In America, nothing is really that old in comparison to most of Europe and I’d been craving an authentic view of Paris for years. Sure, I’d seen the well-meaning recreations of Paris in both Vegas and EPCOT at Disney World but of course, nothing can compare to the real thing.

While taking in the sights of Paris last week, Gala and I walked nearly everywhere. Day after day, hours were spent wandering through the city by foot. Part of the charm of our Parisian experience relied heavily upon seeing details up-close. I felt like I’d seen a good chunk of Paris through history and guide books but there’s no way that they can cover every detail. Brightly lacquered doors in every color of the rainbow dotted the city while gigantic monuments, statues and museums in the center of Paris left us wondering how they were constructed with such precision so long ago. Without further ado, here’s a journey through Paris with a focus on architecture, cityscapes and street scenes.

The oldest neighborhoods, especially Le Marais, have very narrow streets and sidewalks. Even though many of the shops lining them are thoroughly modern, you can still easily imagine how city life must have felt hundreds of years ago.

Grand entrances are everywhere. A simple doorway in many cases just won’t do!

I didn’t spot a ton of columns but the ones I did see were quite majestic and seemed to be attached to museums or government buildings.

This is a good representation of how a city street (outside of Le Marais) looks. Warm nude tones, creamy marbles and buildings that aren’t overly tall.

Paris has the most gorgeous doors I’ve ever seen. Stay tuned for a Le Marais themed post for even more!

My favorite piece of street art — how stylish!

Even the most simple, unassuming entrances are charming.

When I got to the Arc de Triomphe, I couldn’t stop looking up. Can you spot the people dotting the top? That’s how massive it is!

There were statues everywhere in the center of Paris. I had no idea what any of them were for but appreciated their decoration. Come on America, step it up! More statues, please.

Since it was winter, the parks were barren. But still, check out those trees! Don’t they remind you of something out of a Tim Burton movie?

Besides the scooters along the side, walking under these arches made me feel like I was in Paris 500 years ago. It totally had that quaint feeling you wish for when you see Paris featured in movies.

One thing I quickly learned in Paris is that you must constantly look upwards. The detailing above entrances is so awesome!

In Paris, there is great type everywhere. The signs and engravings have a style all their own and of course, everything is impeccably done.

I hope you enjoyed my mini journey through Paris. Stay tuned for many more Parisian-themed posts popping up over the next week. In case you missed it, here’s part one. Au revoir!