Last weekend I met up with my American friend, Andy, to walk around Paris at night. We had heard from others that we would get to see a whole different side of Paris.
As we walked down the streets, the first things I noticed were the sculptures and monuments. We started our adventure by the famous Arc de Triomphe, a massive arch 50 meters (164 feet) high, covered with statues and carved scenery. It wasn’t yet dark, but the light of the setting sun made it an impressive sight. I remember feeling in that moment like I was in ancient Rome because of the monument’s architecture. I learned that you can go inside and take an elevator up to the top of the arch. I will have to come back at some point to do that.
Andy and I found a Métro station and rode to the heart of Paris, near a place called Île de la Cité. This is one of two natural islands in the Seine River, and where the city was originally founded. Walking around we were surrounded by fountains and buildings. One fountain that stood out was the Fontaine Saint-Michel, which has two lions (or maybe lion-dragons?) on either side. We also came across a very old-looking church, called the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which was bathed in light.
