We had two more days to explore the city after Andrew’s show was over, and rather than race around trying to see everything (which is what we did when we were younger), we slowed down and probably did more walking and eating than actual sightseeing.
We ventured a bit further afield for breakfast at a café across from Gare du Nord.
It’s a busy station and busy street, so we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city, which is so different than where we live in East Aurora.
Someone had mentioned that the Bibliothèque National de France (a library) had recently reopened after a renovation (or something like that) and was worth a visit. So, we stopped in, and after I saw this exquisite library–and remembered I had my book with me–a giant smile spread across my face as I shared my great idea with Andrew: that HE could go see the collection and I would stay here and read. It was a win-win.
After the library and a quick lunch, we headed to the Petit Palais to see their art collection. Unfortunately, the special exhibit that caught my eye wasn’t included, and it was almost closing time, so we just breezed around to see some of the highlights.
We love still life! (Not that I’d want to hang it in my house per se, but you have to admit it’s mesmerizing.)
I joined Andrew and his colleagues for dinner again that night at Chez Margot, where Andrew ordered frogs’ legs! Tastes like chicken.
The next day, our last day, we again got breakfast at Café de Paris and sat outside during a gentle drizzle. Something I adore about Europe–Paris in particular–is that outdoor seating is so commonplace and not just reserved for perfect weather or a few select tables. In Paris, the sidewalk in front of every café in lined with tiny bistro tables, one next to each other with very little space in between, and covered with a small awning. You can eat outside rain or shine until it’s too cold. And even then I bet some brave it!
One thing we like to explore in Paris is the Canal Saint-Martin district, and even though the weather wasn’t the best, we still enjoyed walking around and popping into some shops along the way. We enjoyed this pastry from an artisan boulangerie:
After we packed up our bags at the hotel, we headed out for our last evening in Paris. Lucky for us, it was the annual Fête de la musique! It’s a huge event in Paris and I can’t believe we were there for it!
We started at Les Maquereaux (again) for drinks along the Seine (our view, below), and then walked to dinner at Le Chanard.
When we emerged from dinner, the streets were packed! Bands played every few blocks, or closer, and you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing something. Our walk back was very lively.
Place des Voges was especially busy, with a vibrant, young crowd. They even had some fireworks in the distance.
When we got back to our room (at an already late hour), we were tempted to go back out and enjoy more of the music since we’d found a 90s cover band at a nearby café. But, alas, we’re grown-ups and decided to do the grown-up thing and go to bed since we had to head to the airport the following morning.
Meanwhile, Maelle had returned to NY and was enjoying the farmer’s market with her cousins and Gram!
Missed something? Here are parts one and two of our trip to Paris. À bientôt, Paris!
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