10 Things We Love About Paris
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Fluctuat nec mergitur: “She is tossed by the waves but does not sink.” The Eiffel Tower will continue to sparkle.
Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
The events of 13 November sent a wave of shock and sadness through our City of Light. We mourned the senseless loss of life and were shaken by the reality that the attack was on the very essence of everyday life—innocent people just enjoying a night out. We said to ourselves, it could have been any of us.
Soon after, we grew defiant. Strength and resilience are a powerful part of life here.
The flowers and messages that filled the impromptu memorial at the Place de la République and that spilled onto the sidewalks and streets surrounding the attack sites spoke volumes about the French spirit. Love is stronger than hate. Même pas peur (not afraid). Respect for life. Peace for all. Je suis Paris.
There are many unanswered questions, as the events reverberate around the world. But our tradition of resilience urges us to return to normal rhythms. We want to continue to remember why we love Paris.
We believe in the Paris motto Fluctuat nec mergitur: “She is tossed by the waves but does not sink.”
Here are 10 reasons to celebrate Paris and the French spirit.
The light in the City of Light is like no other. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Music surrounds us—in the streets, metros, and concert halls. The rhythms become our own. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Love finds a way. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
The Seine is a constant life force—water that weaves its way among the romantic bridges, whispers in the twilight, and sparkles brilliantly through the night. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Paris is flâneur heaven. Stories unfold and the cast of characters provides endless entertainment and a direct connection with what makes us all human. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Beauty is everywhere—in the grandest parks and the smallest details, down narrow alleys, and in the river, clouds, and sky. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Liberté means you can speak your mind, protest, debate, sing in the streets, or dance as if no one is watching. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Even in a city of millions, you can always find a place all your own. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
No matter how long the winter seems, spring is inevitable. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
There is always light after the storm. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
Même pas peur. Vive la France.
For more from photographer-writer Meredith Mullins, see her essay “In the Wake of the Paris Attacks.”
Lead photo credit : Fluctuat nec megitur: "She is tossed by the waves but does not sink." The Eiffel Tower will continue to sparkle. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins
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