Place Dauphine

Spring and all of its bounty prevails in Paris and the good fortune of mostly sunny days has made wanting to be outdoors irresistible. I’ve been making excuses to be outside whenever I can- spontaneously contacting friends to meet for coffee or drinks at cafes on the sunny side of the street, extending tours sometimes and exploring parks and gardens, when I should be on my computer writing.  

Since I’ve grown so accustomed to shooting on my I-Phone, I realized I hadn’t taken out my camera in weeks. Dusting of my camera, I pondered where to go on this perfect April day. I’ve always loved the perfection of Place Dauphine, a stunning square on the western tip of Ile de La Cite, long been overshadowed by the Place des Vosges.

Place Dauphine, which in actuality is triangular shaped, was commissioned by King Henri IV in 1607, on the heels of the Place des Vosges started in 1605. As an ongoing project to create public squares in Paris, Place Dauphine was named after King Henri IV’s son the Dauphin of France and the future Louis XIII. The Pont Neuf connects Place Dauphine from the Left Bank to the Right Bank.

It was lunchtime when I arrived and Parisians were taking full advantage of the weather- picnicking on the benches, playing boule, nabbing the outdoor tables at cafes and restaurants- all in a quest to embrace the season. One group had such an appetizing picnic, I asked where they bought their food. Their recommendation yielded a yummy chili con carne and fresh Cesar salad, which I ate in another favorite spot, Luxembourg Gardens.

My Paris Apartment for Rent June 21 to June 27

I am renting my fabulous Paris apartment in the heart of the Marais near St. Paul metro, from  June 21 to June 27, a total of  7 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 A/C,  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.Photos upon request. Please email me at rn88@rcn.com if you are interested.

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

Checkout my new photo site www.richardnahemphotography.com if you would like to order prints of my photos.