There is actually nothing secret about this. It’s amazing how you can stray just a few feet off the beaten path and find yourself able to see a totally different perspective than those that follow the crowds. Besides being a great metaphor for a way to live life, it’s also a great way to find new photo opportunities. While walking through the gardens of Versailles, I slid away behind the topiary and found this solitary path just a few feet from the masses.

Another great place to visit in Paris is the Château de Vincennes. We sorta stumbled upon the Château while walking the neighborhood where we were staying. In addition to serving as the royal residence where a couple of Kings were married & several French kings were born, it later served as a state prison for prisoners including the marquis de Sade and others. There is still graffiti left by the prisoners high on several walls. (Since the small windows were placed high on the walls, that was where the best light was.) I also photographed the Royal Chapel at Vincennes. (You can see that image here)

A light rain was starting to fall in Paris as we were hurrying to the Lourve for a private tour. (That’s another amazing story, and it was no doubt the highlight of our visit to Paris.) As we were crossing the river, a wonderful orange glow was settling behind the Eiffel Tower and Paris’ oldest bridge ‘The Pont Neuf’ or “new bridge” (built 1578-1607). My companions were quite patient while I set up my camera for a few shots before continuing on. You can see where there was a bit of rain on the lens, however, I’m still glad we paused for a few moments to try and capture the beautiful scene above the Seine.

A couple of blocks from the apartment where we are staying in Paris stands the Château de Vincennes including the Sainte Chapelle. It’s great being in Paris in the ‘off season’ because you have the opportunity to go to touristy places while the tourist are away. This afternoon we were in this magnificent space alone. For over 550 years people have been entering this space and awed by it’s beauty. I am probably one of the odd few that took the opportunity to lay down on the stone floor and look straight up at the heavenly view. I’m sure some would frown upon such behavior… They would be the ones missing the beauty. Occasionally you must be a bit odd to truly see a different, perhaps better, perspective.