The Bastille Day fireworks were even more magical this year than in years past. The sparkles and bursts of fire exploded off the Eiffel Tower itself (rather than from Trocadero), transforming the iron monument from angel-with-wings to coronated queen to liquid impressionist palette. Smoke and color filled the air, and the thousands who had gathered to celebrate freedom forgot the troubles of the world for 35 shimmering minutes.
Then, it was done.
As usual, we pressed against one another as we shuffled to find a way home in the crowd after le spectacle. But all was not “as usual.” We couldn’t help but feel a bit vulnerable, with thousands of us in the streets and vivid memories of past terror.
And then we heard the news of the horror in Nice, and we realized that the thought had become reality . . . and that nothing would ever really be the same again.
Meredith Mullins is a fine art photographer, photography instructor, and writer for OIC Moments and Bonjour Paris. Her work can be seen at www.meredithmullins.artspan.com or in her award-winning book, In A Paris Moment. She is available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. For more information, contact her at meredithmullins@earthlink.net. If you’re looking for a story of hope and inspiration, visit Meredith’s most recent story on Rwanda.
My Paris Apartment for Rent October 29 to November 11
I am renting my fabulous Paris apartment in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul metro, from October 29 to November 11, a total of 14 nights. It's a spacious one-bedroom 750 sq. ft. loft style apartment with 12 ft. ceilings, decorated in chic Mid-Century Modern furniture and sleeps one or two people in a Queen size bed. Amenities include washer/dryer, 16" flat screen TV, dishwasher, internet connection/Wifi and free long distance calls to the U.S. The apartment is located on the second floor with an elevator.
The price is $225 a night with a minimum rental 7 nights. Price is negotiable if staying more than 7 nights. Photos upon request. Please email me at rn88@rcn.com if you are interested. Dates are flexible by two to three days on each end but please do not email me with other dates.
Eye Prefer Paris Postcards
I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.
Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.
Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or
Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or
$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)
Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 195 euros per person (about $210)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
Beautiful photos!
I don't know about in Paris, but in Carcassonne the crowd at the fireworks (half a million people in a town that's usually under 50,000) was amazingly polite and well-behaved. No pushing, no ugly drunks, no littering. I was very impressed.
Posted by: Taste of France | July 21, 2016 at 12:34 PM
What a wonderful explosion of color! thank you for sharing...Lisa@ Sweet Tea N' Salty Air
Posted by: Lisa @ Sweet Tea N' Salty Air | July 21, 2016 at 03:54 PM