Walk Along the River

After walking to Notre Dame, Nicole and I strolled along the islands located in the Seine, Île de la Cité and Île Saint Louis. These islands are two of three islands in Paris. They are naturally occurring, as opposed to the other, Île des Cygnes, artificially made and home to the Statue of Liberty. Aside from being a natural wonder, these two islands are home to the Notre Dame de Paris, the Palais de Justice and as well as other notable attractions. They are also a keen assault on tourists to make sure those who have not already fallen in love with Paris do so immediately. I say this because it was at this point that I feel in love with Paris.


The weather that weekend was rather dreary and the day we went to Notre Dame was no exception. It had rained quite extensively. We stepped out of Notre Dame and began walking along the River Seine and all of a sudden, the sun came out. The sun peaked out from the clouds, started shining and soon rays were bouncing off the river and windows of the lovely buildings along the river and I found myself in a painting.

Île de la Cité, with Notre Dame on the right

Gorgeous buildings

Adding to the scene are the small stalls, called riverside bouquiniste.

"The first Seine-side salesmen appeared in the 19th century on quai Voltaire and sold many of the same items you still see sold today. In 1993, President Jacques Chirac created legal standards for the wooden stands. Today, around 250 vendors—bouquinistes—can be found in the city of light. Peppered along the right bank, on Pont Marie, at Quai du Louvre, the left bank, at Quai de la Tournelle, and the original quai Voltaire, they carry cheapo souvenirs in abundance.” [EuroCheapo]

Nicole at a bouquiniste

They may be cheap souvenirs, but I find them quite charming. On display is everything from vintage magazines and newspapers, as well as old maps of Paris, art reproductions, and French books. And in case you're wondering, it's all very highly regulated.

"Each bouquiniste is given four boxes, all of a specified size, and rent is paid only for the stone on which the boxes rest (less than €100 per year). The most coveted spots are awarded based on seniority. Maintenance costs, including the required vert wagon paint (the green color of old train cars), are paid by the bouquinistes. With little overhead, prices are usually cheaper than in most shops. And yes, they do leave everything inside when they lock up at night; metal bars and padlocks keep things safe." [Rick Steves' Europe]

They may seem like a small thing, but they really add to the character of the area. And it’s not just the riverside vendors. The whole island has a beautiful, laid back, small village feel to it. We crossed into Ile Saint Louis for ice cream. The ice cream—I got praline—was exquisite as was the island.

The back end of Notre Dame.
The road is the entry to the other island, Île Saint Louis.

Street on Île Saint Louis

The River Seine from Île Saint Louis

My yummy praline ice cream