Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Quiet Paris

paris lockdown

Paris and several other regions went into a stricter lockdown

than what all of France has been experiencing since October.

Parts of Palais Royal where Gabriel and I go to hang out were completely closed off.

Nevertheless, we had a good time. 

Now that the weather is nice the parks are packed.

Everyone wears a mask.

 

 

paris lockdown

 

All restaurants, bars, and cafes have been closed since October

and will be into April and maybe longer.

I just heard bars will open in July.

I might start drinking by then.

It will be a welcome relief to go into a bar have a juice and then use the toilet.

When everything is closed going out can be a stretch without a place to sit, have a breather and use the loo.

 

 

paris lockdown

 

Rue de Rivoli is blocked off to most vehicles…

only bicyclists and pedestrians can use it freely.

And babies in strollers.

So weird and wonderful seeing Paris this empty 

during the middle of the day.

 

paris lockdown

The museums are closed. 

The Louvre is desserted.

Though Paris is hauntingly beautiful 

Comments

13 responses to “Quiet Paris”

  1. Kathie B

    Once upon a time, that eerie scene in front of the Louvre could only have been accomplished with image manipulation, rather than being a real-life event.

    Reply
  2. Kathie B

    It’s not far-fetched to call that picture a piece of history.

    Reply
  3. Lil

    I don’t want anyone to be sick with the virus or businesses to be hurt, but the calm and quiet, the lack of bumper to bumper traffic and people rushing all over has been okay. I hope you and Gabriel can go out and about and enjoy an uncrowded Paris.

    Reply
  4. Jeanne

    Covid isolation is a lonely time for sure…………….Praying for everyone
    It’s hard telling a little one they cannot go to the park or play with other little children.
    Very trying times for us all
    Much love

    Reply
  5. Julie

    Hang on Corey–vaccination is coming. My husband and I are vaccinated and most people over 65. Vaccination rates started slowly but are snowballing in the U.S. and will continue to increase. In two days everyone over 16 in my state are eligible for vaccination, and my daughter and son-in-law, both 42, get their first shot on Saturday! This will happen in France, too. The U.S. bought extra vaccines “just in case” and to share with other countries. The next month should bring good things regarding vaccination and progress to Normal.

    Reply
  6. Maureen Dauphinee

    There is a cross in the sky in the third photo. Beautiful!

    Reply
  7. Leslie in Oregon

    Corey, will you be able to continue to travel freely between your home in Provence and Paris? I worry about the effects of the lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions on children, including our grandchildren who are of an age where they need to be interacting with other children. Gabriel and his parents are, once again, very fortunate that Gabriel can be with another excellent playmate (and caregiver): you!

    Reply
  8. jackie

    I like the slower pace too but admit to getting a bit stir-crazy here. It was not a terrible winter, but it felt longer than it usually does. Finally, it is spring. Plants are pushing their resilient heads up out of the cold dirt and buds are plumping up along branches. I hear an owl hoot, hoot, hooting at night someplace nearby. I’ve had both vaccines (so has my husband) but our daughter (she’s 24) has not. Betwixt and between…like the entire world.

    Reply
  9. Ardi Butler

    Lockdown here is relaxing a little – restaurants are now open but can only have 25% occupancy. I see Sasha’s face in little Gabriel’s photo in his stroller. It’s good to be in the fresh air, even if the parks are closed. And of course, the best company of all…a little grandson.

    Reply
  10. Texasfrancophile

    Can’t imagine Paris quiet! Texans about to be able to get vaccine if they’re over 16. YESSS.

    Reply
  11. Kathy

    Thank you, once again, for sharing sweet pics of your precious Gabriel.
    I will be 65 in April, not able to get my vaccine yet. Crossing my fingers for you.

    Reply
  12. Fat Rabbit

    What peaceful incredible pictures of a quiet Paris. My husband travels to Paris every two years for the CIGRE conference and I go with him. I wander around Paris by myself and revisit the tourist sites as well as other areas of the city. Thank you for sharing the beautiful city with us. And Baby is so cute!

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Phillipps

    Herein NZ we have got used to a fairly normal life, albeit with our borders closed to everyone except returning kiwis, so I tend to be caught by surprise when I see these scenes….roll on those vaccines and then it will all be open again….poor Gabriel looks very sad looking through those bars of the fence at what he cannot see and do….still it is good to know you can still take him out and about in some fresh air….take care…Jennifer

    Reply

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