I can’t remember the last time I was in Paris in August.
It’s quiet… so much quieter than in other months.
It feels deserted, not by the loyal Francophiles of the world who flock to Paris in all seasons, but by the Parisians.
It is August and France is on holiday.
I am here to see my photographer friend Carla… so we were delighted to catch up on our news and our surroundings were secondary.
Truthfully, it’s a hard backdrop to beat.
Conversation was fractured as we stopped every few minutes to click away.
The small streets were empty, the larger boulevardes boasted a trickle of traffic… the frenetic sounds of the city had almost disappeared.
Carla and I could walk with a freedom, take long distance shots with the camera… without interuption.
Paris is different in August and a new discovery for me.
Even the river seemed slower and more relaxed.
The banks of the Seine were deserted, the book sellers had packed up, joined the rest of the Parisians and gone away on holiday.
The major sites, like Notre Dame, were still busy with visitors but not in the same way.
Many of the shops were empty, even closed for their annual holidays.
Even Laduree had no queue and the windows were free to admire.
I haven’t been able to do that in a long time.
Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp and Les Deux Magots were buzzing… but they generally are.
The difference being… a table was yours if you wanted, without reservation or relegation out the back or upstairs.
We ate at Ralph’s at Ralph Lauren in the coutyard… not typically French but I have always wanted to try this impossible-to-get-a-table-destination.
The courtyard is stunning, the architecture about as French as it gets and the food was delicious.
I recommend a brunch or a lunch… I think you would love it.
We walked all day… thankfully my New Balance did me proud… they are just the best sneakers ever.
They look fine and are even comfortable.
Paris is all about the walking and as much as I want to wear my latest heels, it’s not happening.
Carla warned me that the temperatures had dropped so I had my canvas utility jacket with me.
( this jacket is probably one of the best pieces I have bought in ages… its from Old Navy… )
Enough pockets for the bits, long enough for cover… warm enough and the indented waist is flattering.
Some days are the best… this was one of them.
Follow Carla and I in Paris on Instagram… who knows where we will end up today… xv
@vickiarcher @carlalovesphotography
old navy canvas utilty jacket // new balance 420 sneaker
