Sojourn in Paris #2

Paris 2025 - At night

After our meal we just wandered the streets, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the sights. The Hausmann renovation project, commissioned by Napoleon III between 1853 and 1870 to modernise the medieval city and rid it of its narrow streets and poor sanitation, has resulted in Paris's wide, straight boulevards and distinctive architecture. There are now cycle lanes along both sides of many of the streets and I lost count of the times I was nearly mown down by a speeding cyclist! 

I just took photos of whatever caught my eye as we wandered along. I wasn't really noticing where we were but I think I've identified where most of these images were taken. The arch below is Porte Saint-Denis. One of the four triumphal arches in Paris, this 17th century monument commemorates the victories of Louis XIV. 

Passing through numerous 'circles' and parks, we saw a lot of statues, mostly men on horseback. This one is (I think) in the elegant Place des Victoires and is the afore-mentioned Louis XIV. 

Galerie Vivienne, built in 1823, is a stylish arcade of luxury shops.

We skirted the Jardin du Palais Royal, mysterious in the moonlight. 

We then walked through the courtyard of the Palais Royal. Another former royal palace (Paris is littered with them!) it was built in the 1630s, though extensively altered since then. It was once the home of Cardinal Richlieu.

On the Rue St Honoré, the Café Nemours at the side of the square called the Place Colette looked very atmospheric. It's been used several times as a film location.