first day out and about in paris

jane left me her bike to ride during my visit (merci!):

so, i hopped on and pedaled over to:

i parked the bike there, and decided to set off and explore on foot. 

lots of narrow streets, shops and, apparently… lots of pizza:

just HAD to stop for a glass of wine to support this cafe:

then, strolled over to the seine:

every year, for the month of august, paris puts on what is called ‘paris plages’. 

its the city’s answer to the ‘beach.’

there are chaise lounges set up, games to play, palm trees, food carts, musicians playing:

even classes every day like tai chi and dance:

its a nice escape from the city heat – complete with misters for frolicking:

(good thing he brought his umbrella???)

when walking back across the seine, i noticed these little locks all over the ‘pont’ (bridge :).

apparently, they are ‘lovers locks’. 

lovers write their names and/or date, and/or whatever else on the locks.

then, they lock it to the bridge, and throw the key in the seine… their love ‘locked’ forever.

very romantic! 

although, makes the bridge look like shit and what a mess to clean up someday!

i mean, really… lets be practical here. 

not to mention all those keys in the river? sheesh! ;)

from there, i strolled past the palais du luxembourg and its gardens:

 

cool! parisian sculptors were way ahead of their time…

nice method grab!

finally, as the sun started to set, i headed back to the bike to make my way home.

and, passed this window display at ladurée along the way:

vive les vacances…

indeed.