RED LIGHT DISTRICTS

Strolling along the Seine is almost a de rigueur thing to do for tourists.  And why not, it’s a beautiful place to be.  I’m still puzzled, however, about the boats we see tied up in various areas up and down the river. 

They appear to be combination cargo boats and live-aboard vessels, but fixed up quite nicely for the most part.  We’ve seen dozens of them, none going anywhere.  The center one above was particularly nice.  I can’t figure out the huge “fin” type thing on its side by the shore boat.

Most of what’s moving are pure cargo vessels that haul along at a pretty good clip.  But even they have to stop for red lights!  The one below was cruising down, aiming for the middle archway, when a stoplight appeared on the bridge.  You can just make out the twin red lights if you look closely over the center span.  He put it in reverse, came to a halt, then maneuvered over to the right side of the river where he just waited.  We watched for a while, but didn’t see any opposing traffic coming, so we left him sitting there.

Paris, of course, has its more famous red light district, the Place Pigalle, home of the famous Moulin (windmill) Rouge cabaret and its retinue of cancan dancers.  It was founded in 1889 and still is covered by its trademark red windmill, although this one is a 1925 replica of the original.

We were not tempted.  For one thing, it costs about 90 euros (~$130?) per person, without any drinks or food.  Add those in and it can go to nearly 200 euros each.  Vegas stuff at Vegas prices.  No thanks.  (I couldn’t afford it back in 1966, even at the prices then).  For about four or five blocks, you get one sex-related enterprise after another, tawdry whether in Paris or some low-rent place in the States.  It’s all harmless enough in the daytime, but all the guidebooks warn against walking around this neighborhood at night.

So, Paris has an “underbelly” as well as sublime edifices.  Speaking of which, we had seen posters about a concert to be given at St. Chapelle, so we headed that way to check it out.  It’s back on the Ile de la Cite along with Notre Dame, so we got off at the Cite metro stop, with its art nouveau ironwork, one of only two remaining.

Like my “man purse?”  I carry it everywhere, holding two guide books, my French/English dictionary (from high school days, no less!), wallet, and map book.  Sometimes my camera, although most often that’s stuck in my coat pocket.  I didn’t want to carry my wallet in my pants pocket as there are cautionary signs everywhere to beware of pickpockets.

St. Chapelle has no tower(s), but rather a distinctive needle spire.

It’s hard to get a picture of the entire structure, as it’s hemmed in by abutting buildings.  Those gilded gates date from the 18th century, and guard the courtyard to the Law Courts.

We found that the concert was to be that same night, so we bought tickets.  But, St. Chapelle deserves it’s own blog entry, so I’ll end this one here.