Our last week in France just flew. Monday we were heading for Chartres for the day but really didn’t make it in time so we canned that idea and decided to wander around Montparnasse area. After finding that there wasn’t a lot there we headed from my favourite park, Jardin du Luxembourg. The flowers were spectacular and it was nice and peaceful sitting in my favourite part of the garden at the Medici Fountain. It would have been nice to sit on the grass but you are not allowed to do that here. We saw a nice green grassy area that had a number of people sitting on it but no sooner than the thought had crossed our mind a security officer (gendarme or whatever he was) turned up with his whistle blowing merrily away and shooing people off the grass. They love their whistles!
After the gardens Steve and I wandered into the Latin Quartier to the area we stayed on the very first trip to Paris. Rue Mouffetard is a superb area for shopping and dining and at a cost that is far more reasonable than where we were currently staying. Steve found a lovely bakery and we managed to polish off a huge piece of Souffle Normand. We felt very ill afterwards but is was fabulous and surprisingly only 2,55. We also purchased some macaroons for everyone for dessert that night. We brought Paul and Sharon back here in the evening for dinner in this area. For 15 euro we got a 3 course meal each of which Sharon and Steve decided to do the escargot. The meal was spectacular.
Tuesday we realised that the Louvre was closed so that sunk any places for that day. However it turned out rather good as we spent it shopping instead. Time to get gifts for mates in Bristol (note this was the first time we had even thought about Bristol at this stage!).
Wandering through the back streets parallel to Rue Rivoli you avoid the throngs of tourists and more often than not find the most interesting shops. We found a fabulous shop selling all manner of teas that you could dream up. It is within the shops located at Place Des Voges (another spectacular spot for shopping and people watching). Seriously this tea shop was an “experience”. I wanted green tea for a gift so you pick one, then he gets you to smell it, then he selects some more that get gradually stronger. You smell each of them until you get to the pungency that doesn’t suit your nose, this becomes your stopping point then you know the range in which to choose from. Who knew there were so many to choose from. Finally he packages it up neatly topped off with a fab bag. Presentation is everything in France. Next we found a confectionary store with all manner of amazing items from chocolate tennis balls to a nicoise salad made entirely from marzipan.
The final destination was Galleries Lafayette. I had heard that this was a spectacular building inside. It truly was. I would probably take this building and the shopping experience over Harrods any time. Basically it is one huge department store with individual brand names selling within the building. The crowds of people were overwhelming. Tour buses were lined up outside, tourists were running around loaded down with bags and bags of shopping. Thankfully we were there to take in the ambience and building itself rather than shop. It was mad!
In general we have found over the last 2 weeks that prices have definately increased in France since we were last here. Also, that prices are generally the same as in England so really no deals to be had except on some electronics. The range/style of clothing and shoes are far more beautiful but again the prices are the same and I would probably stand out (in a bad way) in Bristol if I was to buy some of the things on offer here. For example I loved this stunning bright red coat with incredible detailing on the collar. It fits perfectly into the Paris environment but really would have stood out far too much walking around Bristol. What a pity.
Finally, Wednesday was our last morning so we all went out for breakfast. Steve and I had found the place we went to with Kerryn and Tony when we were last in Paris. It is in La Marais district right across the road from BVH. They do a great brekkie for 10 euro. You sit there and watch the world go by as you sip on coffee and OJ while eating your bread, crossiant and omlette. The waiter was great and even took a photo for us.
I can’t remember if I told you that while in Paris we were staying on Rue Beautrellis right across from where Jim Morrison (The Doors) lived and tragically died in the 70’s. We found out that our apartment looked straight across to his.
Anyway, next blog will be our stay in London where we caught up with Anne-Line and Shehan.