Le Procope

We went to dinner at the oldest eating establishment in Paris, Le Procope in Saint Germaine. L-R Bob, Di, Nick. We were introduced to the place by another friend. Le Procope has been serving food since 1686!

Many famous people have eaten here, probably plotted during the Revolution, written poems and novels, celebrated and just enjoyed Coq au Vin, as I did!

The pot was HUGE and 3 of us who had ordered it didn't finish it all.

And a large serve of Crème Brulee to finish.

 

More Paris sights

Paris is so full of history the surprises keep coming around every corner.

And on a nice sunny day it's lovely to stroll the avenues of history.

 

Lunch

Found a corner café in the 7th arrondisment for coffee and lunch. I ordered a pork steak and was surprised at the size, but managed to eat the lot as it was delicious.

White asparagus at the local street market, just closing up as we left the café

 

Eiffel Tower

Got caught up in the Paris Marathon on the way to the Metro.

This is the view at the base of the Eiffel Tower as we queued for tickets.

Great views from the second floor of Paris and surrounds. The top floor was temporarily closed and we didn't wait around. Note the blue sky and sunshine! The first we have seen since arriving.

 

Champagne

My first glass of French champagne! We have been drinking the lovely pinot's and a few other red varieties.

Notre Dame

Wish I could have rubbed this at Sainte Chapelle! Photos will have to do. Also visited Notre Dame which is celebrating 850 years.

A bit of Mexette fun in the street. We are having to use stand-ins for missing members.

Rubbing Paris

I have indulged in a spot of rubbing in Paris, carrying my small supplies with me and taking any opportunity.

And have been fabric shopping with my friend Diane. Gee that was fun finding the shops in the Montmarte area. Just proves we can buy fabric in any language, even with our limited French. Diane is holding up my stash which I would like to combine with the rubbings. 

Louvre

In search of Mona Lisa, along with the rest of the World. We beat the crowds at the entry portal.

But not at the viewing point. When I was last here in the 1990's Mona was in one of the long halls and you could get up close and personal. Not any more!

Amazing to see so many of the famous paintings usually seen in books, which never give an idea of real size. Having a moment with Napoleon.

Unfortunately no dinner invitation from Napoleon lll, but we visited his apartments anyway.


 

Some views

The view from our hotel room. Grey skies, rain, wind- gotta love Paris in the Springtime.

A spot of sun bathing in Jardin de Tuilieries. The sea gulls were enjoying the water.

On the bridge of love- and if you didn't bring your own lock there is a solution.

Paris

Finally after more than 24 hours of travel, 18,000+km of flight, we have arrived in Paris to a very weak sun and cold Springtime wind. Not that this will stop us from sightseeing, wandering and shopping.
Having problems with loading photos to blogger at the moment, sorry.
 

On our way

Packing done- check!
Passport- check!
Euros- check!
Credit card- check!
I think that's it. See you soon in Paris.