Paris 2015

Day 1

Paris 2012

Days 6 and 7

Day 6

After spending a cozy, rainy night chez Cynthia, we set off to see the nearby village of Villedieu-les-Poeles.  In French, that means "Village of the Pots and Pans", because of it's coppermaking industry.  There are shops filled with beautiful, artisan copper cookware.  We also toured the Fonderie de Cloches (Bell Foundry) where craftsmen make beautiful, large church bells.

The rain continued on our way to Mont St. Michel abbey which is exactly what I was hoping for!  It looked spectacular as we approached it set high on a hill amidst the rain and fog.  It's a bit of a hike to the top but well worth it.  The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is known as the "Wonder of the Western World".  It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.  After a short 24 hours in the countryside, we rode the train back into Paris just in time for an evening concert at  Sainte-Chappelle.  The chapel with it's stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the bible is one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the Western world.  Taking in a classical music concert in such a beautiful setting was magical.  We stopped for wine and cheese at the Notre Dame brassiere, on our way back to the apartment.  A perfect ending to a perfect day in France.

Day 7
On my last day in Paris, I wandered the streets and the banks of the Seine, reflecting on my second annual trip to such an amazing city. 
Patricia, Karen and I ended the day at La Perla for happy hour, and talked about the week's adventures, and the ones that are waiting for next year. 

 

Day 5

Paris has the most wonderful Farmer's Markets.  Today we explored the Bastille market which is aisle upon aisle of fresh produce, spices, breads, fish, flowers, all artfully arranged and beautifully displayed.  Next year I plan on shopping there and having a little dinner party in my apartment. 

Then it was off to Normandy!  What an incredible experience.  We arrived in the early evening by train and were greeted by our hostesss Cynthia, in the pouring rain.  When we arrived at her home we were treated to a most memorable dinner of roast chicken and vegetables.  For dessert we had an apple tart made from apples from Cynthia's orchard.  The pouring rain and lightening and thunder on a chilly night made the trip that much more special. 

Tomorrow it's off to Mont St. Michel!  Can't wait!  I just hope it keeps on raining while I'm there.

Day 4

Today we wandered around the 6^th arrondissement, the literary district of Paris called the St. Germaine de Pres neighborhood.  St. Germain was once the stomping grounds of writers and intellectuals such as Simone de Beauvois, Jean Paul Satre and Camus.  We stopped for lunch at the Cafe de Paris where I intend to go again next year for the most delicious salad ever.  From there we explored the Gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame which is located on the Ile de Cite.  Such an impressive, beautiful work of art!
A trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without stopping by the famed bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, where many literary greats have walked through it's doors.  Then it was on to the Musee Eugene DelaCroix to explore the works of this great artist. 
We ended the day with a picnic dinner at the Paris Plage on the banks of the Seine. 

Day 3

Today I woke up to the pouring rain which is exactly what I was hoping for. In Paris, you never know when it's going to rain, and that's why I always carry my parapluie (umbrella).
It was a very busy day exploring the main attractions such as the Champs Elysee, the Petit Palais, and the Arc de Triomphe. We took an elevator to the top of the Arc de Triomphe where you have a panoramic view of all of Paris, and can see forever.
After a long day of sightseeing we stopped at a little cafe on the Isle St. Louis. My duo du fromage and salade vert was delicious.
The evening was spent cruising the Saint-Martin canal in the rain, drinking wine. It doesn't get any better than this!

Day 2

Today we rode the Metro to the Pere Lachaise cemetery where James Douglas Morrison, better known as Jim Morrison, is buried. Just as I read in the tour books, there was a crowd gathered at his gravesite. Jim is buried among many famous people - Chopin, Marcel Marceau, Colette and Modiglani to name a few.
From there, we metroed over to the Musee du Louvre to view the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many other great works of art.
We ended the day at a wonderful little bistro where we ate Soupe a L'Oignon and a cheese tartine, and drank Sancerre wine.
I've barely begun this trip, and I'm already thinking about next year. I can't think of any other place I would rather be than in Paris.