Get ready for a lot of photos. We’re winding up our time in Paris and I want to share the last couple of days we spent there. I also want to note that everyone we met and chatted with, whether someone on the street or a waiter or anyone, was simply lovely. We had no problems. I truly believe you receive what you send out. And we were friendly, always trying to speak a little French, and very aware that we were visiting that person’s home city. We were on their turf. We were also open and grateful. And that’s what we got in return. I couldn’t have been more delighted with everyone we met.
On the night of our anniversary, we tried to get over to the Seine and catch a evening boat tour, but we were too late, so we bought a ticket for the Saturday night and were content to walk along the Seine. How could we not be?
Everywhere you look, there are friends, couples and families sitting along the edge of the Seine. It’s a gathering place. It is loved.
The next morning, we grabbed the Metro to take the ride north to the March aux Puces (the flea market) that is at Clingnacourt/Ouen. It is much, much bigger than I had imagined. It took us a while to find the Antique/Vintage section of the flea market, but we finally got there. Much of it is permanent, housed in several buildings. The first sections we visited were quite high end, full of gorgeous, but expensive, items. Though I appreciated all of it, it’s not my thing, so I kept searching for some building that would house sellers that were selling ‘smalls.’ I finally found it here.
A veritable labyrinth of shops – I never fully explored every corner – and it was fascinating. There was so much I wanted to buy but I was aware that I had to carry it home, so I went for smalls – egg cups, pitchers, the match striker. But I still regret leaving a few items behind.
Had to include this more than life-sized Big Boy.
A bit higher-end here, but this is the section where we found our vintage lithograph, which is even now winging its way to us.
After the Flea Market – and let’s face it, I could have spent ALL day there – we finally made our way to the Jardins de Luxembourg. They’re very near where we were staying but somehow we never got there until Saturday.
I fell in love. It was a very warm day for October and there were people everywhere; children playing, families and friends picnicking, old and young strolling down the wide paths, people reading books and newspapers. It’s huge and it has everything – playgrounds, a palace, gardens, fountains, statues, tennis courts.
If I lived in Paris, I would be there every day. There are chairs and benches everywhere.
We sat and watched a game called Pétanque.
It fascinated us – reminded me a bit of bocce ball, but it’s different. Eventually, we figured out the rules and then, later that night, did a bit more research via google. It’s peaceful, convivial and non-violent. What more could you ask for?
The actual model for the Statue of Liberty, sculpted by Bartholdi.
That night, we went for that cruise on the Seine. If you go to Paris, you must do this. There are several companies that offer cruises. Ours started on the Ile de là Cité. This was the view as we waited for the boat:
And these are some views from the cruise:
Completely and utterly romantic and magical.
On our last day, we wanted to take it easy as we had a travel day coming up. So we went back to our now beloved Jardins de Luxembourg to see the famous marionette show that has been in existence in a little theater there since the 1930s. Now run by the son of the founder, the puppets are handmade on site and, let me tell you, it is enchanting. I think of all those movies where I’ve seen Punch and Judy shows in a Paris park (including Charade.) We learned about it in our initial research for our trip and were determined to go.
We found the theater and were the first in line. And the only adults unaccompanied by children, I might add.
Guignol is the character who shows up and foils the bad guys – with humor.
Of course, I had to buy my own Guignol.
Mine is a hand puppet, not a marionette.
The theater. I didn’t take any shots of the performance as the audience is asked not to and really, shouldn’t we all just be enjoying the show? We loved it. We laughed out loud. A very witty and funny script that entertains both children and adults. But the best part was watching the children react to the show, shouting out answers to Guignol’s questions, cheering, laughing. It made my heart full.
Afterward, we strolled over to a little shop that sold vegan hot dogs, called Hot Vog, then took our lunch back to the park and watch Pétanque for about an hour.
By the way, Don bought these for me in Montmartre for our anniversary:
A vintage box from the 20s made of papier maché, called a boîte à secrets – a box in which to put secrets – and this pair of earrings:
They match my birthstone ring that he gave me for my birthday last year.
The next day, we left on the Eurostar for London.
Did I ever show you this?
Our charming hotel was the old-fashioned kind – you had a key to your door and when you left the building, you dropped the key at the desk. When you returned, the key was given to you by whomever was working at the front desk. I was completely charmed.
More tomorrow.
Almost forgot! Yay, Red Sox!!! We watched the whole game. Bravo!
Happy Monday.
I took the cruise of the Seine but during the day. I wanted to do a night cruise also but it didn’t happen. Next time I go to Paris!! I love the parks and all the lovely outdoor activities. You had such good weather. It rained a bit while I was there but that had it’s own charm. Love the puppet show, what fun to watch it and the children. So many lovely memories! The little box and the earrings are such a perfect gift!
We had good weather in Paris and London – the only negative was all the insane wind in Edinburgh, but it added to the ambiance, I guess!
Simply amazing! Your pictures do justice to the wonderful city and I confess to being a wee bit envious. The best part must be traveling with someone so in sync with your thoughts. You two are definitely soul mates!
We are and I am eternally thankful that he walked into my life, Deb.
this all just makes me so happy for you and don to have been able to experience all those great sights, the charm and beauty, art and architecture, the food, etc. and to see things many people don’t … and i’m not just talking about people who cannot get to paris, but moreso you and don having friendly, grateful attitudes and openness to the people, the cultures and seeing beauty there, noticing and appreciating the kindnesses shown to you and making the best of lines/crowds, windy weather, etc. (and i’m not surprised about that one little bit)!
after seeing the café in paris, have you watched “amelie” since getting home?
kathy in iowa
We’ve been watching the World Series – big Red Sox fans. But we’ll probably watch it tonight. Then I want to watch Charade.
You’ve captured the charms of Paris in these photo blog posts, Claudia. Makes me want to return!
Well, that’s a good thing! You must return!
looking at your pics is like looking at an exquisite ‘coffee table book’- absolute pleasure- you are putting Paris at the top of many bucket lists-
welcome home anyway-
Thank you so much, Barb!
Beautiful – so glad you had a wonderful time. 35 years ago we were at the PuppetTheater in a park in Paris filled with children and they were doing Peter and the Wolf. A little boy in the audience was very frightened of the wolf and could not stop crying. The theater lights were turned on and the wolf came off the stage to the little boy – took off his wolf head and explained that it was make-believe. The crying stopped, the lights turned off and the show went on! A favorite Paris memory.
Isn’t that a wonderful story? Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Once again gorgeous photos!
Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
Claudia, Seeing the river at the start to the evening…I love it. That little key, adorable. I hope you get to return to Paris one day. I am so happy for you and Don to have had that romantic trip of a life time. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Thank you, Susie. We’re crossing our fingers and hoping to return next year.
OMGOSH! perfection here. those night shots! omg! xoxo
It’s a beautiful city – day or night!
Thank you for sharing Paris with me! That flea market! And your anniversary earrings are lovely. So glad you had the chance to take this trip.
I’m thrilled. It was beyond our expectations. I can’t stop thinking about it and I really miss being over there.
These photos are lovely, a great reminder of our last trip to Paris! I am happy you both had a magical trip to celebrate your anniversary.
Thank you, Gayle!
Thank you for sharing your amazing photographs and your adventures in Paris. I have moved Paris to the top of my Bucket List. Will go there in 2020 (already booked a trip to Austria for 2019 !)
I am so glad that you and Don had a marvellous time on your trip overseas. You deserve it!
Thank you, Lyn!
Another group of wonderful pictures. To be on the Seine in the evening is most definitely romantic. Did you see the Eiffel Tower do it’s thing with the twinkle lights? Our first time there, we were on a boat belonging to the company my husband’s nonprofit works with. Had a I-don-know-how-many course dinner below, but still lots of windows down there. Spring night and so many people sitting along the shore. Hours went by. Suddenly the company officers were anxious for me to go up on deck again as we noticed we were back near the Eiffel Tower. They were like little boys, pointing at the Tower saying, “pour vous, madame, pour vous!” Then suddenly the Tower lights began twinkling. They was so cute – one of my favorite memories. When I’d said I had visited the Musee d’Orsay that day, one of the older men told me how his mother used to take him there to catch the train to go visit his grandparents back when it was a train station. You’re right. The French are wonderful as long as you are open and friendly with them as well.
Yes, we saw the twinkle lights – amazing! And the searchlight that comes from the very top of the Tower. Amazing!
Boy, am I out of touch! I had no idea you are in Paris! It looks like you had a fabulous time there and are now headed for London. Hope you also get to explore there and other places as well.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
We’re home, Judy! We were gone for two and a half weeks and we’ve been home for nearly a week!
Adorable, his photos of the Seine reminded me of a film I watched Les Amants du Pont-Neuf is a 1991 French film directed by Leos Carax.
The Pont-Neuf is the oldest bridge on the Seine, Edis. It’s beautiful.
All wonderful…thank you..thank you!
You’re welcome!
Your pictures are fantastic….almost like being there. I especially loved the ones from the night cruise. Enjoy your memories…and your new found treasures. I’m sure everytime you wear those earrings you will be thinking of Don and remembering Paris! ;)
I remember Paris every second of the day! I want to go back right now!
I got that impression!! ;)
xo
So fortunate that you had such perfect weather! I’m sure that made the trip even more wonderful.
Yes, it did. We were very lucky!
Big sigh. And you saw the marionettes! I wish I’d been able to do that. Looks wonderful.
The marionettes were delightful!