around Paris, part 6
Had to get a lilac in here somehow…
On May 1, my cousin (not to be confused with the one who came with me and my mom) who’d just arrived from Italy decided we should visit the cemetery since all the museums would be closed and most shops would be as well because of the holiday.
She thought Pere Lachaise would be an interesting sight since she’d heard many famous people were buried there. We bought a map to help us locate specific ones but, generally, we just enjoyed the quietness of the morning.
We ambled along the shaded paths and looked at the various memorials, our eyes naturally drawn to the bright flowers planted in containers and in narrow beds sometimes right on the grave. There was very little written about the people (famous or not) buried here - no “in loving memory of beloved mother,” just the family names. I wondered who they were, what they’d seen in their lifetimes.
Edith Piaf’s grave and Oscar Wilde’s grave (that’s lipstick kisses you see all over it)
We left the cemetery and walked towards Le Marais, an area known for its Jewish community.
We came across the famed Ladurée store, one of the very few open on this holiday, but decided not to fight the crowds of people in and around the shop. Just settled for a photo of the window display.
This cousin loved just walking around Paris absorbing the atmosphere and sights - which agreed with my intentions very well. We eventually made our way back to the metro for a ride to another cousin’s home in Palaiseau for dinner.
We relaxed at my cousin’s home, checking email (me), booking hostels in Dublin (her), playing with her 5 month old son, waiting until my uncle arrived with the rest of the party. Dinner was a delicious osso bucco, finishing (of course!) with a plate of cheese and a lovely red wine (Tour Prignac Médoc).
And a rich dense chocolatey mousse.
We drove back home full and happy and looking forward to the next leg of our journey - staying with my mom’s friend in Breuillet.
More next time…
spring in Paris, part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 7
p.s. Beginninghere has a post up about Notre Dame.
Don’t you love traveling with a camera? I feel like I can bring home the best souvenirs, and save a dollar or 2.
What a great way to travel, being able to stay with relatives in different countries. Blessings…
I love your photos! The flowers, architecture, cemeteries and food looks like they were all amazing. I want to go to France so bad! Maybe in my next life. haha. It appears that you had a marvelous time.
Natatlie, you’re quite right - I bought very few souvenirs back (camembert being the most important one!). I love the digital format.
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Ellen, actually Breuillet is only about 25 miles from Brunoy where my uncle lives (about 15 miles from Paris), but going via metro is a bit round-about because routes generally take you into Paris, not meant to link village to village.
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Ginni, you would go crazy with your camera! I do hope you get to do some traveling some day.
I am so enjoying looking at, and reading, these Paris entries! xx
Just one more entry, Flighty, and we’ll be back to our usual programming of cats and flowers
And food I hope! I know that I don’t always comment on your culinary entries but they always look very appetising! xx
what lens did you use on this trip? your photos are amazing! =)
You have cousins in all the right places!!! Goodness! That surely was a lovely cemetery. I always wonder about the dead also…what tehir lives had been like, and what they did, what family did they have. It is intriguing!
Julie, your comment made me smile - I’m sure my French cousins would agree
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Thanks, Dawn - I bought the 28-135mm and also brought my trusty 50mm for the indoor shots.
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Flighty, definitely food! But just now it’s TOO HOT (37C). Could you send some of your lovely spring weather?
I love the–for lack of a better term–architectural details from the cemetery. We didn’t make it there when we were in Paris.
Wow, I thought I was the only person that took photographs of cemeteries!!! Glad I’m not alone. That one is definitely beautiful.
Who does window boxes like the French? Or Metro entrances?
When it comes to cafe terraces and patisseries, though, of course the Italians are just as fine. Right now I would love a croissant with just butter. Either that, or a marron glace. Mmm, or maybe both
P.S. I would never have guessed Oscar Wilde’s gravve would be so kiss-marked! I have never seen the likes.
Really enjoying your photos and tales. Wish I could have some of that chocolate mousse.