15 Fearless in Paris Highlights

Paris is quite possibly, the most beautiful city in the world. It has all of the things I love: Art, culture, history, fashion, food and the French language. And now it's even better for another reason: Fearless Abstract Painting. Making a "Top Ten" list proved to be incredibly difficult. Here are some highlights, although it does not begin to encompass the magic I experienced:

1. Pont Alexandre III (Alexander III bridge)

Quite possibly, the most beautiful bridge in the world. I saw two weddings being photographed here on the same day.

2. Best Food

Quite possibly, the best food in the world. 

3. Street Art

While it's obvious that Paris has a graffiti issue, sometimes it's just so damn cool.

4. Le Marche

One of my favorite things about visiting Paris is to enjoy wandering through a traditional French market. And why not! The market,  "le marché", is an integral part of life in virtually all of France.

5. Saint-Genmain-en-Laye

One of the best parts of the trip was taking the metro to our painting studio located in Saint-Germaine. The jaw-dropping views of the French country side made me feel like I was dreaming with my eyes open.

6. Painting Studio

We could not have chosen a more perfect painting "atelier". Lots of room, gorgeous sky lights and the setting. Oh my goodness the setting! Check out the colors, the moss, the roof tiles, the peeling paint, the history! Talk about inspiring.

7. The Fearless Five

My Fearless in Paris painting students. (The two good looking men smiling in the background weren't bad either)

8. Jardin de Tuileries

What can I say? Gorgeous.

9. The Eiffel Tower at Night

Sigh. No, there is nothing quite like it. Mesmerizing during the day and magical at night.

10. La Maison Angelina

You have not had hot chocolate until you've had it from Angelina's. And I don't even like chocolate.

11. The Metro

Funny how the thing that gave me the most anxiety prior to my trip turned out to be one of my favorite activities. Sure, I made mistakes, but who doesn't when you're learning something new? Once I figured it out, I even helped someone with directions. Ha!

12. Flashdance - The Musical

Can you believe I had never heard of Flashdance until I saw it on stage, in French? I loved it. One of the best things about it was the theater: Théâtre du Gymnase. Built in the 1820's I imagine it hasn't changed much since then. 

13.Getting My Parisian On

Minimal make-up, absolutely no lipstick, wind blown hair, scarves, scarves and more scarves, heels, absolutely no holes on jeans and of course, black.

14. Versailles 

Yes, it's everything they say it is.

15. Best Food

Did I already mention food? Of course I did. But it deserves to be mentioned again because it really is, awesome.

Other Paris highlights: 

Paris bus tour, Musee D'Orsay, Musee Des Beaux Arts, shopping for art supplies, fois gras, figs & champagne, 
being referred to as "Madame daSilva", the humidity, the well-dressed men, the well-dressed everybody, the gypsy accordian player on the metro, being compared to one of Picasso's models (although I don't think we looked anything alike, I'll take it), learning about French history and customs from a local, touring with a local, the coffee, French hair, Edith Pilaf, Montmartre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, being asked for directions because, and I quote: "I thought you were from here", visiting the Parisian second hand & vintage shops, and last, but certainly not least, the tomato.