Paris - Slow Roads & Simple Things

Paris, Marley and a Few Unexpected Detours

9–14 August 2026

Before Paris: our ferry to France

Before Paris, there was the crossing from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo on 8 August. Dinner on board, a wander around the decks and a lovely sunset over the water were part of the adventure too.

Sunset over the sea from the Portsmouth to Saint-Malo ferry — Setting off for Saint-Malo, 8 August 2026.

See the ferry crossing story and all ten photographs.

Paris was one of those places I’d wanted to see for years. I headed out on my own that day and managed to fit in plenty, despite the heat.

On 9 August I wandered through Le Marais with no real plan. I found Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis simply by walking past, went inside for a look, then carried on through old streets, little gardens and shops. I also found Amorino, where I treated myself to gelato and took one of my favourite photos of the day, with the ice cream in the foreground and the shop behind it. Then I crossed the road into Square Louis XIII, the little garden at Place des Vosges, and sat near a fountain to enjoy it.

Colourful flower-shaped gelato held in front of the Amorino shop in Le Marais, Paris — My Amorino gelato in Le Marais, 9 August.

Sunbathers and people relaxing on the grass beneath large trees beside the fountain at Place des Vosges in Paris — A shady stop at Place des Vosges.

Parisian street in Le Marais with shops, pedestrians and tall pale stone buildings — Wandering through Le Marais.

Baroque facade of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church with a clock and deep red entrance doors — Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, the church I came across on my walk.

Ornate domed interior of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church with gold-lit altar and chandeliers — Inside Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis.

My next big outing took me all over Paris. I saw the Arc de Triomphe and climbed it, wandered along the Champs-Élysées, and stopped at the Flame of Liberty near Pont de l’Alma, where people still leave tributes to Princess Diana. Notre-Dame was another highlight, especially being able to go inside. By the time I sat down at Café Panis for beef bourguignon, I was more than ready for dinner.

Heather on the Champs-Élysées — On the Champs-Élysées.

Flame of Liberty at Diana's memorial site — The Flame of Liberty at the site of the tributes to Princess Diana.

My meal at Café Panis — My French meal at Café Panis.

That evening I cruised along the Seine, watching the city light up. Then came the Eiffel Tower. Seeing it glowing gold was lovely enough, but when the lights began sparkling, it really was one of those “I’m actually in Paris” moments. I’ve put the video below because a photograph doesn’t quite do it justice.

The Eiffel Tower sparkling, 10 August

The Eiffel Tower in daylight, 10 August.

Montmartre was another adventure. We caught a cab up to Sacré-Cœur, took photos outside, then came back down on the funicular. A much better direction to do it in, as far as my knees were concerned. We also ended up in Next, because apparently a trip to Paris still needs a clothing shop.

On 12 August, we went to the 9 pm show at the Moulin Rouge. It cost €296 for the two of us, without drinks, but it was something I’d wanted to do.

We also made time for a French breakfast with Marley. And when the weather got hot, he got his very own ice block. I’ve included the video because I reckon he enjoyed that as much as we enjoyed seeing Paris.

Marley the dog out at a cafe in Paris during the August house sit — Marley joined us for our French breakfast outing, 12 August.

Marley and his ice block

Marley enjoying an ice block during our Paris house sit.

Six days, a lot of walking, a few detours and some very good memories. Not a bad way to spend a house sit.