Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Travel Notes - Do They Really Park That Way?





I hope you aren't thinking 
Oh no, not another post about Paris!
Yes, I'm afraid so.
I'm still on a high after a wonderful trip
and love sharing some of the highlights of my adventure with you.

Getting around the city is so easy
and here are several ways to take in the sights.
The view from the river is wonderful.



Sightseeing buses are inexpensive and convenient.
This one picks up and drops off across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral.




Bikes are available to rent all around the city.
You can ride one for as long as you wish
and then drop it off at any bike stand.


I've shown you this photograph before and I still think it is funny.
Parking spaces are scarce so drivers are very creative about where and how they park.


There is a lot to be said for small cars.



Yes, they really do park this way...all the time.



We saw a car pinned in like this front and back.  
The driver bumped into both cars until she had pushed them far enough away
so she could get out of the space.  Bang...bang...bang.


More of the same.



There is nothing wrong with this driver's parking skills.
I just liked the car.
Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of Paris life.

bonne journee

38 comments:

  1. NEVER enough Paris talk!! I had to chuckle at the parking pictures. Good reason for Americans not to even try driving in Paris!!! I can understand your French high.

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  2. Keep those photos coming. I feel as if I'm there. The parking? Well, I've seen some pretty creative parking in Chicago. When it snows, people dig out their residential spaces and "save" them with cones, chairs, etc. Usually works.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. I love the Paris tour! No need to stop for me. They must have dinged up bumpers if they have to bump one another to get out!

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  4. I miss Paris so much! We dropped off our luggage at our hotel, found a parking deck, and didn't get in the car again until vacation was over. No way did I want to drive any more than necessary there! When we lived in Germany, we were told by the driving instructor that if there's not a sign saying it can't be done, they'll do it! It's so true!

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  5. I'm with everybody else...keep on talking Paris! =) This is hilarious...I think I'd be taking pictures, too. I think I might freak out if I came out to find my car blocked on both sides. I guess they must be used to pushing their way out. Fun post!

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  6. That's so funny! I can't even imagine! What a hoot!!!

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  7. Bonjour Cathy,
    I love anything you post about Paris;I've never been, but I did spend a month in Provence a few years ago. And anything about France fascinates me...so bring it on svp.
    Rita

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  8. How funny! I guess everybody just must be used to banged up bumpers!

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  9. Wow, pretty amazing parking, the tiny cars likely have a lot to do with the high cost of gas in Europe.

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  10. Like the others, never enough France for me Cathy. Keep 'em coming.

    Small cars are in. Gas prices in Europe have been high even before the current oil hike and diesel is king there. Maybe we can learn something from them here in the states.
    Sam

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  11. Ah yes those classic cars:)

    Loved them in France and fell in love w/ Smart cars again..it's just that in all our snow:( It gets lost sometimes..an aquaintance told me that..yet a friend is on her second.I love them..
    They are creative for parking:)

    We have those bikes too..I never use them but Mtl.has them..Loved those buses in Italy..Rome is where we used it..

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  12. There is never enough Paris...keep it coming!

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  13. Driving in Europe is definately different as are the cars. All you need do is get out in the country side and drive thrugh the towns with narrow streets designed for oxcarts to understand the car size - not many SUV's or pick-up trucks in Europe. And as best I could tell the rules of the road were whoever had the most guts went first - thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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  14. You can keep talking about Paris forever. It's such a dreamy city. Love the photo with the smart cars parked in different ways - and the Citroen in the last picture (I think it's a Citroen) is just so evocative of France. Wish I were there.

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  15. Wow they really do park/drive like that, amazing! I thought that was just in the movies/tv. Tamara @ God's Perfect Promises

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  16. I can look at your Paris photos everyday! Geez I thought Chicagoans parked bad!

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  17. No thank you! I'm not going to drive in Paris nor park my car like that...kissing to one another but parking the other way round is a good idea. Well, unless the car size allow to! ha... Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great day, Cathy.
    Blesings, KRisty

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  18. Give us more Paris talk, love it! Are the restrooms all still unisex? That blew my mind when we were there!

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  19. I can't believe they park like that! The boats, buses, and bikes would be such a fun way to explore the city.

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  20. it's so beauty full web page and nice creation ......
    Steak Knives

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  21. I can't believe how they park! That wouldn't go over too well here. Love the Paris tour, fun post!

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  22. Hi Cathy!! Welcome back!! I have just had a lovely stroll through all the fabulous pictures!! You looked like you had a wonderful time in Paris!! It IS a truly magical place!!
    Have a great day!

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  23. Don't worry - I couldn't possibly become tired of shots/stories of Paris. The everyday things like parking are as interesting as the artistic or cultural. I love that Deux Chevaux!

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  24. Never ever think that we don't want to go along with you on these wonderful photo tours!! I've never been to France but I remember seeing much the same parking issues in Italy! Funny!

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  25. ahahahah...have you ever been in Italy????...... you must see how many of us park their car!!!! (non only in double lane...even in third!!)ahahahhah, hugs, Flavia

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  26. Yeah that's a neat car.

    I think their driving would get on my nerves.

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  27. loved this, i want to go to paris even more now!

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  28. I enjoyed your Paris posts! The cars also park bumper to bumper here in NYC ..lol! No one has unscratched fenders.

    I always use the "hop on, hop off" buses when I visit a new city. They are informative and a convenient way to see the sights.

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  29. Love your Paris photos! Those cars are so tiny and cute. :) I'm terrible at parking- that would drive me crazy!

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  30. Yes, yes, yes. I saw them parked that way ALL the time. It will take me a long time to be brave enough to drive and park in Paris. LOL.

    Cathy, I've reached the 5 year anniversary for my blog. If you get a chance, pop over and register for my giveaway!

    Becky

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  31. Can't wait to have enough energy to read your other Paris posts. Oh how I love Paris.

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  32. You can go on talking about Paris forever, Cathy! I love it.
    Your parking photos are really funny.

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  33. I loved seeing all the cute little cars in Paris too. I was glad I wasn't driving there.

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  34. Ooh la la! We leave for Paris and Italy in less than two weeks! Your post makes me so excited! I am going to have to go back and read all of them!

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  35. You can keep the photos coming all you want :)

    I can't even imagine trying to get out of a parking spot being pinned in like that! There must be lots of dented bumpers there. Love the creative parking but I guess you'd have to have one of those tiny cars to pull off a vertical park like that.

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  36. I know that the park this way! I experienced it, first hand. Did you watch them back-up and pull out of one of those tight spots? It stopped me right in my path when I saw Frenchmen pull out-We Americans would have had a heart attack.

    Paris is an amazing city! Loved it.

    Velva

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  37. Thank's Alot

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    Thank's a lot

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  38. By the way, I don't see to many posts on Paris. Would love to see more and hear all about your trip.

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Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you enjoyed my blog and will leave a comment or two. And come back again of course ~ Cathy