Paris Scenery Under the Feet of Experts

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. The scenery of life is everywhere in daily life, right beneath our feet. Parisian urban living is not found in a concrete forest, but within this natural, cultural, and artistic environment, where one swims freely like a fish in its native water. Taking advantage of the gentle breeze and bright sunshine, I went to handle affairs in northern Paris early yesterday morning, then soared through the long-unvisited 19th arrondissement with the spring light. With no specific destination, for paths are made by walking. Starting from Place des Fêtes, I followed my feelings, wandering through streets and alleys. Every step brought surprises, much like a poet seeking inspiration or a photographer discovering urban scenery anywhere. After winding turns, I arrived at the picturesque Buttes-Chaumont Park, intoxicated by its beautiful natural landscape, admiring Paris’s fine sunlight and feeling the gentle breeze, silently conversing with nature. Leisurely reading for two or three hours and having a picnic on the slope of the large lawn was truly delightful.

Shortly after noon, I continued down the hill, heading straight to the Canal de la Villette. Crossing the riverbed, I reached the 104 art space in another part of Paris, a place with a fresh perspective. It had been a long time since I visited this most vibrant space in the city of art. Besides regular art exhibitions, it currently hosts the famous BIC pen collection exhibition. Most notably, the entire central space is dedicated to young people from various parts of Paris practicing dance, quite lively. Diverse dances and music occur simultaneously here; each time I come, the greatest joy is enjoying the vitality of the youth. Behind the art halls, canvas deck chairs are provided. After visiting, one can lie on the canvas chair to watch the young people perform or read books. Some close their eyes to rest. This may be one of the conditions that make Paris an art capital.

After staying at the 104 space for over two hours, I continued walking straight along the canal. Surprises were everywhere; dramatically, I saw an old-style iron bridge slowly rising and lowering to allow boats to pass. Walking along the canal toward Villette, I saw several unique street artworks and children performing spectacular stunts jumping from the iron bridge into the canal. Arriving at the largest leisure space in northern Paris, the Grand Parc de la Villette, many people took advantage of the warm sun to lazily bask on the lawns and play. Sitting on a rotating chair, eating cookies and fruit while drinking afternoon tea, I rested for a moment. Following the diagonal path across the large lawn, I arrived at the Lion Fountain Square in Villette. There were several eye-catching dazzling yellow sculptures by Wil Ryman. I ceremoniously circled around them, savoring them carefully. Carrying infinite scenery, from the platform of Paris’s newest concert hall, I washed my eyes again to appreciate the architecture and listen to the urban symphony, feeling satisfied that every day is a "beautiful day."