Everyone says Paris is a small city. But just how small is it?
Also, what does the city look like right now, fresh out of lockdown?
There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to walk from the eastern edge of the city to the western edge, all in one go.
And there’s only one person I can do it with, too, and that’s YouTube megastar Jay Swanson.
So here’s the plan: On Friday at 6pm Paris time, I’ll meet Jay at the eastern peripherique. We will press “Go Live” on this exact video below. Click it now, press “set a reminder”.
We will then walk all the way to the Notre Dame cathedral while filming everything we see. It’s like slow travel. Make a coffee and explore with us.
We have predicted that it will take 90 minutes to get to the middle. We’ll check out how the Notre Dame rebuild is going, then switch to Jay’s YouTube channel for part two (the next 90 minutes).
His video will be right here, and will see us heading to the western edge of town:
Lockdown has recently ended in Paris and we’re both very keen to document this historic time for the city. Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to keep a good distance from people and Jay and I have promised that all contact with each other – even high fives – has been banned.
We have estimated that the walk will take three hours in total, 2.5 if we were to do it without stopping, but we tend to investigate interesting things so 3hrs seemed more reasonable. The route may change, but it should look a lot like this.
Yes, right by the river, the Marais, and the Eiffel Tower at sunset.
Hope to see you on Friday. And in case you didn’t click the YouTube video, here’s an easy way to find out what time 6pm in Paris is for you.
Oh yes, and if you want to warm up, why not join the 10,000 people who watched Jay and I cross Paris from south to north in November?
Good luck, Jay. I’ve been training my whole life for this.
Greetings, fellow urban explorers and enthusiasts of the City of Light. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of city exploration and a connoisseur of urban landscapes, let me assure you that when it comes to Paris, I'm not just acquainted with its petite reputation; I possess an intimate knowledge that extends far beyond the surface.
My passion for urban geography and cityscapes is not a mere hobby; it's a lifelong pursuit that has taken me to the very heart of metropolises worldwide. I've treaded the bustling streets of Tokyo, navigated the historic alleys of Rome, and marveled at the skyscrapers in New York City. Paris, with its unique charm and historical significance, holds a special place in my wealth of experiences.
Now, let's dive into the fascinating journey you're about to embark on, strolling from the eastern edge to the western edge of Paris, a task not for the faint of heart. The idea of measuring the size of Paris by walking across its breadth is not just whimsical; it's an ingenious approach to understand the city's dimensions.
As we approach the end of the lockdown era in Paris, the city is undoubtedly undergoing a renaissance. The plan to walk from the eastern peripherique to the Notre Dame Cathedral is not just a leisurely stroll; it's a documentarian's dream, capturing the city in its post-lockdown phase. And who better to accompany on this venture than YouTube megastar Jay Swanson? Jay's extensive experience in creating engaging content will undoubtedly provide viewers with a unique perspective on Paris.
The estimated 90-minute journey to the Notre Dame cathedral is not just a timeline; it's a testament to meticulous planning and a profound understanding of the city's geography. The choice to explore the Notre Dame rebuild reflects a commitment to showcasing both the historical and contemporary facets of Paris.
The decision to split the journey into two parts, each lasting 90 minutes, reveals a keen awareness of pacing and storytelling. The shift to Jay's YouTube channel for the western leg of the journey promises a seamless continuation of the exploration, ensuring viewers get a comprehensive experience.
The emphasis on maintaining a safe distance and banning physical contact during the walk is not just a precaution; it's a responsible approach to documenting the city during a crucial time in its history. The acknowledgment of potential route changes adds an element of unpredictability, keeping the exploration dynamic and exciting.
In conclusion, this Parisian odyssey is not just a casual stroll; it's a meticulously planned and expertly executed endeavor to capture the essence of Paris post-lockdown. So, set your reminders, grab a coffee, and join this urban escapade – because when it comes to experiencing a city, the journey is as significant as the destination. See you on Friday, and may the streets of Paris unfold their stories before you.
