Reporting from Paris in the rain.
 

My husband and I arrived Monday am,quickly made our way through baggage claim,and our dear friend was waiting to meet us.He lives outside Paris and got up early to join in Monday am traffic to meet us.
Loaded up the car and off to our apartment in the 7th.Our home for 2 weeks.We met Jennifer who had the keys,she explained a few things and we started to do some unpacking.
Then out to explore,get some essentials for the apartment,and load our metro card.
This is our 10th visit,always swear we are going to take it easy "this time".
But there is so much to see and do,places to eat...Nothing exciting planned,as I was really trying to stay awake.Weather is humid,some sprinkles.Stopped and picked up a sandwich,some wine,had lunch on our terrace.
Then out to see our beautiful Paris.
Home early ,shower,try to sleep.
Tuesday,
Slept later than I wanted to,darn,out for a pain au chocolate
Went to Galleries Layfayette,all the food items have been moved across the street.(we haven't been here for 3 years,so I don't know when they moved it) Did I mention it's raining ?
Did a lot of walking in the rain,stopping at a cafe for a glass of bubbly.
Had dinner at cafe du marche,it was close by our apartment .
We both had confit du canard,home in the rain.
Wednesday
Slow start to the rainy am.
Decided to put off going to the d'Orsay until Thursday. We always enjoy lunch in their beautiful restaurant . Since we had dinner plans tonite,we will go tomorrow.
Dinner was at Bistrot les Papilles.
This was a very enjoyable meal,there is no menu,it is all pre selected by the chef. He said it changes every 2 days,we had a leek soup,cod with mashed potatoes,a cheese course,and strawberry panna cotta.
I will post pictures later ,time for bed from rainy Paris

Good to see you are enjoying Paris - even in the rain!
I'd love to come along for the ride and view one of my favourite cities through your eyes, Di

Enjoy Paris. I managed to avoid the rain yesterday but it will be more difficult today - they give a 50% chance of rain from 2 PM to 2 AM.
Tomorrow thunderstorms are announced. Saturday and sundeay are predicted dry but colder - max temp 14 on sat !

Thursday
Woke up to something bright outside,��☀️. I forgot what that was-SUNSHINE.it felt so good.After a leisurely am,with coffee and a pain au chocolate,we were off.Broused by rue Cler and then we are off to my favorite - Musee d'Orsay. I love this place.i thought we would have to wait in a long line,but since we got a late start,we walked right in after 12 noon.
We decided today's meal would be lunch on the second floor dining room. It's just so gorgeous .
My husband had the entre and plat,while I had the plat and dessert.
Plat of the day was a flakey cod over gnocchi. We both chose that,he had the chicken Caesar as a starter, and I chose a strawberry tart for dessert.We shared a nice Chardonnay.
The most interesting group of men came in,ushered by someone in charge.
I watched as they went back toward the kitchen,shortly after they walked right in front of our table and were seated across the room.No one made a fuss,but I recognized a very famous local chef/restaurateur as one.
I secretly took some photos. They were waited on and given small portions,not a complete meal.Then everyone was escorted out.Maybe he will be taking on a new venture!
We then went to look at our favorite paintings.ooh and aww...
Some school students doing homework throughout.
When we went outside that bright sky had turned dark and grey again.
We decided to walk off some of the calories,and then it started to drizzle,then a nice steady rain.
We decided to come back to our apartment and rest awhile.
Lots of police in the metro,I got on right behind a few young policemen,holding their protective gear. I asked if everything was ok,they said oui.
We got off at metro ecole militare,more police,everything quiet,but a helicopter overhead. I had never seen that before,,oh well,relaxing on our terrace,blue skies peeking through,for a while,anyway.

Enjoying...

We are in Paris as well. We managed to be outside during a downpour yesterday. Prospects for today don't look much better. But it is Paris!

Yes,it is Paris rain,over as quickly as it started.
Hoping to see the sun soon.

Suppressing my smug-face, it was absolutely beautiful weather for the preceding Ascension Day weekend:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricklondon/

Hope you got to enjoy the Rousseau exhibition at the Orsay. It's terrific. A nice double-play is to visit the Jardin des Plantes after Orsay/Rousseau, to see where he got some of his ideas for jungle scenes.

I'll take the Bon Marché food hall over Galleries Froufrouette any day. And the local markets even before either of those.

Looks like some clear days now. Rain or shine, it is Paris!!

a bientot..

Joan

Hi Joan,are you in Paris now?we are cooking with Catherine Monday. You are right,rain or shine,we ❤️ Love Paris
Don,we frequent a lot of the street markets,we love to see the varieties of fish,poultry,etc. and bring back things to our apartment for lunch.
Today was a surprise weather wise,started out cloudy,humid.
We went to the terrace at Galerieslafayette . It was so cloudy,you couldn't see the tower. We had lunch at Angelina's,then went to the fashion show with our friends.
The small dog was the hit of the show! The clothes were ok,nothing exciting.
Marie and I did go down and ooh and aah over the shoes we couldn't afford or walk in. Some of the heels were 5 inches and so skinny. I think you must just wear them while sitting.Every designer had a pair of flat slip on sneakers with lots if jewels.

Hi,
No, Not this time of the year for me. I will be arriving Nov 2 and will be there for 7 weeks or so...Many different friends coming and going during this time and many plans/dining etc already lined up. Nice group for Thanksgiving, too. Many lovely restaurants to introduce friends to.

Enjoy your stay..rain or shine!!

a bientot...

Joan

Lainie, please give Catherine my best.....

Joan

Joan,Catherine sends her regards. We had a wonderful class today with her.
Other couples there one from California,one from DC,and one from Brussels/UK.
We had a delightful time ,making Hollanfaise sauce,white and green asparagus, salmon stuffed in cabbage leaves,and a white chocolate mouse with fruit.
So interesting to learn about life in other countries, and people telling of their travels.
Catherine is so charming,and has a great sense of humor.
She gave us lots of information and tips ,while making sure everyone got their hands on turn.Came out stuffed ,needing a walk.
What a fun day.
I skipped a few days,we have been so busy.
Went to the Opera Bastille sat. To see a great performance of Rigoletto.
Friday we went to the fashion show at Galerieslafayette with our friends.
Had a delightful lunch at Angelina's in the GL.
Fashion show was casual summer wear,the guy had a yellow suit on,not sure my husband would wear yellow.
At the end he came out with a puppy on a leash,the dog stole the show.
Sunday nite we had dinner at Terroir Parisian with our friends.
The place filled up and was packed by 9.
My husband ,his friend and his wife,all chose the lamb special.
The chef came out and talked to us,and said he cooks it slow and low for 26 hours.
Bill, Lucien and Marie loved it.
I had a nice starter of haricot vert with a shallot vinegrette,yummy.
I had filet with Bearnaise sauce for dinner.
The sun is in and out,a quick sprinkle,nice temp for walking off calories from all the bread and wine.

Of all the places could be on a rainy week, Paris is still a good place to be.

I agree, in fact, we have had more sun and warm weather than predicted.

Catherine would like to do cooking classes only..no dining! I hope that she is able to accomplish this.

I will see her in the fall...

a bientot..

Joan

Joan,
She is doing classes 3-4 days / week and opened for dinner Thurs.,Friday, and Sat.
We had a wonderful dinner last nite at Mariette on rue du bosquet.
A funny (?)thing happened when I went to the bathroom downstairs.
I pulled the door closed and the handle came off in my hand. I tried to attach it but the connecting piece was on the other side.
Wow,I didn't know I was claustrophobic.
I was starting to panic a little,thinking I could not get out or b rescued.
I started to bang on the door really loudly.
I did this this a few times ,and the chef opened the door. What a relief!
When I went back up stairs,everyone told me they had heard banging,though no one rescued a damsel in distress.
Well,it's something to remember!
Dinner was wonderful,there are only 10 tables.
Hard to believe this is our last day,we leave in the am.

Oh you are in my favorite place in the whole world. Loving your trip report. Even in the rain I would change places with you !

Glad to hear that Catherine is now doing more classes and only open for dining Thurs - Sat.

Funny bathroom experience!!

Mariette must be quite new???

Trips do go fast..even when you stay two months!!

a bientot

Joan