What is it about Paris?

What is it that draws us there? Why did it just pop out of my mouth when D. asked me what I wanted to do for my 70th--"Go to Paris," I said--out of my mouth before I could even think.  We've been there several times. My heart seems lighter when I'm there--and I have more energy. I want to be out--like the parisiens--drinking coffee and wine, walking for hours, tucking into little squares and big churches.

Is it the river? London--also a city that feels like home--has that. The architecture? The ancient history? The language?  Or, really, the food--the boulangeries, patisseries, cafes, the coffee and chocolate chaud ancienne? (See Ellen and Helen, after an afternoon of walking and plunging into Galeries Lafayette, above) What is it about Paris? Can we define the energy? I live in a city known as a "vortex," a city located at a site of mystic power--known for its so-called new age ethos. Is Paris an ancient vortex, laughing at these newer places--these babies, really, laying claim to some spiritual power? That ancient vortex called Paris is actually less about mystical energy spots (Dan Brown knows this) and more about eating well (Julia Child knew this), enjoying every last morsel.