Paris is not a cliche

While the Parisian cliches of romance and bike baskets full of baguettes are proven true, the unexpected manages to rear its head. Who wouldn't love a city that closes its streets so everyone can rollerblade?

"Pandas" parade in Paris, France

A panda parade : Paper mache pandas set up by members of the World Wildlife Fund are pictured on the Parvis des droits de l'Homme at Paris Trocadero esplanade to symbolize the 1,600 pandas left on earth and to call people to do their part in helping to reverse the deterioration of our natural environment.

A panda parade : Paper mache pandas set up by members of the World Wildlife Fund are pictured on the Parvis des droits de l'Homme at Paris Trocadero esplanade to symbolize the 1,600 pandas left on earth and to call people to do their part in helping to reverse the deterioration of our natural environment.

"Spiderman" on 154m skyscraper to warn of global warming

French climber Alain Robert, also known as 'Spiderman', climbs outside the 154 metre high 'Skyper' building in Frankfurt, to raise awareness about global warming, July 7, 2008.

French climber Alain Robert, also known as 'Spiderman', attaches a banner to the154 metre (505 feet) high 'Skyper' building before climbing the skyscraper to raise awareness about global warming, in Frankfurt July 7, 2008.

Illuminated Eiffel Tower marks start of French EU presidency

France marks the start of its six-month presidency of the European Union by lighting up the Eiffel Tower in Paris June 30, 2008.

France marks the start of its six-month presidency of the European Union by lighting up the Eiffel Tower in Paris June 30, 2008. The 300-metre (984-foot) high tower will take on its blue hue every evening for two months from June 30, the eve of the French presidency.

France marks the start of its six-month presidency of the European Union by lighting up the Eiffel Tower in Paris June 30, 2008.

French "Spiderman" scales New York Times building

French climber Alain Robert, also known as "Spiderman," climbs outside The New York Times building to raise awareness of global warming June 5, 2008.

French climber Alain Robert, also known as 'Spiderman,' climbs outside The New York Times building to raise awareness of global warming June 5, 2008

French climber Alain Robert, also known as "Spiderman," is arrested after climbing outside The New York Times building to raise awareness of global warming June 5, 2008.