Paris 2 - Walking to the Bastille

The idea was that we would walk to the Place de Bastille and take a boat along the canal.  That was the plan but by the time we had finished breakfast, explored the market, had a few drinks and actually reached the Place, it was getting quite late - well past lunchtime! - so we stopped for a coffee and then ambled back to the hotel.
I was disappointed the first time I visited the Place as there was no sign of the Bastille itself but, having had time to explore the surrounding area, and visiting the link above, I am impressed with the whole area.

We walked along one of the main shopping areas, lots of chain stores .... even had a Primark!!
Our first view of the column (Colonne de Juillet ) was through the trees, and when we reached the square .... the whole area was amazing.

Photo from the web

The Place itself is a very large area .... with lots of crossing places ... where the old buildings merge next to the modern ... and protests usually start and end.

The Bastille Opera is in stark contrast in the area, so clean and modern .... and white!

We crossed over the square to view the Canal and took a walk along the left bank.  There was a change of plan and it was decided to have a meal at one of the cafes along the bank.

Rover 1 went off to book a table and then came back with the news that there were no tables to be had.

We were not unduly worried, there is no shortage of eating places in Paris!!!!

As we walked along the bank, I spotted this insect house among the bushes, well thought out and .....  used.

 We came back up to the roadside, crossing roads in Paris is never easy, gathering to decide what to do next.  We past this group of young people playing boules, managed to cross over the road and then choose a cafe.

We sat outside drinking coffee and wine, and when I went inside the folks were so friendly.

There were lots of photos towards the back of the cafe, one of them of a gentleman who appears often in cafes.  I asked who it was and managed to extract a name, an architect famous for building locally.

As we walked back towards the Place de la Bastille, PJ found his initials on the pavement - this had to be recorded!!!!  They even know about him in Paris!!


The streets of Paris are wonderful places to walk along, tree lined and wide.


The sunshine helps of course!

One of the roads has a viaduct along it, Rover 1 met a friend so we all gathered to say 'Bonjour!' and chat.

As we turned through one of the arches, we espied this Church, amazing steeple which was twisted at a peculiar angle.
Along this tree lined avenue, the police cars came, sirens blasting, in a long convoy, noisily, deafeningly noisily.  Rover 2 and I stood and watched, unable to believe that they ALL had their sirens blasting.  They were in a convoy of fourteen cars and vans .....






Down the next street .... a view of Rover 1's apartment in the distance.  Oh! and a car parked on an island!?!?!?!

This archway is part of the viaduct, it passes along by the road with our hotel.  Nearly home, we'll wash and change, then we'll go out for our evening meal but that's another story .....