Intimate Paris by mrclay2000
Paris easily leads Europe and the world for that matter in its intimacy with its river, the Seine. For considerable stretches along its banks, you can readily drop down from the busy streets into a quiet, private and romantic sanctuary among cobblestones directly at the river's edge. With almost no exceptions, every bridge across this mighty river seems close enough to the stream for you to dip down your hand and scoop up its turbid waters. Take the Pont Neuf, the oldest in town. Every niche or alcove has a private bench under two romantic lamps, the perfect spot for a tryst with the Seine rushing just a few meters below.The shorter bridges generally come closest to the river level, especially those leading to the islands, the Ile de la Cite and the Ile St-Louis. Even heavily trafficked Pont Alexandre III (my favorite in Europe) is intimate with the Seine and arguably enjoys the best position (for a bridge) across the river.
