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Artist Niki de Saint Phalle Artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) grew up partly in New York City, I was surprised to learn while researching her Nana sculptures. The beautiful Frenchie teenager attended some of my native city’s toniest private schools . . . but not for long; too rebellious. As her art evolved, success was quick to catch up.... Read more Philharmonie de Paris Seductive architectural detail of Jean Nouvel’s genius Philharmonie de Paris hall in the Parc de la Villette, 19th arrondissement. At the turn of the (19th to 20th) century, la Villette was the ultimate in working-class turf — stockyards and slaughterhouses — but as the next century turn loomed, Paris planners envisioned the classy cultural environment eventually... Read more Leave it to the Louvre Leave it to the Louvre to artfully blend centuries of architecture. Okay, I took a few years to adjust to the I. M. Pei innovation — but adjusted I am. The better to appreciate Maurice Suberve’s photo for showing how a daring concept of contrast points up the beauty of each component. Read more Alexander III bridge Parisians crossing the Seine via the Alexander III bridge admit they may be too busy to appreciate design flourishes such as the four hammered copper nymphs (two per side) ornamenting the celebrated bridge. A bridge nymph gets the star treatment in Nathalie Prébende’s photo. As her harmonious composition suggests, the bridge and the Grand Palais... Read more Paris scene via Seine Paris scene via Seine. Always wanted to browse Paris while enjoying lunch aboard one of the floating restos that cruise the Seine. Haven’t had the pleasure — yet, maybe for want of just the right luncheon partner. Or maybe unconvinced that the not-inexpensive moveable feast truly will complement the incomparable passing views. A tough culinary... Read more The Paris Metro The Paris Metro has convenience to recommend it, but compared to my  beloved buses, the Metro usually is pedestrian (sorry) transport. An exception is Metro line 6 (Etoile-Nation), seen in Nathalie Prébende’s photo, for its lightness-of-being trip above luxe right bank quartiers and over some left bank enclaves (in the 14th, notably) that get less guide-book ink. Right... Read more Promenade Plantée The Promenade Plantée in the 12th arrondissement inspired the wildly popular NYC High Line. Since 2017, I’ve lived in the 12th — the first Paris ‘hood I’ve inhabited for a year (and more!) Near one entrance to the Promenade, you can fill your water bottle with free bubbly water. Do you know another city that offers free,... Read more Rooftop chimney pots Rooftop chimney pots are no less classic than the monuments in Franck Charel’s atmospheric Paris-by-night skyline. Notre Dame and the spire of Sainte Chapelle at left, the Eiffel Tower (what else?) at center stage. Read more Buttes Chaumont park From where I lived for six off-season, chilly months in the 19th arrondissement, the Buttes Chaumont park was a four-minute walk up the short Avenue de Laumière. Often, I waited at a bus stop facing the local town hall and right next to the park’s main entrance. Many other foreign residents would much rather walk in... Read more Paris - The City of lights Navigating the city like the branché (connected) journalist he was, a favorite Paris beau knew exactly how to show off the city. We took the elevator down to the garage­­­ under the Place de la Concorde, hopped in his sleek car and shot up the ramp into the brilliant Paris night. I know my friend enjoyed revealing... Read more