A Photographer’s Feast in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
I have trained myself over the years to be hypersensitive about what’s around me in Paris because it helps with pickpockets (ha!) and with catching unexpected and delightful photographs. Yesterday was such a day. Having a theme for the year helps but also just the spontaneity of what pops up.
After a slow, easy morning from the previous late night, we made a quick reservation for lunch at Bonnie atop the beautiful SO hotel which is practically in our front door. With a bar and restaurant on the top, the views of the islands and all the rest of Paris on a clear day are breathtaking. (Malcolm and Antonia, where are you?) 
They offer a Power Lunch which we selected. It was all perfectly prepared. At least I remembered to get the gazpacho in a photograph. The Cafe Gourmand was beautiful…even the Frenchman next to us said, “Ah, that’s looks very nice.” It’s the best and least expensive way to get a dessert for two in Paris. It’s a sample of little bites from their dessert menu along with one coffee which is included. 
It was a leisurely lunch and we didn’t return to our apartment until almost 3. We rested a bit and then took a long walk near the river ending up at Pont Louis Phillipe and a restaurant of the same name for a refreshment…Ricard, a pastis drink for Bernie and a Perrier for me. The cocktail was €4,50 and my water was €5,95! Notice they use a comma, not a period to denote the centimes or cents.
Sitting there and then strolling home surprised us with some of those photographic delights.
Today we are having lunch, all four of us, with our friend Hannah to share the in’s and out’s of her perspective on moving to Paris. We’ll have more fantastic photos tomorrow as we’re going to Cafe de l’Homme which sits directly in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Hope the world is treating you well!
L & B
June 12, 2025 @ 9:15 am
Wonderful photos as always! We need to do a lunch/brunch at Bonnie. We’ve been there at night and it was too chilly to sit outside so missed all those wonderful views. Yes, we do love to dance at those small amphitheaters across the river. Have a great time and keep the photos coming!
June 12, 2025 @ 9:21 am
So, how is Italy? Glad to be away from the crazies for a while, I know. So are we. It’s up to 86 today so will be a test of our apartment in the heat. Paris is lovely right now. School will be out soon and more tourists arriving by the day. We’re delighted to be here this year for La Fete du Musique.
June 12, 2025 @ 9:44 am
Bonnie looks gorgeous. Adding to my list. thanks! enjoy! ❤️
June 12, 2025 @ 10:33 am
Many fascinating views! But, oh, that flower display in front of the colored doors, so striking.
June 12, 2025 @ 10:53 am
Linda, it sounds like you had a lovely food day as well as taking in all your surroundings. I especially enjoyed the photos of flowers and the interesting doors. Looks like weather was in your favor. Carry on!
Cindi
June 12, 2025 @ 12:10 pm
Thanks, Linda.
Love the balcony!
June 12, 2025 @ 12:52 pm
You’re on a roll. Good collection. I saw a movie the other night and the Eiffel Tower looked gigantic. I decided that it was because it was not surrounded by other tall buildings. I wonder if it seems larger in person that comes across in many pictures. The circular balcony is nice. Thank you
June 12, 2025 @ 3:14 pm
Pat, it is huge!
June 12, 2025 @ 1:03 pm
how was the food at Bonnie?
June 12, 2025 @ 3:14 pm
It was good and pretty affordable with the Power Lunch!
June 12, 2025 @ 1:49 pm
Thank you for seeing Paris through your lens.
June 12, 2025 @ 1:51 pm
Loved the pictures today. You have become an accomplished photographer!
June 12, 2025 @ 3:13 pm
Coming from you, I am honored!
June 12, 2025 @ 3:15 pm
Beautiful pictures!!! Thanks for sharing and love your daily updates!!
June 12, 2025 @ 5:16 pm
Lovely post and photos!
I so enjoy them every day!
June 12, 2025 @ 11:28 pm
Yes great photos – what a grand view. I’ll have to check Bonnie out when there later this fall.
June 13, 2025 @ 10:04 pm
You acquired some great shots!! Love it. I never realized how noticeable the Pompidou is on the skyline – Steve point it out to me. You mentioned they’re about to undergo a 5 year reno…getting rid of the colorful and pipes by chance?? Wish I could just pop back over! Miss the food, the ambiance, the walking – all of it! Have they gotten water back in the fountains yet??
June 13, 2025 @ 10:08 pm
Pat – it’s SOOO much bigger in person. Even within/around Paris, it doesn’t seem as big as it does when you’re right at it. I believe thehighest observation spot is almost as high as the empire state building. But, yes, no other buildings around it! It’s a neat thing to wait and get next to towards the end of your visit after spotting it from here/there. Standing on its own is such a unifying part of the city – esp at 11pm!