“Paris is always a good idea.” – Sabrina

What would you do with a 48 hour layover in Paris? 

Plenty. 

I’m going to show you a lot of pictures because I am obsessed with France and don’t know how to cope.

1) Admirer la belle vue de la cité (Admire the city from above)
Paris is named the City of Light due to the Enlightenment but there is something about the light here. Je te jure (I swear to you), the sun reserves special, golden, rose hued rays for this gorgeous city. 

2) Evoquer les souvenirs (Reminisce)

This is St. Sulpice church. Once upon a time, I played a little ditty on its pipe organ that is, besides being centuries old, considered one of the best and possibly the most beautiful organ ever. The organist, Daniel Roth, was amused and likely a good deal chagrined by my efforts. In my defense, he asked if anyone wanted to play it - I was the only one brazen enough to go for it. You might liken it to playing hot cross buns on Jimi Hendrix's last remaining guitar. 

3) Apercevoir les petits détails (See the little details)
The French understand the importance of celebrating beauty in the everyday.

4) Manger bien (Eat well)
Go to my old neighborhood and have a really good lunch. The waiters insisted I move tables because they were concerned about me getting rained on. Sweet. hearts.

5) Se Balader (Go for a stroll)
Take the train to visit a neighboring town, where of course, you go for a walk.

6 ) Ecouter (Listen)
Take in a concert in some architectural gem, like the Chartres Cathedral. 

7) Apprendre quelque chose (Learn something)
Admire some art, even if it is Baroque/Rococo/over the top.

8) Crier Allez les Bleus! (Yell Go Blues!)
Watch the World Cup in the village square and cheer for Les Bleus! This is about the only time the French get unabashedly patriotic. 

9) Apprecier l'art - encore une fois (Appreciate art - again)
A light show on the exterior of the Chartres Cathedral. 

10) Passer du bon temps (Have a good time)
Meet up with some friends.