Summer in the city

 

No matter how high temperatures climb in the city center, it's slightly cooler up in Montmartre.

Above: ice-cold citronnade made w/fresh lemon, ginger, and honey

Sparkling waters

 Evian, Vichy, Perrier... Just three brands of French water of many recognized the world over.

 

 

Pont Neuf on a cloudy day

 

The Pont Neuf, Paris' oldest bridge - whose name ironically means "new bridge" - quietly holds its own on an overcast Monday afternoon.

"I think, therefore I am"

René Descartes (1596-1650), considered The Father of Modern Philosophy, is entombed in a wall here.

Once part of a Benedictine abbey dating to the 5th century A.D., l'Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés now stands alone, and is known as the oldest church in Paris.

Guarding le shop

 

It used to be almost impossible to enter a Paris tabac or café without having to sidestep a large German Shepherd blocking the entrance. Now, small dogs like this one, peer from many a shop doorway.

Bike tied to tree

 Bicycles are one of my favorite subjects.

Get your goat

French cheeses have their own season, and now is the time to look for raw milk farm fromages de chèvre (goat's milk cheeses) in cheese shops and markets.