Category: Europe

Most of us check off the traditional activities when visiting Paris — the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph. But, the City of Light has much more to explore.  True Parisian lifestyle unfolds in the surrounding neighborhoods — arrondissements. When you veer away from tourist areas, you mingle with locals. Parks, canal strolls, food markets, and hidden passages offer a true understanding of Parisian culture.  Here are ten unique activities to do in Paris. Promenade Plantée An abandon railway line viaduct has been converted into a three-mile elevated park complete with lush plants, trees and flowers. There’s even a reflecting pool. Only 33-feet above street level, the pedestrian path begins at the Bastille and winds through the 12th arrondissement. Urban art is infused throughout the walk.  It’s accessible by stairs or elevators. City views across Parisian rooftops are spectacular. The promenade passes between a tall building split in two, allowing for an uninterrupted walk.    Below the bridge are a series of 45 brick archways which house artists galleries, boutiques, hip restaurants and cafes.  Candlelight Concert at St.-Ephrem The sweet chapel tucked along a bustling 5th arrondissement street hosts talented young musicians from the National Conservatory of Music in Paris.  An intimate candlelight setting only accommodating one hundred people is the perfect venue for these concerts.  The facade’s inviting Baroque-style portal with a cross delicately perched on top leads into a softly lit church who’s acoustics enhance performances. Pianists and violinists in perfect harmony entertain listeners with Chopin, Beethoven and other classics.  Tickets cost 26 euros, roughly $28.30 per person, and shows run approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Concerts are offered throughout the year. Click here for the schedule. Perfume Making Class  Few countries make perfume as fragrantly beautiful as France. The depth and complexity of their scents

In 2019 the revered Notre Dame cathedral suffered a devastating fire. President Macron declared “we will rebuild Notre Dame more beautiful than it was before.” He was not kidding. On December 8, 2024 the landmark reopened to great fanfare and the restoration is phenomenal! Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve led the team of over 2,000 architects, historians, carpenters, metal workers, and stone carvers. They are called companions and their craftsmanship is second to none.  Before artisans could restore wall murals, they took one year to clean not only soot from the fire but accumulated grime from past centuries. Some frescos hadn’t been touched since 1850! The undertaking was enormous.   Bell towers, stain-glass rose windows, and invaluable pieces such as the The Virgin of Paris statue of Mary and Child survived the blaze.   Unfortunately, the iconic spire and roof did not, leaving a gaping hole at the top. Due to the tenuous structure of the remaining cathedral, remote-control robots were used to clear out the fire debris. Flying buttresses were then stabilized to begin the restoration.  Massive oak beams made up the roof famed architect Viollet-le-Duc installed in 1844 when repairing the structure after the revolution.  In order to rebuild exactly as the original this time, a national call went out to private citizens and state owned forests. The response was overwhelming and the needed 1,000 trees were harvested.  These beams in tandem with stone and lead from the original structure brought the new nave, choir frame, and transept of Notre Dame to fruition. And this time, fire detection and suppression systems were added.   Along with the rebuild, companions removed, cleaned and repaired the huge bells, as well as the 8,000 organ pipes.  I visited Notre Dame in January, 2025 and was absolutely amazed at the difference from my