Celebrating at the Trocadero Christmas Market

1471189_775459189137812_900431640_n

From my friends at My French Neighbor. Christmastime in Paris is simply magical! Continue Reading →

So True. So Very True.

555604_10151800279354422_116584269_n

From one of my favorite Paris blogs, Paris Attitude. Continue Reading →

My Christmas Decorations That Celebrate Paris

IMG_0256

For lovers of both Paris and Christmas, there are many shops in the City of Light that sell Parisian holiday ornaments and decorations–including Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, many souvenir shops and two wonderful boutiques–Il Etait Une Fois… at 6 Rue Ferdinand Duval in the Marais and Christmas a Paris at 7 Rue de Conde on the Left Bank. And while I’ve bought decor from all of these stores, I was craving something more–something bigger than just a few Paris ornaments for my tree. Here’s what I came up with … Continue Reading →

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet! (Happy Bastille Day!)

Bastille Day 3

Today, France celebrates it’s national independence day, the anniversary of the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison in Paris that marked the start of the French Revolution. If you’re in Paris today (lucky you!) show up early to snag a spot on the Champs de Mars park adjacent to the Eiffel Tower for an unparalleled view of the fireworks show. Many of the city’s bridges also are ideal viewing locations. Aimer! Continue Reading →

Happy Birthday! La Tour Eiffel Turns 129 Years Old

232323232-fp5364;-nu=326--447-69--WSNRCG=3239;29632-76nu0mrj

Today, Paris’s Eiffel Tower turns 125 years old. I can’t imagine there’s a monument anywhere in the world that is as recognizable as La Tour Eiffel or as indelibly linked with a nation’s culture as is this wonderful French monument created for the 1889 World’s Fair (and which was supposed to be torn down two decades after the event ended). The tower is beloved by both the French and by visitors from around the world. Check out these 40 little-known facts about the Eiffel Tower as well as some of the hundreds of photos I’ve taken of La Tour over the years. Continue Reading →

Paris’s Iconic Eiffel Tower

232323232-fp537-7-nu=326--447-69--WSNRCG=3475585;--32-nu0mrj

Today’s memories of Paris are all about the Eiffel Tower. This iconic symbol of Paris – indeed, of all of France – is recognizable worldwide and celebrated by Francophiles in every nation. I’ve been up the tower five times (twice at night, three times during the day), including actually climbing the steps to the second level during my high school French trip in 1985. During my last visit to Paris in November and December 2012, the apartment I rented in the 6th Arrondissement had a fantastic view of the tower, and I could see it twinkling each night from my balcony. Magical! Continue Reading →

Bonne Annee!

Paris Fireworks

I’ve never been in Paris on New Year’s Eve, which is celebrated with elaborate fireworks displays at the Eiffel Tower. Someday, I’ll be in the City of Light to ring in the new year. Until then, I’ll just have to satisfy myself with pics and videos. Bonne Annee, tout le monde! Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2014! Continue Reading →

We, the Lovers of Paris …

here's the alt text

You love Paris. OK, let’s be honest: You’re obsessed with Paris. No matter how many times you’ve visited, you keep planning to return again and again. Your home is plastered with Paris souvenirs and French-themed decor. You’ve got a “I’d rather be in Paris” bumper sticker on your car. You’ve named your dog or cat Paris, and it’s not an homage to that reality TV parasite. Everything you do is Paris, Paris, Paris.

Me too. (That’s me, on the right, at the Trocadero Christmas market.) Continue Reading →

About “Oui Always Have Paris”

Featured

Eiffel Tower from the Musee Rodin

Here, in this blog, I share my love of Paris and my Parisian experiences with you, my fellow Francophiles. This is “my” Paris, but I want to learn more about “your” Paris, too! Please share your treasured memories and the fantastic experiences you’ve had in the City of Light by posting comments. Nous serons toujours amour Paris! Continue Reading →