The Palais Royal: Beauty, Art, and History
The Palais Royal, with its stunning gardens and elegant courtyards, offers Alexandra a perfect place to witness the changing seasons. Sitting by the fountain in the meticulously curated garden, she finds peace and inspiration in the surrounding natural beauty. In winter, the bare trees symbolize a time of rest and reflection, while in summer, the lush greenery and vibrant flowers reflect growth and vitality. These seasonal changes serve as symbols of the cycles of life and the passage of time, reminding her of the ever-evolving nature of existence.
Alexandra enjoys visiting the Palais Royal both in the early morning and the afternoon, each time offering a different experience. In the morning, the gardens are quiet and serene, allowing her a moment of silence and introspection. This time of day is perfect for connecting with her inner self. In the afternoon, the energy shifts as more people arrive, bringing the lively spirit of Paris with them. Locals often come here for lunch breaks or to meet friends, and Alexandra enjoys this vibrant atmosphere. The blend of voices, laughter, and the bustling activity of the café in the courtyard adds a dynamic layer to her experience, reminding her of the city’s pulse and the connection she shares with its residents.
The rows of trees in the Palais Royal garden form arches that resemble the shape of a natural cathedral, creating a space that feels sacred and inspiring. Alexandra finds these tree-lined paths particularly enchanting, as they evoke a sense of walking through a living, breathing sanctuary. The benches, adorned with French quotes, provide spots for reflection and contemplation, adding to the garden’s charm.
The Louvre Pyramid: A Modern Prism of Light
The Louvre Pyramid is an energetic highpoint for Alexandra. The clear, geometric structure reflects and amplifies light, making it look different at every hour of the day. The pyramid, with its modern lines juxtaposed against the historic architecture of the Louvre, creates a powerful and solid prism that enhances the natural light, creating a unique visual and energetic experience.
For many visitors, the Louvre Pyramid is a travel highlight, a dream destination that marks a special occasion. For Alexandra, however, it is a daily blessing. Living in Paris allows her frequent access to this stunning piece of architecture, and she often includes it in her daily commute. Each visit fills her with a sense of gratitude for the beauty and history she gets to experience every day. The pyramid is not just a landmark; it’s a symbol of her life’s journey and the dreams that have come true.
One of Alexandra’s favorite times to visit the Louvre Pyramid is during sunset. The changing light during this magical hour transforms the pyramid, casting it in warm hues and framing it with the old-fashioned lights of the surrounding area. This serene yet powerful scene embodies a blend of modernity and tradition, enhancing the pyramid’s mystique. When Alexandra walks towards the pyramid, she visualizes walking towards the light, seeing it as a symbolic journey towards enlightenment and fulfillment. The pyramid represents the Holy Trinity for her, a powerful reminder that dreams can indeed come true. It also reflects her deep connection with Egypt, a land whose mythology and symbols have profoundly influenced her spiritual journey.
The Madeleine Church – L’église de la Madeleine
The Madeleine Church, rich with personal and cultural significance, offers Alexandra a unique space for reflection, prayer, and connection to the divine feminine. Originally intended to be a temple dedicated to the glory of Napoleon’s army, its construction began in 1764 and faced numerous interruptions due to the French Revolution. The church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a figure who represents repentance and the transformative power of love and forgiveness in Christian tradition. For Alexandra, the symbolism of the Madeleine Church goes beyond its religious connotations. Mary Magdalene, often seen as a symbol of the divine feminine, represents a different aspect of spirituality that resonates with Alexandra’s beliefs. This perspective aligns with her view of the divine as being within and around us, rather than an external, patriarchal figure.
For Alexandra, the church holds a special place in her heart, partly due to her childhood memories. As a child, she watched the “Madeline” cartoons, where the character Madeline, the youngest in her class, often found herself in the church. This connection to the character and the church resonated deeply with Alexandra, who saw parallels between herself and Madeline. On random days, she feels a pull to pass by the church, where she steps inside to sit in silence and offer prayers. This act reconnects her with her childhood and reminds her of her own feminine power.
Île Saint-Louis: A Unique Escape
Île Saint-Louis offers another unique and enchanting escape from the bustling city life. This charming island, featured in popular culture like “Emily in Paris,” is filled with quaint cafés and a serene ambiance that captivates visitors. One of the island’s most appealing aspects is its sense of detachment from the rest of the city. Surrounded by the flowing waters of the Seine, you feel a gentle suspension, a sensation of being apart yet intimately connected to Paris. As you sit at one of the delightful cafés, it’s easy to lose yourself in the tranquility, letting the city’s rhythm fade into the background.
From Île Saint-Louis, you are treated to an extraordinary view of the backside of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This unique perspective serves as a metaphor for seeing life from different angles, reminding us that there is always more than one way to look at the world. The bridges that connect the island to the mainland symbolize the connections we must find and maintain in our own lives. These bridges stand as reminders that, while we may seek detachment and solitude, everything remains interconnected.
Paris, though not a seaside city, offers a similar sense of fluidity and flow when you cross the Seine. The act of crossing a bridge becomes symbolic—a way to detach from the fast pace of city life, to find a moment of peace, and then to reconnect with renewed perspective and understanding. Love itself can be seen as a bridge, connecting hearts and souls in the vast landscape of human experience.
Île Saint-Louis, with its perfect blend of seclusion and connection, provides a unique place to write, reflect, and find inspiration. It is a place where the flow of the river and the heartbeat of the city converge, creating a perfect setting for contemplation and creativity.
Square du Vert-Galant
Situated at the end of Île de La Cité underneath Pont Neuf, right in the centre of Paris, a small park surrounded by the splitting Seine river either side. right at the pointed end, is a huge willow like tree, which reminds me of the grandmother Willow tree in the Disney movie Pocahontas. Again to avoid the crowds, I head here in the morning, ideally towards sunrise during the winter months, to receive the most beautiful light shining across my favorite bridge Pont des Arte and over and above the nearby Louvre museum.
If I was to go hug a tree somewhere in Paris this would be it; I love hiding underneath the tree’s leafy arms, transported hiding to magical lands.
Alternatively if you want to see this area come alive, head here around the sunset hour to see local people gather for picnics. the energy always feels really positive here.