TRAVEL DIARY: PARIS 1
We took the Eurostar from London to Paris on the 8th of October. The moment we emerged from the bustling Gare du Nord station in Paris we were greeted by a spectacular view and sunshine.
The hotel we reserved on Belleville turned out to be small, but it wasn’t as tiny as I thought. However, it lacked some essential things. I guess I shouldn’t expect too much since it’s not a luxury hotel.
Despite that, seeing these things outside the hotel made me happy.
First things first – lunch. We were eager to indulge in classic French dishes like Beef Bourguignon or Escargot. But the neighbourhood was brimming with tempting Asian options. So, can you guess what we ended up having?
Belleville was originally a separate village surrounded by farmland. It supplied its larger neighbour with fruit, vegetables and clean water, as well as gypsum and building materials from its quarries.
Now, Belleville is a neighbourhood in the 19th and 20tharrondissements. It is gritty, energetic, arty … and that’s how I like it. We didn’t have to walk far to discover a lot of public art.
Linked to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
While the place may lack sophistication, or tourist appeal like the other arrondissements, Belleville’s character is revealed through the diverse doors I encountered during my stroll.
Linked to Dan’s Thursday Door Challenge
Another mural that we saw on the way to the park.
Bellevile, like Montmartre is up on a hill. However I didn’t go straight up for my first day because I didn’t want to force my knee. This is the Belleville Park.
Hubby and I were both so tired so we went and listened to some music, had something to snack on, bought fruits and headed back to our hotel.
Photos from 8 October 2023
Travelling is tiring, Teresa, but exciting too. Glad we are sharing French doors this week. I especially love your featured door. A lot of fun street art too. I still make very English mince and dumplings here so I can’t criticise you for eating Asian. Hope you’re fully recovered now.
Recovered but still not entirely sleeping on my usual time. Getting there.
Yup, sometimes having rice is the way to go…comfort food hey.
😗❤️
Lovely photos of you travels Techie.🥰
Thanks a lot Arlene. May I ask, do you see all of the images for this blog post? I was told by one co blogger that a lot aren’t showing on his computer. Thanks.
Yes Techie🥰
Thanks Arlene. BTW your renovations are looking great!
Salamat.🥰
Unfortunately the majority of your photographs aren’t loading onto my PC, so I couldn’t get a full sense of the post. The doors that did upload looked fabulous.
Hmmm I am not sure why. Will have to look into it. Thanks for the comment.
A friend said that she sees all my images so I am not sure why it isn’t uploading on your computer. Maybe the images are too big so it uploads slowly?
Maybe a glitch on my laptop, I’ll try from my iPad instead.
A good start to your visit 🙂 Belleville is brilliant for street art, although I’ve only visited, not stayed there.
I was happy we stayed there, busy area but quiet in the hotel. So win-win.
Belleville looks like a very eclectic neighbourhood. Love the street area and the doors.
Oh yes it is. I loved the area.
Thanks for sharing this amazing visit .
My pleasure to share, Anita.
Lovely to see Paris through your lens Teresa 😀. Great captures!
Thanks so much.
The hotel i stayed in also had tiny rooms but did look out onto a great French scene. I didn’t see many murals so it’s nice to see yours. There are so many wonderful districts in Paris all offering something different
I know, so many to choose from. Glad that this arrondissement really fits me to a T.
Teresa, I enjoyed seeing this part of Paris through your lens. The murals and doors are all interesting. Belleville Park looks nice, too. Thank you for your PPAC contribution.
My pleasure to share my recent travels and especially the public art that I have seen. Thanks too for the comment Natalie.