Reporting from Paris May 12-25
May 13th, 2013, 10:18 PM
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Reporting from Paris May 12-25
This will be an ongoing report of our trip.
Trip # 9 for my husband and myself.
Thanks for all the help.
Monday may 12
Arrived after a smooth flight,our friend Lucien was there to meet us and take us to our apartment I the 18th.
Patrick was there to meet us,give us the keys,explain a few things.The apartment is on the top floor(7th) with a great view of Sacre Coeur.
Off we go to explore the neighborhood.We like to stay in different areas each time
We were in search of some basics,water,yogurt,coffee,etc
Then we came back,unpacked a little,and decided to go for a walk.
We had a few metro tickets from last year so we hopped on and headed towards Notre Dame.Lots of people out on a glorious Sunday,stopped by the Fete du pain,then continued walking to the isle St Louis.
We picked some croissants and a sandwich and headed back.
Shower,then to sleep.
Tuesday May 13
Today we loaded up our metro pass for the week,then we headed to the Saint Lazare train station.
Since we are going to Bayeaux next Sunday,we wanted to know where to catch our train.
Had our tickets ordered online,but the ticket office printed them out for us.
Since we had no majors plans ,we decided to take the train out to the Grand Arch - la defense.
I had never been out to this side ,it was bait breezy,but nice for a walk.
We walked down ,lots of beautiful flowers in bloom,lots of office people out for thei breaks.
We decided to walk to the Arc.
We did stop for a little dinner at a small cafe.
Bill had a salad with smoked salmon,I had the confit de canard.
WE continued on our walk.down the Champs.
We stopped in the Monoprix to get some cheese,wine,etc.
there were a few young men in there,wrapped in a Paris cape,cheering loudly to one another.
I guess Paris won some soccer game.
As we proceeded down I noticed several police vans lined up , and a lot of police around,much more than usual.Several cars had young men hanging out of their windows waving their team flag.
We were on the side where Sephora is,when we heard a lot of yelling across the street. several hundred young men were in front of a building ( not sure what is across the street)
All of a sudden,they started running in our direction,cars continued to race by ,cheering,wavy flags.
We picked up our pace and headed down toward Concorde.
More police everywhere,like they were anticipating trouble.I just wanted to get out of there.
We hopped on the metro and headed home.
The view of Sacre Couer at night,lit up,was comforting.
Shower and a bed...
Trip # 9 for my husband and myself.
Thanks for all the help.
Monday may 12
Arrived after a smooth flight,our friend Lucien was there to meet us and take us to our apartment I the 18th.
Patrick was there to meet us,give us the keys,explain a few things.The apartment is on the top floor(7th) with a great view of Sacre Coeur.
Off we go to explore the neighborhood.We like to stay in different areas each time
We were in search of some basics,water,yogurt,coffee,etc
Then we came back,unpacked a little,and decided to go for a walk.
We had a few metro tickets from last year so we hopped on and headed towards Notre Dame.Lots of people out on a glorious Sunday,stopped by the Fete du pain,then continued walking to the isle St Louis.
We picked some croissants and a sandwich and headed back.
Shower,then to sleep.
Tuesday May 13
Today we loaded up our metro pass for the week,then we headed to the Saint Lazare train station.
Since we are going to Bayeaux next Sunday,we wanted to know where to catch our train.
Had our tickets ordered online,but the ticket office printed them out for us.
Since we had no majors plans ,we decided to take the train out to the Grand Arch - la defense.
I had never been out to this side ,it was bait breezy,but nice for a walk.
We walked down ,lots of beautiful flowers in bloom,lots of office people out for thei breaks.
We decided to walk to the Arc.
We did stop for a little dinner at a small cafe.
Bill had a salad with smoked salmon,I had the confit de canard.
WE continued on our walk.down the Champs.
We stopped in the Monoprix to get some cheese,wine,etc.
there were a few young men in there,wrapped in a Paris cape,cheering loudly to one another.
I guess Paris won some soccer game.
As we proceeded down I noticed several police vans lined up , and a lot of police around,much more than usual.Several cars had young men hanging out of their windows waving their team flag.
We were on the side where Sephora is,when we heard a lot of yelling across the street. several hundred young men were in front of a building ( not sure what is across the street)
All of a sudden,they started running in our direction,cars continued to race by ,cheering,wavy flags.
We picked up our pace and headed down toward Concorde.
More police everywhere,like they were anticipating trouble.I just wanted to get out of there.
We hopped on the metro and headed home.
The view of Sacre Couer at night,lit up,was comforting.
Shower and a bed...
May 14th, 2013, 08:01 AM
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Just noticed I have the wrong days listed above,should read Sunday and Monday,blame it on jet lag...
Tuesday May 14th.
Today we used our tickets we purchased yesterday,and went to the d'Orsay.No waiting in line.
This is one of my favorite museums. Lots of school children here today.
We always have lunch in their beautiful dining room on the second floor.
My husband had the plat of the day,salmon with assorted vegetables.
His included dessert,floating island.
I chose the crab and mango with avocado.Delicious.
For dessert I had the petit gourmand ,which is 3 small desserts,a berry crumble,a pannecotta with raspberry topping,and a tuile with a mocha cream.The were just 2 bites each,but enough so you got to taste something different.
A very charming French woman was seated next to us.
Of course I began a conversation with a very interesting lady.
Turns out she enjoys practicing her English ,hoping to get her grammar correct.
She told us all about her life,job and family and 2 hours flew by.
We said our goodbyes and headed out ,took the metro over to rue de rivoli.
We needed to stop in Spring and make lunch reservations for next Thursday with our friend Lucien and his wife.
Hopped back on the metro,as Bill wanted to stop in Le Bon Marche food store. Well,if they don't have it,they just don't make it.Everything here is so fresh and expensive.Its nice to look,buy a little and off we go.
We then made a stop at the chapel of the Miraculous medal
on 140 rue du Bac.
I needed to pick up a few rosaries and medals to take home.
Took the metro back,need to rest and soak my tired feet...
Tuesday May 14th.
Today we used our tickets we purchased yesterday,and went to the d'Orsay.No waiting in line.
This is one of my favorite museums. Lots of school children here today.
We always have lunch in their beautiful dining room on the second floor.
My husband had the plat of the day,salmon with assorted vegetables.
His included dessert,floating island.
I chose the crab and mango with avocado.Delicious.
For dessert I had the petit gourmand ,which is 3 small desserts,a berry crumble,a pannecotta with raspberry topping,and a tuile with a mocha cream.The were just 2 bites each,but enough so you got to taste something different.
A very charming French woman was seated next to us.
Of course I began a conversation with a very interesting lady.
Turns out she enjoys practicing her English ,hoping to get her grammar correct.
She told us all about her life,job and family and 2 hours flew by.
We said our goodbyes and headed out ,took the metro over to rue de rivoli.
We needed to stop in Spring and make lunch reservations for next Thursday with our friend Lucien and his wife.
Hopped back on the metro,as Bill wanted to stop in Le Bon Marche food store. Well,if they don't have it,they just don't make it.Everything here is so fresh and expensive.Its nice to look,buy a little and off we go.
We then made a stop at the chapel of the Miraculous medal
on 140 rue du Bac.
I needed to pick up a few rosaries and medals to take home.
Took the metro back,need to rest and soak my tired feet...
May 14th, 2013, 12:36 PM
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Rest over, we decided to hop back on the Metro and go see Tour Montparness. We have never been there so it was time.
It was a bit cloudy and very windy,but the views were spectacular.
Paris looked like a little monopoly game.
I had a kir royale, a beer for Bill.
We just enjoyed the evening ,headed home, shower,bed...
It was a bit cloudy and very windy,but the views were spectacular.
Paris looked like a little monopoly game.
I had a kir royale, a beer for Bill.
We just enjoyed the evening ,headed home, shower,bed...
May 14th, 2013, 01:28 PM
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Yikes I'd forgotten about the football riots. Last May there was a sports bar near our apartment and they went wild, even throwing some small explosive type devices! We were startled but our apartment owner later told us it happens frequently.
Seeing Sacre Couer lit up must be a thrill! It's beautiful in daylight!
Seeing Sacre Couer lit up must be a thrill! It's beautiful in daylight!
May 15th, 2013, 12:24 PM
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We'd.May 15th
Up early,breakfast of yogurt,fruit,tea and croissant.
Off to Reed for our cooking class with Catherine.
We did this last year and really enjoyed it.
She is a doll,small restaurant in the 7th,seats 18 total.
There were 9 of us in the class,all from the US.,California,Ohio and Pa
We statred off making a shortbread for strawberry shortcake.
Then we worked on some artichokes,young,so there was no choke to fight.
They were to be the starter ,when cooked with mushrooms,garlic,and lardons in white wine.
We then learned how to make sea bass coated in salt,wrapped tightly in foil and cooked in the oven until it puffed up.
We all were put to work,dicing,peeling stirring..
We had to prepare some green asparagus,then we made 2 sauces ,one a vinaigrette with shallots and she had time to do a classic hollandaise.
Fingerling potatoes completed the main course.
We each had to make our own dessert,a section of shortbread,split horizontally,filled with whipped cream and strawberries,top of the shortbread,more cream and berries.
Catherine showed us how to correctly serve the fish,unwrapping it,taking off the salt,and skin,boning it and plating.
My husband volunteered to do that job,only a few bones were found on his platters.
Fresh bread,nice white wine,great conversations,lots of laughs.
Left around 2,feeling the need to walk off lunch.
I wanted to go to the Georges Cinq (4 Seasons Hotel)
They have the most beautiful flower arrangements in the lobby,all pinks and purples,gorgeous.
I will post pictures later
Going to soak in the tub...
Up early,breakfast of yogurt,fruit,tea and croissant.
Off to Reed for our cooking class with Catherine.
We did this last year and really enjoyed it.
She is a doll,small restaurant in the 7th,seats 18 total.
There were 9 of us in the class,all from the US.,California,Ohio and Pa
We statred off making a shortbread for strawberry shortcake.
Then we worked on some artichokes,young,so there was no choke to fight.
They were to be the starter ,when cooked with mushrooms,garlic,and lardons in white wine.
We then learned how to make sea bass coated in salt,wrapped tightly in foil and cooked in the oven until it puffed up.
We all were put to work,dicing,peeling stirring..
We had to prepare some green asparagus,then we made 2 sauces ,one a vinaigrette with shallots and she had time to do a classic hollandaise.
Fingerling potatoes completed the main course.
We each had to make our own dessert,a section of shortbread,split horizontally,filled with whipped cream and strawberries,top of the shortbread,more cream and berries.
Catherine showed us how to correctly serve the fish,unwrapping it,taking off the salt,and skin,boning it and plating.
My husband volunteered to do that job,only a few bones were found on his platters.
Fresh bread,nice white wine,great conversations,lots of laughs.
Left around 2,feeling the need to walk off lunch.
I wanted to go to the Georges Cinq (4 Seasons Hotel)
They have the most beautiful flower arrangements in the lobby,all pinks and purples,gorgeous.
I will post pictures later
Going to soak in the tub...
May 16th, 2013, 09:36 AM
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Thursday May16th
Up and out to catch the train to Versailles.Its been about 10 years since we have been there.
Hundreds of tour buses,well maybe not that many...
Cloudy day,pleasant for walking through the gardens.
New since we were there before is a Laduree and Angelina's on site.
It was really crowded in some of the rooms,I couldn't wait to get out.
It's like the Lourve,you need o go back again,and see things you missed first time around.
Walked around the town for a little bit,lots of nice bistros..we stopped and shared a croque Monsieur and a coke light.
It started to shower just as we were getting the train.
Made a quick run into Galleries Layfayette to browse the food court,and shoe dept...
Heading back home for the tub and a glass of wine,then dinner..
Up and out to catch the train to Versailles.Its been about 10 years since we have been there.
Hundreds of tour buses,well maybe not that many...
Cloudy day,pleasant for walking through the gardens.
New since we were there before is a Laduree and Angelina's on site.
It was really crowded in some of the rooms,I couldn't wait to get out.
It's like the Lourve,you need o go back again,and see things you missed first time around.
Walked around the town for a little bit,lots of nice bistros..we stopped and shared a croque Monsieur and a coke light.
It started to shower just as we were getting the train.
Made a quick run into Galleries Layfayette to browse the food court,and shoe dept...
Heading back home for the tub and a glass of wine,then dinner..
May 16th, 2013, 10:15 AM
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I commend you for keeping so on top of this while you're in Paris! Thanks for reporting, Lainie.
Swalter518, use this one instead:
http://france.meteofrance.com/france...nsville/750560
and scroll down to "Tendances des jours suivants." Looks a bit better, no? ;-) Not that a forecast for next week is likely to be even remotely accurate anyway - we'll be there, too. But it's Paris - one always has to be ready for at least showers.
Swalter518, use this one instead:
http://france.meteofrance.com/france...nsville/750560
and scroll down to "Tendances des jours suivants." Looks a bit better, no? ;-) Not that a forecast for next week is likely to be even remotely accurate anyway - we'll be there, too. But it's Paris - one always has to be ready for at least showers.
May 16th, 2013, 10:29 AM
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YankyGal, much better! I know it's a shot in the dark at this point but it makes me feel better! I've been holding off on booking our Eiffel Tower tickets until the last minute hoping for the best weather! Last time we were there we had a few days of full wash outs so I'm hoping not to repeat that!
May 18th, 2013, 08:51 AM
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Friday may 17
Wandered down to the Galerries Layfayette,we were meeting Lucien and Marie for lunch at restaurant across the street.
It's up stairs in the Galleries home store.
Bill,Marie and Lucien had the plat du jour,octopus with grilled vegetables.
I opted for a chicken Caesar.we had wine and of course dessert.,
I chose the dome shaped one,covered in a thin chocolate ,looks like the dome in the store.
It was filled with cream and some small red berries.,sitting on a cookie crust.
Then we left and went over to the Fashion show,it is held every Friday.
We have gone in past years,this years clothes were disappointing,very casual summer items,I have some similar in my closet.
I did sit next to a lady from Chicago,who grew up in PA,about 30 miles from me...small world
We did head up to the rooftop terraces for pictures.
Wandered down to the Galerries Layfayette,we were meeting Lucien and Marie for lunch at restaurant across the street.
It's up stairs in the Galleries home store.
Bill,Marie and Lucien had the plat du jour,octopus with grilled vegetables.
I opted for a chicken Caesar.we had wine and of course dessert.,
I chose the dome shaped one,covered in a thin chocolate ,looks like the dome in the store.
It was filled with cream and some small red berries.,sitting on a cookie crust.
Then we left and went over to the Fashion show,it is held every Friday.
We have gone in past years,this years clothes were disappointing,very casual summer items,I have some similar in my closet.
I did sit next to a lady from Chicago,who grew up in PA,about 30 miles from me...small world
We did head up to the rooftop terraces for pictures.
May 18th, 2013, 12:32 PM
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Sat.may 18th
Slept longer than usual,breakfast in our apartment.
Off to the metro,We wanted to go to the Woodrow Wilson market,got off the metro at Alma Marceau.
Lots of vendors selling beautiful flours,fish, cheeses, meats,vegetables.
We just bought some mangoes and strawberries.
The fruit smells so good.
I made Bill walk over to the Princess Diana Memorial,right down the street.
We just wandered,stopped for a coffee.
I wanted to go to the 5th,and make a reservation at Terroir Parisian for next sat.,so we did.
We stopped and had a late lunch,omelette for me,club sandwich for Bill at a cafe.
When we come back from our Normandy trip,I have signed Bill up for a bread making class through Meeting the French.
I won't be making any bread,just taking photos.
His croissants are pretty good, but he needs work on his bread.
Thursday we are taking our friends to Spring for lunch.
Time is flying by...
Slept longer than usual,breakfast in our apartment.
Off to the metro,We wanted to go to the Woodrow Wilson market,got off the metro at Alma Marceau.
Lots of vendors selling beautiful flours,fish, cheeses, meats,vegetables.
We just bought some mangoes and strawberries.
The fruit smells so good.
I made Bill walk over to the Princess Diana Memorial,right down the street.
We just wandered,stopped for a coffee.
I wanted to go to the 5th,and make a reservation at Terroir Parisian for next sat.,so we did.
We stopped and had a late lunch,omelette for me,club sandwich for Bill at a cafe.
When we come back from our Normandy trip,I have signed Bill up for a bread making class through Meeting the French.
I won't be making any bread,just taking photos.
His croissants are pretty good, but he needs work on his bread.
Thursday we are taking our friends to Spring for lunch.
Time is flying by...
May 21st, 2013, 12:38 PM
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Sunday
Took the train to Bayeaux,we made all connections, it was our first time taking the train.
Arrived to a cloudy,drizzly day,checked into the Reine-Mathilde hotel.
Nice small room,slanted ceilings.
Had a nice galette in their restaurant.
Off to see the Bayeaux tapestries,just amazing,then to the Cathedral.,which was beautiful
Time to take a quick shower,as we had dinner reservations at Le Pommeier.what a wonderful meal!
Bill had the escargot in a hazelnut butter sauce.they were not in their shells,but in a small casserole dish.
I could just soak up that sauce by itself.I had a green and white asparagus starter.
For my main,I had filet de bar juste cuit et son caramel epice gingembre ,sea bass cooked in ginger caramel.It just melted in my mouth. It was served with glazed carrots and rice with quinoa on top.
Bill had the sauté de lapereau with wasabi.Stew of rabbit with wasabi-mustard sauce,more mustard than wasabi,but he loved it.
My new favorite dessert is cafe du gourmand,where they give you 3 or 4 bite size servings with an expresso.We share this so it's just enough..
We took a short walk,then to bed.
We were doing the Normandy tour Monday am.
Took the train to Bayeaux,we made all connections, it was our first time taking the train.
Arrived to a cloudy,drizzly day,checked into the Reine-Mathilde hotel.
Nice small room,slanted ceilings.
Had a nice galette in their restaurant.
Off to see the Bayeaux tapestries,just amazing,then to the Cathedral.,which was beautiful
Time to take a quick shower,as we had dinner reservations at Le Pommeier.what a wonderful meal!
Bill had the escargot in a hazelnut butter sauce.they were not in their shells,but in a small casserole dish.
I could just soak up that sauce by itself.I had a green and white asparagus starter.
For my main,I had filet de bar juste cuit et son caramel epice gingembre ,sea bass cooked in ginger caramel.It just melted in my mouth. It was served with glazed carrots and rice with quinoa on top.
Bill had the sauté de lapereau with wasabi.Stew of rabbit with wasabi-mustard sauce,more mustard than wasabi,but he loved it.
My new favorite dessert is cafe du gourmand,where they give you 3 or 4 bite size servings with an expresso.We share this so it's just enough..
We took a short walk,then to bed.
We were doing the Normandy tour Monday am.
May 23rd, 2013, 12:38 PM
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What can I say? We met our tour guide Magali from Overlord Tours at 8:15.
8 total in the van,2 from Minnesota,and a family of 4 from Oklahoma.
She was a very knowledgable gal,gave us lots of info as we headed out to Normandy.I just loved seeing all the fields of yellow canola flowers.
In the am,we went to Longues-sur -Mer Battery,Omaha Beach,and the American Cemetery.
So emotional and moving,words could not describe how I felt.
Even though the weather didnot cooperate,we were standing on the beach.
After lunch,we went to Sainte -Mere Eglise,the museums,Pointe du Hoc,Utah Beach,Angoville Au Plain
I could go on and on.
I really need to brush up on my history,I had forgotten so many generals,paratroopers etc.
I highly recommend having a tour guide,the are well trained.
As we drve along the countryside,the weather would be ok,as soon as we had to walk by a bunker or on a beach,rain,wind would come with us.
We retuned to Bayeux and had to move to our other hotel,Le Lion d'Or.
We had a wonderful meal in their restaurant,then hit the bed.
Tuesday we were heading to Mont Saint Michel.
8 total in the van,2 from Minnesota,and a family of 4 from Oklahoma.
She was a very knowledgable gal,gave us lots of info as we headed out to Normandy.I just loved seeing all the fields of yellow canola flowers.
In the am,we went to Longues-sur -Mer Battery,Omaha Beach,and the American Cemetery.
So emotional and moving,words could not describe how I felt.
Even though the weather didnot cooperate,we were standing on the beach.
After lunch,we went to Sainte -Mere Eglise,the museums,Pointe du Hoc,Utah Beach,Angoville Au Plain
I could go on and on.
I really need to brush up on my history,I had forgotten so many generals,paratroopers etc.
I highly recommend having a tour guide,the are well trained.
As we drve along the countryside,the weather would be ok,as soon as we had to walk by a bunker or on a beach,rain,wind would come with us.
We retuned to Bayeux and had to move to our other hotel,Le Lion d'Or.
We had a wonderful meal in their restaurant,then hit the bed.
Tuesday we were heading to Mont Saint Michel.
May 27th, 2013, 03:10 AM
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Weather improved for today's trip to Mont St Michel.
We met Maurice, our driver at 8:15 at the Hotel Churchill.
He is an interesting guy,moved from Quebec 25 years ago,with his family.
He owned a restaurant,did all the cooking,played the accordian,until he retired a few years ago.
Now he drives the van to Mont St Michel.
He gave us lots of information along the way.
He dropped us off and we took the shuttle up to the Mont.
One good tip was to turn left as you approach the touristy area.
This way you van avoid all the crowds and shops.
We climbed and climbed.
Lots of tour groups there.
Seeing the massive abbey for the first time is breathtaking.
We took lots of pictures despite the cloudy day.
After about 3 hours ,we headed back,then caught our train back to Paris.
We picked up some nice sandwiches and wine and stayed in this evening.
We met Maurice, our driver at 8:15 at the Hotel Churchill.
He is an interesting guy,moved from Quebec 25 years ago,with his family.
He owned a restaurant,did all the cooking,played the accordian,until he retired a few years ago.
Now he drives the van to Mont St Michel.
He gave us lots of information along the way.
He dropped us off and we took the shuttle up to the Mont.
One good tip was to turn left as you approach the touristy area.
This way you van avoid all the crowds and shops.
We climbed and climbed.
Lots of tour groups there.
Seeing the massive abbey for the first time is breathtaking.
We took lots of pictures despite the cloudy day.
After about 3 hours ,we headed back,then caught our train back to Paris.
We picked up some nice sandwiches and wine and stayed in this evening.
