The sun goes down pretty early in January in France, so we didn't have a chance to come during the…read moreday. Thus, the greenway to the Southwest of the canals (Square Federick Lemaire) was closed (probably to keep people out during the night time). But the canal is well lit, and there were plenty of young and old men having a good time, smoking and drinking. On the eastern side of the canal, there are quite a few nice shops, and people were still shopping. On the western side is more industrial shops, with us walking past multiple home improvement shops focusing on flooring and tiles. We were not able see any of the locks in action, but were able to cross the bridges back and forth and take some nice pictures. it's definitely worth a stop if in the area, and i understand why it would be so beautiful in the spring for a leisurely walk in the daytime.

I've been trying to get to Canal Saint Martin since 2019 and every trip since has ended in…read moredisappointment. I was very determined not to let our visit to Canal Saint Martin go down the drain. I didn't want to take a riverboat cruise but simply grab a baguette sandwich and sit at one of the benches and enjoy the view. While Canal Saint Martin was very agréable, the Paris weather was not. Periods of rain made our picnic idea a soaking mess but we happened to catch a riverboat going up through the locks. Did you know ? Construction of the canal was ordered by Napoleon I in 1802 and construction took place until 1825, funded by a new tax on wine. The neighborhood was friendly and the views were stunning. We had a great time enjoying the sights even with the Paris rain. Best part of Canal Saint Martin is that it's free. There's no admission ticket or reservation to make. To get there via metro the 8 line takes you to République and from there it's a short walk.

CRAIG HOCKENBERRY CINCINNATI OHIO SUPERINTENDENT…read more The final resting place of Doors Frontman Jim Morrison. It was a little tough to find the tomb, but when we got there it covered with people. It was tucked away between many people and it was nothing special. He died at age 27 and his work will last for many generations. Craig Hockenberry Craig Hockenberry

Graveyards can invoke many different emotions, but mostly for me it's the history and and stature…read morethat given them a breath of life. Visiting with Jim, then Oscar Wilde, two men who blazed their own trails, is deeply energizing. It was moving just being close to them.

Sacre Couer on the hill of Monmartre provides the best 360 degree views of the city of Paris,…read moreparticularly if you venture to climb the 300 steps to the top dome (for 7 euros). Entrance to the basilica is free, and it's opened from 6am until 10:30pm. It was built with the "self cleaning" Chateau-Lando stone from France, and the rain and weathering keeps it white. Crowds linger on the steps and around the overlook areas. Vendors try to sell you cheap locks to put on the surrounding fencing (the locks covering the fences-even with signs saying "no locks permitted" are an eyesore and should be removed). Security line checks are long and in February 2026 we waited about 30 or 40 mins to enter. I can only imagine what chaos it is in the high season. The basicalla is beautful inside and well worth checking out, although quiet and repect are required as there are masses going on. For this visit the crypt was not available to enter, which was highly disappointing There is also a small train trolly like vehicle right outside that will take you on a 30 minute ride around Monmartre for 12 euros. We thought it was a bit cheesey and touristy at first, but it really was worth it! Sacre couer is majestically beautiful!

Walked up hundreds of steps to get there. I believe we were where John Wick filmed that dramatic…read morefight scene. As u get to the top u see two majestic knights on horses protecting the basilica. The basilica is beautiful. Many statues some made of pure silver. and areas to light candles. Long line to get in mostly tourists some are worshippers. The massive beautiful altar is the centerpiece, obviously every minor detail was carefully thought out. Starway to heaven. What an experience. Hope to add more later with some history.

I am not really sure if the Jardin du Sacre-Coeur still exists? We were searching for it. Based on…read moregoogle websites and some social media sites, it should be right in front of the Sacré-Coeur. Umm... no its not. Looked at google map and it doesn't seem to exist. Not sure if I am missing something or if they renamed the garden or got rid of it.

Wow what a beautiful church. You can see this church along the Paris landscape because it is…read morelocated on top of a hill. There are tons of people who flock to see this white church. I went inside and they were having a mass. You can pay to light a candle for prayer. Instead I just walked around and looked at the architecture. My favorite part of this church is the outside and the steps. Something very peaceful about it.

We enjoyed a most delightful 7 day Seine River cruise on a Gate1 Travel river cruise ship, their…read moreMonarch Countess.  We also spent 2 more days in Paris at the end and enjoyed other various Seine River scenes along the way.   The Seine is a major winding river way and we apparently went through 6 locks on the way out from Paris to the town of Caudebec-en-Caux in Normandy.  The water level was perfect for cruising (not too low and not too high) and in a quite fortuitous streak we also enjoyed 10 straight days in April here with nary a drop of rain!

La Seine, Paris So…read morebeautiful to walk along the Seine River just enjoying the views after a few days at the Paris Olympics. The Seine River is 483 miles long. Starting in the north of France, it drains to the Paris Basin flowing from Paris to the English Channel. So easy to explore bridges along the river. In Paris alone, there are 37 bridges. So nice to explore.