The Piano, The Bridge, and The Impressionists

My mission began with a practical task: helping a friend purchase a piano. But, as is often the case, I quickly turned the obligation into an exploration around Levallois. After sketching out a walking adventure that I, predictably, totally underestimated in terms of timing, we set out. Exiting the metro at Pont de Levallois-Bécon, we crossed the bridge into Courbevoie. Halfway across, we were treated to a magnificent view of La Défense, its glass and steel towers framed perfectly by the curve of an island we would encounter much later.

Wandering the streets of Courbevoie, we stumbled upon a street sign that was pure Parisian invitation: Passage du Pourquoi Pas (“Passage of Why Not”). We decided, why not, and ventured up a long set of steps that led us into the tranquil Parc de Bécon. This quiet, green space ends near the elegant Pavillon des Indes. Making our way back to the main side, grabbing a quick lunch, we suddenly realized we were terribly late for the piano negotiation. The famed Île de la Jatte would, regretfully, have to wait for a return trip.

A few days later, we made that return. It was a pleasure to descend into the quiet peace of the Île de la Jatte, one of the many places around Paris that served as inspiration for the Impressionist masters. Here, life moves slowly: people walking with their dogs, children fishing by the banks, a perfect, quiet place to spend an afternoon. Walking along the water’s edge, I started capturing my own modern version of what the Impressionists saw — the vibrant leaves and passing objects reflecting and glistening in the water of the Seine.

The piano was purchased at good price (all negotiation in French!), but the real prize was the discovery of a new area of Paris, the quiet charm of an island still reflecting beauty.