The moonlight kisses her waves as it flows steadily with grace. She is framed with bridges, some more majestic and adorned with handcrafted detail than others. With no hesitation she carries the different bateaux (boats) filled with people from all over the world. They look around at the allure of the city as they go on their journey, many of which forgetting to look down to appreciate her charm. She doesn’t mind, she knows she brings the city together. In history it is said Joan of Arc’s ashes were thrown to her, and Napoleon wished to be buried in her banks, however it was not fulfilled. This is La Seine.
Paris, my home away from home, the city that fills my soul, and incites a permanent smile. I try to visit often, and because of my love for her, many ask for suggestions and tips when they finally get to meet her. I of course share with love and excitement. I am by no means an expert of the city. I do have experience and love for Paris, and that is what I can share. Now, I am here sharing with you! I will divide my ideas into a series of articles.
One of the biggest mistakes I see by visitors is when they ignore the Seine River. They will walk past her. They will stop on one of the 37 bridges that crown her (for example, Pont Alexandre III or Pont Neuf), take a picture, and continue to move on with their itinerary (another issue in itself we will touch on later). There are many ways to stop and enjoy La Seine and be one with the locals.
My favorite way to enjoy her is by picnic. When preparing for Paris, I always pack a small picnic blanket and a reusable shopping bag for my provisions. You can choose to do it any time of the day. It can be as simple as grabbing croissants and a café creme in the morning, or pick up a baguette from the boulangerie, fromage (cheese) and a bottle of wine to have a break in between visiting sites.
I prefer a visit in the moonlight. There is a wonderful Lebanese walk up in the 5th Arrondissement (borough), Chez Le Libanais, usually open until 11:30pm or midnight. We usually get different sandwiches including shawarma, falafel and le lahmé. They have many to choose from. So if you can’t decide you can get a few to split in half and share. Oh my, I could really enjoy one of those right now, so good! Make sure you grab a handful of napkins and then walk your way to La Seine, not even 4 minutes away. Once you arrive you can take one of the stairways down and find a spot to sit and enjoy. You will find many people, especially in the summer, sitting with groups of friends, sharing wine or other delicacy. Some will be playing music, or card/board games, and you will hear laughter echo in the air. You will watch the batobuses sweep by and dinner cruises. Each time they pass the waves dance, highlighted by the yellow tinted street lights. For me, it’s magical.
This is only one of many locations along La Seine, and one of many ways to enjoy her. Whichever way you choose to greet her, remember to take a moment and really see her. See her…feel her.. then take away a good mental memory that can always live with you.
À Bientôt (see you soon)!
Curiously, Koko
Moonlight picnic on La Seine. 
Sitting along with the other locals enjoying her charm.
Koko! Tu es trognon(trop mignon)! J’espere te lire tres souvent parce que ton amour de Paris est pareil au mien.
Je t’embrasse tres fort!
Bisous,
Madame 😘😀❤🇫🇷
After reading, I Feel like I want to go to Paris with you guys now.