A Rainy, Peaceful Day in Paris
Bonjour,
After days of absolutely perfect weather, finally a bit of slow rain yesterday to cleanse the city. My eyes burn and itch from all the pollution. We love having company but it does drain our energy. A few days of catch-up is welcome. Bernie’s son and his partner arrive on Saturday for 12 days so we’re eating our Wheaties. They will basically be independent of us, looking for a desirable neighborhood with the intent to relocate to Paris permanently. Much ground to cover to make that happen, and as I’ve said “c’est complique.” (It’s complicated.) We wish them good luck in their pursuit.
We met our friend Hannah for lunch in the rue de Mail area which is not a street but a district known for good shopping. We encountered a funny sign in the subway as we started indicating that the sign was not working. The subway was fine but the sign which gives you the time left for the first subway’s arrival and then the next one had only these little tools on it. When the train is coming, the sign starts to blink, giving you a heads-up to move toward the appropriate door.
We met at the very beautiful Galerie Vivienne, one of our favorites. 
We ate at the classic Père & Fils Brasserie (Father & son) on Rue Montmartre in an upstairs nook. NEVER have we been served so quickly in Paris (under five minutes).
We meandered around the area and ended up at the magnificent Eglise St. Eustache, massive and slowly being cleaned. We were treated to some organ music, robust and massive like the church.
Hannah had never been to Stohrer’s patisserie so we found ourselves back on rue Montorgueil. We can thank Louis XV for this delicious spot.
On a somber note, you will find a plaque amidst the street tile commemorating the site of the execution of a gay couple in 1750 and as noted, it was the last time this ever happened.
Guess what? Here are a few more of Natalie’s photos of their visit to the Eiffel Tower and their last night in Paris. They made it home safely but I think are having a little withdrawal. They did absolutely prefer Paris to London.
And this final photo of my precious Carson as he learned well the lesson I taught about checking the subway sign to make sure you’re going in the direction of your destination.
What memories we share!
Have a great day,
L & B
June 5, 2025 @ 11:04 am
That meal looks wonderful! You may know that Île Flottante is perhaps my favorite dessert. Thank you for continuing to share Natalie’s photos! It is a fun way to extend their stay in Paris.
June 5, 2025 @ 11:29 am
Despite a rainy day, so many vibrant flashes of color: the bright door, ribbons in the window, fabrics and mosaics. Looks as if “baggy” is going to be in again (still?), but I love the lace-up shirt. I had one very like that in the early 1970s. And my mother’s smocked a dress for me in the early 60s.
And I love the picture of the two brothers, arm around the other, gazing into the Paris night. A classic, Natalie.
June 5, 2025 @ 11:39 am
I’m glad that Natalie enjoyed Paris so much. From what I hear, that seems to be pretty much a unanimous opinion. The color in Natalie’s photos seem to be rich. I understand that phone cameras have gotten so good that no one bothers with the SLR’s or digital version of them.
June 5, 2025 @ 11:56 am
How lovely that a day of soft rain has given you a day of respite. Lunch with a friend, strolling the shops, and a lovely pastry shop seems like a perfect day. Natalie’s photos at the Eiffel Tower are fun!
Hope you’re able to recharge over the next few days,
Cindi
June 5, 2025 @ 2:27 pm
Natalie has a good eye for photography. I really enjoyed her night shots of Paris, especially the ones with the boys in them
June 5, 2025 @ 5:12 pm
Your photos make me want to be there, rain or shine. My granddaughter is a metro expert, after living in Paris twice. She had to coach me to go in the right direction, as Carson learned to do! Thanks for sharing your days there.
June 5, 2025 @ 10:23 pm
Loving these so much! It sounded like a glorious visit and now you get to enjoy down time. Such a wonderful experience with the boys. Happy for you both!!!