An Upside Down Day in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
Yes, we are all alive and well in Paris though a bit stunned by the events of two nights ago. I am pretty horrified that my kids got caught in what went from a soccer victory celebration to a night of terror. My little James saw much too much for an 11-year old. Natalie is a night owl and loves to stay out very late (much against my advice). They were caught on the Champs in all the violence, then experienced what I call “the subway crush” trying to get home and then listened until almost 4am to the street antics along Quai Celestin where their apartment is.
We on the other hand had no idea any of this was happening. Our apartment is on the interior courtyard of the lovely apartment building where we are. We were so tired from a busy day and collapsed into deep sleep. Bernie is close to deaf and I wear ear plugs so we truly live in our own little world…ha!
Before the night took a turn for the worse (hoodlums and gangsters did the looting according to the BBC), they captured beauty along the river and at the Tour Eiffel.
And before all of that, we had had a great dinner together at the Royal Turenne near La Place des Vosges. 
With beautiful cooler weather, we set out excited yesterday for a trip to the Sunday Bastille market followed by an afternoon at my favorite place in Paris, Montmartre. So that sounds simple enough, mais oui? Well, yes and no. To begin with, I have been firing on all cylinders trying to keep up my stamina for long 12,000-step days, writing the blog, accommodating company, and finding that my brain is only partially in gear. Could it possibly have something to do with age? Surely not.
For starters, I forgot my phone which meant that I was like the lady with no clothes. (Natalie took all the pictures and did a tremendous job.) I was fully dressed wearing a navy blazer she had given me when I got her text saying that she would like to wear it for the day. So I did a frantic wardrobe redo while trying to get out my blog.
The market was crazy busy of course, but the photos are always fun. It was actually Carson’s first time there.
We left for the lovely brunch at Cafe Francais which we have done many times. It was not nearly as good or plentiful as before, very disappointing. Possibly, the economy has taken a toll. Our waiter pretty much abandoned us and when it came time to settle up, he asked if I wanted to leave a tip and I said “no.” (Always before the tip in Paris has been included but that has changed. They have become very Americanized giving you choices of 10, 15 or 20%.) The service had been poor so I made my choice of “0”. And guess what, I offered two credit cards and they were both rejected! Natalie had to pay with her card. Just down the street, I used an ATM for 30 euros to test it, and the cards worked just fine. Note to self, probably won’t go back to something we have always enjoyed so much.
So, we were off to Montmartre capturing balconies and other street scenes along the way. 
We suddenly discovered that seven or eight subway stops were closed because of all the commotion the previous night until well past the Arc de Triomphe which thwarted our ability to make our usual jaunt up the mountain. We departed at Port Maillot, a stop unfamiliar to us. Finally the kids googled our way forward but all in all it took an extra hour at least to find our way with lots of additional walking. We ended up at Port Dauphine at one of the really classic beautiful subway stops.
Montmartre was jammed as expected. The kids walked the steps; we rode the funicular or tramway. Here’s our day in photos and captions.
The rest of our day will be continued…so many pictures and so little time. Natalie is also trying to keep up with her real estate business. She’s always busy.
So stay tuned for more tomorrow on Montmartre.
A bientôt
L & B
June 2, 2025 @ 8:29 am
Montmartre is always my favorite day as well… many wonderful pictures to come!!
Clarification on the night before: we were at Trocadero to see the Eiffel Tower light up/sparkle at 11pm. They surprised us with a 10:30 & 10:45 sparkle! Realizing the soccer/football game was about to be a huge win as people were getting rowdy, we opted to head back for the night having seen what we came for. At first, it seemed like huge city-wide comradery. It was intense, but as Auburn fans, we could feel the excitement for them! It was seeing what it became (James only saw a man get taken down by police; not what Steve & I saw on Twitter later – eek!) that gave us a realization of what we could have been a part of had we stayed around. We finally passed out around 3am from what sounded like an obnoxious redneck parade outside our window.
(Also, in my defense, I asked Mom if she was going to wear my blazer and was told “no.” Just didn’t want ppl to think I’m a brat, geez, ha!)
Excited for our last day in Paris to wrap up everything we haven’t yet conquered!! 🙂
June 2, 2025 @ 8:34 am
Hi Linda
How terrific you are back in Pairis.. your comment on tipping made me laugh though. . No the process in Paris hasnt changed!! What has changed is that if the waiters hear you. speaking in English ( as you all must have done) or think you are American they ask for a tip. If you all were French they would not have asked . But process of adding a few euros to the table hasnt changed, If you are French!
Sorry your family has to go thru all that , must have been frightening.
enjoy “my” Paris.. Some one just brought me 4 50ml of my suntan lotion, and when she gave it to me she mentioned she could have bought 5 more, but didnt. Damn! yiou probably know this, but suntan lotion in Europe is more protective than what we can buy in the States…. so buy up! I love La Roche Posay and recommend it highly… but there are many great brands there
enjoy your stay
Bisous!, Ellyn
ERnkloy
Ellyn
June 2, 2025 @ 11:28 am
News reports and photos of that terrible night are really scary. Glad that Natalie and her family are safe.
Hats, balconies and food make fun pictures, and the wedding dresses. (But I’m getting ready for brides to cover up again.)
June 2, 2025 @ 11:35 am
What a trip!
June 2, 2025 @ 12:12 pm
Thanks for the blog. sorry about all the violence and commotion, but Paris seems to get its share.
You’re still looking good!
June 2, 2025 @ 12:37 pm
Gorgeous pictures of an upside down day!
June 2, 2025 @ 1:51 pm
Hearing you talk about the effect on the kids, makes me remember what a “sheltered “ life I lived till I graduated from college. I guess good fofr them to see the bad and the good and that life can go on…. Still, I know you wish it were not while visiting you!! Hope they will continue to love Paris.
June 2, 2025 @ 2:12 pm
Linda,
Wow I’m exhausted! So much to take in, so many events and best of all photos. Between you and Natalie you have done a fabulous job with your photos. You are making such wonderful memories for you, Bernie, Natalie and her family. It’s a delight to follow along.
Cindi
June 2, 2025 @ 2:27 pm
You and Bernie are amazing. It is difficult to have the stamina and endurance at our age. The photos are wonderful, Natalie.
June 2, 2025 @ 11:55 pm
It looked like u all had a blast! I wish I could come to Paris and do more than I did last time I was in Paris!
Hope the rest of ur trip is as fun as today was!
Amy ❤️