La Mémoire Vive: Montmartroise Light & Paris Rooftops

Undeniably, my favorite thing about Paris is her light. Soft gray, pearlescent pink, warm gold and every shade of gauzy pearly white. Light that punctuates all the other beautiful things one loves about the city - the food, the architecture, history and multitude of hidden quiet spaces...

The other morning I headed to Montmartre to run an errand near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. After descending the bus at Pigalle and making my way up the hill, I turned and became mesmerized by the streaming sunlight luminous over the rambling rooftops of Paris. I started walking to follow it, to try and take it all in, turning only to have it sweep me from the shadows into another veil of golden light... one street after another, up and down the hills, turning onto hidden corners of dappled light and finally getting lost within the cobblestoned maze of Montmartre...

There are so many must-do's on a visitor's list, and I'd have to add (or reiterate) this one if I may - a morning in Montmartre as a light seeker. To me, this is the Paris that consumes your very core and stays with you forever and ever, pour toujours et à jamais...

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31 comments

DottiOctober 12, 2014 at 6:31 PM
Oh, my, yes! That light is mesmerizing! That is the first thing that caught my breath, before the handsome Parisian architecture.
Elena@Elena's TravelgramOctober 13, 2014 at 5:26 AM
Gorgeous photos and surprisingly sunny as for Paris in autumn :)
chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.comOctober 13, 2014 at 6:23 AM
Paris at its best! Bathed in sun and changing light. Marvelous pictures which want me pack my bag and camera and head off to Paris!
AnonymousOctober 13, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Oh Lord have mercy. Paris does have that beautiful pearlescent pink my friend. And you capture it sooo perfectly.
AnonymousOctober 14, 2014 at 2:55 AM
wonderful shots!
mollyOctober 14, 2014 at 12:25 PM
You are right, Paris has a very distinctive light all of her own and you captured it beautifully

Mollyxxx
fredamansOctober 14, 2014 at 1:11 PM
Paris is a dream and you made me want it more! Gorgeous shots! Who knew rooftops could be so enticing!
KatrinOctober 14, 2014 at 4:31 PM
I never fell in love with Paris, but your photos always tell me that I'll have to give it another try ... wonderful light, wonderful pictures.
AnonymousOctober 14, 2014 at 4:52 PM
No wonder France is the most visited place in the world by tourist... Lovely pictures.
SharonOctober 14, 2014 at 9:01 PM
Lovely light on a Paris morning! The rooftops intrigued me, too. I especially love the shot with the chimneys looking like they are piled on top of each other. I would go back to Paris in a minute! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!
A Green and Rosie LifeOctober 15, 2014 at 2:34 AM
I love Paris (which is saying something for some-one whose heart lays firmly in the countryside) and your shots sum it up so well for me. Merci for sharing #WordlessWednesday
UnknownOctober 15, 2014 at 9:55 AM
I really can´t tell you how much I enjoy your photos! Today I traveled to Montmatre with you! pour toujours et à jamais! now I even want a pan du chocolat!
mail4roseyOctober 15, 2014 at 10:13 AM
I feel I must go visit to ensure it looks as lovely as it is shown here. ;)
Kim Cunningham October 16, 2014 at 2:22 AM
So beautiful! I know I would love it there. I adore your square crops on these.
CatherineOctober 16, 2014 at 5:02 AM
Thank you all so much for your very kind comments :)
SnapOctober 16, 2014 at 8:22 AM
gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. the light is spectacular -- gives a magical quality to all those lovely rooftops!
Tamar SBOctober 16, 2014 at 8:39 AM
These are amazing!!!
AnonymousOctober 16, 2014 at 9:08 AM
I love the architecture and the light!
carol l mckennaOctober 16, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Gorgeous captures of the divine Paris light!

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
AdrienneOctober 16, 2014 at 11:52 AM
Oh, if I could go back in time...and bring digital photography and my current understanding of how important it is to take time like this....to "follow the light".... I'd go back to those Paris days! I know my day to return "as a tourist" ... with nothing by time to wander... will come! In the meantime, you're my gift. Your photos speak to my heart!
NickiOctober 16, 2014 at 8:43 PM
I love looking up and directing my camera in that direction - great collection of shots.
Inspired By JuneOctober 16, 2014 at 9:58 PM
So lovely! Your images are making me want to watch Sabrina again :)
Maureen @ Josephina BallerinaOctober 17, 2014 at 5:57 PM
Hi Catherine,
I'm Maureen. I blog about life and my cat, Josephine, at http://josephinaballerina.wordpress.com. I found your blog by reading your comment on Adrienne's blog. Now that the introduction is out of the way...

The photos you posted today are astounding for, as you say, the quality of the light. It seems like a very white, clear light the bounces off the light colored buildings. I can always tell when the season is changing by the quality of the light. You capture it so well. Thank you for your work.
Smiling at you from Maryland, Maureen
AnonymousOctober 20, 2014 at 10:13 AM
The one thing I love the most about your photos is your ability to capture that Paris light. Always so beautiful and delicate. Beautiful photos as always. :)
BarbOctober 21, 2014 at 7:53 PM
You've outdone yourself, Catherine! These compositions - the 3 dimensional and cubist qualities, plus that liquid light - so fantastic. Glad you wandered!
sandy November 5, 2014 at 9:19 AM
i'm trying to get away from your blog, but you keep luring me in just like you are following the light. what a beautiful post and i love not only your photographs but your way of writing. oh you could write a book and you should! i sure can understand what you are saying about the light, how magical it must be and to follow it must be like being in a fairy tale :)
KatrinDecember 9, 2014 at 3:32 PM
It's now on my list, too ...