of old to the new, it brings out the quality of both at the same time.

Next I went down to the L'Institut du Monde Arabe (Institute of the Arabic World). Some links here. It's a fantastic exciting architecture by Jean Nouvel. Apparently the Arab latice inspired facade can close to shied off sunlight. There's a close up a few photos up.

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It reads something like "Knowledge confers an eternal power".

There was an exhibition on how the Arabic world intermixed with European cultures in the Mediterrenean for centuries, producing remarkable arts and sciences.

The best part of visiting this building is the panaromic view you get at the top!! There's Notre Dame. In the far distance, you can see Beaubourg, and even Sacre Coeur.

Ile St Louis, the other island on the Seine just behind the 'Notre Dame island'. The most expensive real estate in Paris is not in Champs Elysees or Eiffel Tower, it's right here, on this island!

Look across and you can see Bastille - the green column topped with a golden angel.

Next, I wandered down to Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter. It's a colorful bustling street with cafes, restaurants, people out for a stroll and an ice-cream. Some quirky gift stores, chocolates, bookstores.

I then headed west, visited Eglise St Etienne du Mont, which houses one of the last relics of St Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.

Coming out once again into the glorious sunshine, you'll see the Pantheon. Hope to bring some of you on these walks one day!