I took a quick trip to Paris in June 2026. It was fabulous to be back after such a long absence. It is probably my favourite city in the world, and I was determined to see new things on this trip that I’d never seen before. Fortunately this is not hard in such a large city, and with so much changing all of the time.
Gare du Nord
Eurostar was doing a 50% off deal. In reality this deal equated to 50% the number of chairs at either end whilst waiting with a full train loa. A lot of standing and sitting on the floor involved.
Place de Vosges
Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, located in the Marais district. Victor Hugo lived here for many years, and probably sat on such benches enjoying the relative peace in the city.
The Oval Reading Room
LabroSalle Ovale (Oval Room) in the Bibliothèque nationale de Franceuste Reading Room at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), the Richelieu site. Great place to pop into.
Labrouse Reading Room
Downstairs at the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Galeries Lafayette
The premier Parisian department store chain, with the flagship Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann located at 40 Boulevard Haussmann. Ridiculously opulent and expensive.
Le Petit Palais
They just don’t make doorways like this any more.
Cimetière de Montmartre
I never knew there was a huge sprawling cemetery on Montmartre – with such large family tombs. Even tombs with a flyover.
Le Grand Palais
I’ve been past this on several occasions and was determined to have a look inide this time.
It used to be a railway station, now an exhibition centre, and on a hot June day a bit of an oven.
French Fancies
Noone creates a pastry like the French, and in Paris they escalate to another tier.
Saint-Eustache
The sombre gothic interior ofthe second-largest church in Paris, surpassed only by Notre-Dame Cathedral.
