It’s hard to describe the feeling of Paris these lockdown days. While the spring sun illuminates the empty streets, windows open wide to let in the promise of impending freedom. During my infrequent walks to pick up essentials in the neighborhood or weekly runs to the river, I share scenes from Paris under lockdown.

The river Seine is uniquely peaceful beneath blue skies without tourist boats or picnickers lining the quays.

Only permitted to exercise in the morning before 10 am or after 7 pm allows for beautiful sunset views.

Curious to visit the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most admired artwork and revered treasure hunts THATMuse, I make my way to this former royal palace.

All alone with the birds flying overhead, I am reminded of a private tour to an empty Louvre with Buly 1803.

Every time I pass the many shuttered cafes lining the streets, I imagined their terraces bustling with life.

Back in the Marais neighborhood, every day in the usually bustling Jewish Quarter looks like a Saturday.

Like all of Paris’s many cultural venues, the recently renovated Picasso Museum patiently awaits better days.

On an early evening walk to the neighboring tenth district, Porte Saint-Martin, one of Paris’s original doors looms grandly, inviting those willing to pass through its historic 14th-century gates.

The calm Canal Saint-Martin invites those out for their daily stroll or run to reflect along its now empty quays.

Every time I head out to buy groceries with my note in hand, I smile at Marianne looming in the distance.