Market, Majestic Train Bleu, and Montmartre
Bonjour mes amis
It’s hard for one day to capture so much energy and enthusiasm, but yesterday accomplished that for us!
Natalie is a sleeper and a night owl so we let her indulge until about 9:45 this morning. Paris time would work great for her body clock…up very late at night, breakfast at 10, lunch at 3, and dinner at 8:30 or 9. Perfect Parisian cadence. It’s a little tough for us but has worked amazingly well for this week’s time together.
We began at the Bastille Sunday market which was fascinating for Natalie, and she had a ball spending money for herself and some friends. These are mostly her photos. 
She was thrilled with this pocketbook, hand made by a French couple from scraps of the shoe and leather industry.
She bought an orange scarf (I wonder why for you Alabama fans) and a beautiful scarf for a special friend which I modeled.
We zipped one subway stop over to Le Gare de Lyon to Le Train Bleu for lunch. It’s an amazing place and you’ve seen all the interior before via my blog, but here’s more through Natalie’s camera eye.
About 2:30, we headed to Montmartre knowing it would be hot and jammed with people. We were absolutely correct on both counts. However, the line to get into Sacre Coeur was not bad at all! We were on the mountain until 8pm when we felt a few raindrops and scuttled home with a cache of memories. Natalie kept asking us, “Well, what exactly is Montmartre?” And now she knows. How would you put it into a few sentences? I did in my book which I hope you’ve read! (“Bernie’s Paris” on Amazon.) Let me know if it was helpful when you came to Paris.
Mosaic tile on the dome of the Sacre Coeur.
The time is short for Natalie and for us. She leaves tomorrow, and we depart on Thursday morning. There’s rain in the forecast today, but we have planned a picnic to the Luxembourg Gardens. Hope it works out.
Winding down is always tough. I’m about blogged out but will do a final post on my reflections for this year.
We’ve loved having you along.
L & B
August 13, 2018 @ 10:00 am
Beautiful memories Linda beautiful
August 13, 2018 @ 4:52 pm
Your comments are always so appreciated!
August 13, 2018 @ 10:08 am
Bravo, all of you! What amazing days you’ve had with your gorgeous girl.
SO happy you’re headed to the Luxembourg. If it rains hard a good place for coffee is Café Tournon which has a nice literary history — north side just across the street from the Palace.
Wishing you all a beautiful last day(s) in beloved Paris.
August 13, 2018 @ 4:52 pm
It didn’t rain after all, gorgeous day and we had a rest break at Café Tournon!
August 13, 2018 @ 12:17 pm
Linda, I’ve loved your blog; wonderful memories of my visits to Paris. Thanks for the memories! Safe trip home!
August 13, 2018 @ 4:51 pm
Merci, Linda!
August 13, 2018 @ 1:00 pm
Linda, I know having darling Natalie with you in Paris has capped off a wonderful summer for you!
Your posts have been delightful – as good as any professional travel writer could produce.
Thank you for all the time you have spent entertaining all of us with your marvelous photos and insightful comments.
My only regret is that I wasn’t there with you!
A bientôt! Dorcas
August 13, 2018 @ 4:50 pm
Your words mean so much.
August 13, 2018 @ 1:29 pm
What a trip you have had! You have been so fortunate to share yours and Betnie’s Paris with so many people, especially with your beloved Natalie. I have enjoyed coming along for one more adventure. Bob and I hope to join you for your next journey. Time will tell!
August 13, 2018 @ 4:49 pm
We hope so!!!
August 13, 2018 @ 1:33 pm
Love reading about your Paris adventures every morning. I felt like I was with you through your narrative and photos. So glad you had a great visit with your daughter. Sad to see you leave Paris and will miss your blog!
We were there two years ago and loved it! Hope to go back one day. Thinking about renting a apartment. Can you recommend how to go about doing that?
Thank you for your amazing blog!
August 13, 2018 @ 4:49 pm
Merci! Renting is not as easy as it used to be. Especially if for short time. Best to go to Air B&B web site. These people have registered with the gov’t, are paying the taxes, and other than hotels are about the only ones doing short-term rentals for like a week or two. If you plan to stay more than 3 months, go to Paristay.com. Thanks for reading our blog!!
August 13, 2018 @ 4:34 pm
Did Bernie stage that chocolate drip running down the small pitcher on the hot chocolate picture. Good touch. Do you think Natalie will have one or two memories or observations she will share 1st with everyone when she gets home? This day covered a variety of sights. Thank you.
August 13, 2018 @ 4:46 pm
I took the chocolate drip with my phone! And yes, Natalie is loving her time here.
August 14, 2018 @ 2:38 pm
Is there much price negotiation done when you buy from shop/street vendors? Is there a minimum age for drinking alcohol in France. Thanks
August 14, 2018 @ 3:29 pm
The small tourist shops will occasionally barter, especially at the end of the day and the Marche des Puces or the big flea market that is world famous will barter if you don’t insult them with something ridiculous. Regular stores don’t barter. I’m sure there’s a drinking age in France but we don’t know what it is or how tightly it’s informed. Young children are taught to sample a bit of wine with their families on special occasions.
August 13, 2018 @ 11:48 pm
Linda, thanks for including us on your journey. It was very nice to see and read favorite memories. Jim and Judy Link
August 14, 2018 @ 5:09 am
Thanks, Jim! Look forward to seeing you guys soon, and hope Judy’s knees are working great!