Friday, July 4, 2014

Paris A-Z: Y is for Court Yards

Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards

The Sassy Guide to the City of Light


As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, Y, is for Court Yards.

Like "X", this is a bit of a stretch but there aren't many Y-words plus I just love a good Parisian courtyard. Many addresses are actually comprised of two buildings - one that faces the street and one that sits behind it, through a small courtyard. Often, these cobbled squares are some of the prettiest places in Paris.

Adorned with flowers and trees, these beautiful spaces often include a bench or rusty bike leaned up against the wall for extra charm. The courtyard in my current apartment building is practically a park. If you bring me wine and promise you're not a serial killer, I'll show it to you.

Otherwise, I suggest peeking in to any open door you pass - you never know what you'll see! Don't be a creep about it, but a quick glance inside might reveal a lovely garden, a running fountain, or even a statue. Happy hunting!

Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City

Escape to Paris

Vicki Lesage, Author