finally, paris

Paris. Somehow I thought I didn't need to go there. My friend Jane thought otherwise and since we were traveling together, we added two days to the chateau adventure. 

I'm so glad we did, but it was a rough start. We took the train from Toulouse (Montauban station) and that was delightful, but when we arrived in Paris, it was the day of the Gay Pride parade which effectively bisected the city, preventing taxis from reaching the train station. So we decided to walk with our heavy bags, overstuffed from the brocantes and vide-greniers in Auty. Through the parade itself. And way beyond.

Two hours later, we reached our hotel only to find out that in spite of a 6 month prior paid reservation, there wasn't a room for us after all. (Long story- damage to the room, early morning {and unreceived} email notification, bumped for longer-staying guests, etc). So we wearily trundled off to another hotel. I was sure that Paris was not for me.

Oh, of course it was! I just needed a nap, a meal and a glass of wine.

And then everything brightened up.

We put on our walking shoes and saw as much as we could. 

Rue de Seine in the St.Germain. Fish for dinner.

A good night's rest.

In the morning we started out early with Donna who was also in Paris after the chateau. We headed for the Marais. It was a sparkling, cool and quiet Sunday morning and the three of us had the sleepy streets to ourselves. After the chaos of the day before, the peacefulness was welcomed.

This fellow was happy too. His owner was nearly a block behind him. Clearly, their usual morning walk.

We had ice cream for breakfast before the crowds lined up and then found the cutest shops in Village St. Paul. I think we spent a few hours there, each shop full of small wonders.

Millie posed here and there.

And so did Jane.

After dragging that heavy bag through town, I used my camera more than my euro's.

Jane's daughter Katie lives in Amsterdam. She took the train over and met us for the afternoon. Lunch at Chez Julien was by far the best meal we had in Paris. And the most fun. The excitement of having Katie with us, the vibrant cafe scene, the beautiful day, seeing mama Jane so happy.

Our little band of travelers toddled around for the afternoon. The Place de Vosges was a perfect spot to sit and visit, the streets now jammed with energetic shoppers for the beginning of the traditional July sales.

I loved the creative SOLDES signs in the shop windows. 

We said good-bye to Katie at Notre Dame and she ran off to the Metro. 

At the end of our day, the sunlight was disappearing right along with the wine. Jane decided that I really couldn't leave Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. She wrangled a taxi and gave the driver, Joe, a short list of must-see's. He laughed good-naturedly and said okay. Donna, Jane and I climbed in for our tour. Whoosh! Off we flew for a whirlwind drive-by. Like a golden retriever, ears flapping in the wind, I leaned outside the open window with my camera. Plenty still to see. 

Of course, it's stunningly fabulous!

And certainly, so is the Eiffel Tower.

Thanks for riding along with me and my pals. 

Comments

[Jone Hallmark]

yep...not bad....
I must say, though, that I find it easier to be in Paris before hitting the countryside. After all the peace and quiet, I'd rather not reve up again before getting on the plane.
That said, though, your day in "gay Paree" looked so fresh and delightful - glad you got to see the fun parts.
Let's talk. I just got back late Tuesday.... xo

[Laura]

Isn't Paris just magnificent?! So glad you went and thank you for sharing your adventure! The pictures are wonderful! I just love the photo of the dog.....looks like he is going somewhere important....maybe to meet a sweetheart!
Laura

[Troy Louise]

Thank you or should I say merci for the beautiful pictures of your days in Paris. Someday . . . XOX

[Lorrie]

I'm so glad Paris didn't disappoint after that rough beginning. And I agree with Jone that Paris before the countryside works well. On the other hand, you were already over the jet lag, so that's a good thing.

[Jeannie]

Merci! I enjoyed my virtual tour so much. Thank you! I love the colors and the old buildings.

[Nancy Wethington]

This entire trip looked amazing! Happy to *live it* through your eyes. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[karen on bainbridge island]

Vacations that start off with difficulty generally turn out to be memorable for all the right reasons...and you certainly managed to turn around your Parisienne adventure.

A little wine, a little food, a little laughter seems to have done the trick!

The best souvenir is your memories of this delightful trip.

[charlotte]

thanks, I should tell the story of the time the luggage flew off the roof of the car on the interstate. that was a fun one too! starting with the shopping.

[karen on bainbridge island]

We once left two small suitcases by our front door and drove off for a two week jaunt. I had to buy underwear, shoes, make-up, toiletries, a hair dryer and a jacket. I also left my purse at a friends home the night before a flight to New York. Fortunately, this was before you needed ID to fly, and my husband had cash, credit cards, car keys, etc. Both were wonderful vacations. Whatcha gonna do?

[jen@thecottagenest]

I've been feeling a little wistful about Paris this week. You aren't helping! I would do it all over again today if I could. I'm so glad you got to have the experience.

[Nicki Dwyer]

I love the photographs in this post Charlotte. So glad you got to Paris! How could you not love it? Thanks for sharing the whole adventure. It's been such fun to travel with you, albeit virtually!

[Debby Schuh]

I love Village St. Paul! I'm longing to return! Your pictures are wonderful!