Another Fun, Gorgeous Day Spent in the Left Bank
Bonjour,
We tried to have an easier day yesterday and let Natalie sleep until almost noon, then took in a late lunch at what ended up being Les Deux Magots. Cafe de Flore is closed for renovation. These are the two very famous Left Bank cafes but always swarmed with tourists. Yesterday was no exception. Any hope I had that the tourist flow would slow down in mid August was a total misconception. I’ve never seen so many people!!
Natalie is surprised that the food is not as difficult as she had expected, but is terribly expensive! After lunch, we stepped right across the street to show her the very old Eglise St. Germain.
To our great surprise, it is being cleaned and restored to its original grandeur. Always before, it has been very dark with black walls and basically unimpressive. To our delight, here’s what we saw!
It may take another year or so to complete the restoration but it will be magnificent.
We strolled along St. Germain des Prés down to Boulevard St. Michel and of course took in the fountain, the food street (as we call it) rue de la Huchette, Shakespeare book store and finally Notre Dame.
Two street scenes of the day:
Last night, we sent Bernie out for pizza at the place right near us and it was delicious and easy. We were off to bed at a reasonable hour because today (Sunday) will be a “biggie”—the Bastille Sunday market, lunch at Le Train Bleu and then afternoon and evening dinner at Montmartre. Are you up for it?
À bientôt
L & B
August 12, 2018 @ 6:52 am
Linda, you guys have so much energy!!!! Great to see your daughter who is the spit of you! Can’t wait for tomorrow’s report!
August 12, 2018 @ 7:00 am
Think the batteries are about to run down…Ha! Love to Malcolm and you both!
August 12, 2018 @ 7:39 am
You guys really are the energizer bunnies! I think your daughter is learning first hand why you and Bernie are in such good shape 🙂 Love the bodyguard photo.
Bon dimanche à tous!
August 12, 2018 @ 11:49 am
So much fun! It is terrific to see you three having such a memorable trip together. I admire your stamina!!!!
August 12, 2018 @ 1:13 pm
Linda, these are wonderful photos, once again. Bravo to the photographer(s)! I loved seeing Shakespeare and Co. and remembering the day we went in and you urged me to ask them to place my book there. That’s been almost 10 years. I wonder if it has sold!? I’m so happy that you and Bernie and Natalie are having this time together in Paris. As always, thank you for sharing.
August 12, 2018 @ 7:28 pm
The queue to get inside Shakespeare was so long, Natalie didn’t get to go in. The city is jammed with more tourists than I’ve ever seen which compromises the enjoyment in certain areas.
August 12, 2018 @ 2:34 pm
I know this trip, the experiences and the memories will live in yours and Natalie’s hearts for a lifetime. How fortunate the weather is cooperating. Photos are beautiful as usual.
August 12, 2018 @ 3:17 pm
Beautiful memories Linda with you beautiful daughter. I can’t wait for today’s photos and posts , today your doing two of my favorite sundays in paris bastille market and Le train blue perfection enjoy xo
August 12, 2018 @ 4:19 pm
We happened to cross a bridge on the Red Neck Rivera last week that had maybe 100 Love Locks on it. Why is it that you don’t like them? I know you’ve shown some bridges that had maybe too many of them. Bernie does like Secret Agent Man in the background. Good to see that they are cleaning up Eglise St. Germain, you had commented before that it needed a good cleaning. Another good day. Thank you
August 12, 2018 @ 7:25 pm
The lovelocks were despised by the Parisians who felt like the tourists were jeopardizing the ancient bridges because of the weight. There were SO many that it was unsightly. Paris is after all their city and the tourists often run roughshod over much of it. You can’t imagine how many people are here right now. It’s hard to walk around in some areas. Yet, however, tourism does drive the economy. The locks were seen as very romantic and held great appeal for lovers. It started as a cute idea that went totally overboard.
August 12, 2018 @ 4:39 pm
Linda, I am reliving our many visits to France through your stories and pictures. But I would love to experience it with you and Bernie one time. You find the most interesting places and things to see. I am throughly enjoying your trip.
August 12, 2018 @ 7:19 pm
Nancy, merci! We need to play some golf when I get home!!