Signs and Wonders: Paris
There are reasons why Paris is considered Europe’s most beautiful city. Some would argue they have nothing to do with the French, that it was English and then American tourists who came, saw and gave it that reputation. In any case, superlatives are always pointless and lazy. Having not yet been to Prague, Amsterdam or a few others that always look good in postcards and brochures, I can’t yet make any claims on Paris’ behalf with absolute confidence. But I can say this: Paris is a city full of landmarks that have become so familiar they have lost whatever curiosity they once held. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Mona Lisa; who needs to see them up close anymore? Like any great city these days, Paris is at its most wondrous and exotic at street level. Go inside the Louvre by all means but it is on the walk there that all the real treasures are found. The real measure of its culture, its identity is found in the small details.
There are reasons why Paris is considered Europe’s most beautiful city. Some would argue they have nothing to do with the French, that it was English and then American tourists who came, saw and gave it that reputation. In any case, superlatives are always pointless and lazy. Having not yet been to Prague, Amsterdam or a few others that always look good in postcards and brochures, I can’t yet make any claims on Paris’ behalf with absolute confidence. But I can say this: Paris is a city full of landmarks that have become so familiar they have lost whatever curiosity they once held. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Mona Lisa; who needs to see them up close anymore? Like any great city these days, Paris is at its most wondrous and exotic at street level. Go inside the Louvre by all means but it is on the walk there that all the real treasures are found. The real measure of its culture, its identity is found in the small details.
