Bastille Day Is Close to Perfect!
Bonjour mes amis,
July 14 is a spectacular day in France, signifying the end of the monarchy and a day of liberty, equality and fraternity. Believe it or not, the temperature was fantastic with a cool breeze which blew all day. By the end of the evening at midnight, I was wearing Bernie’s sports coat!
We began our morning at 10am by going to the Pont d’Arcole on the Seine to watch the famous flyover as opposed to going to the actual parade. Here’s a start to-finish-visual which I hope you enjoy. 
Our friend and former neighbor, Chantal, joined us on the bridge and for a bite of lunch afterward at Le Flore en l’Île, one of our favorite spots. The cool breeze was again a blessing along with good food.
We circulated around the Notre Dame area for a few pictures as close as possible, though it’s still a very active construction site with partial completion by 2024 for the Olympics and full completion not until 2027! Natalie was fortunate to go inside on her first visit in 2018. 
We got them to St. Chapelle on time, but we waited for them across the street at a cafe. I think they enjoyed it though they said it was very hot inside the chapel. Natalie captured some lovely photos. If you’ve never been, just remember that the real showplace is upstairs. Some folks don’t know to go upstairs, and that’s where the beauty lies. The windows tell the story of the Old Testament. It was built in the 1200’s for King Louis IX.
Of course, the grand finale to our day was a riverboat cruise on the Seine for the fantastic fireworks. We departed right below the Musée d’Orsay. Beautiful night, adequate food and as always spectacular fireworks. We did not get quite as close as I thought we would but still a great view.
Such a fun day and hope we’ve brought you as much pleasure as we enjoyed. Cooler temps today hopefully as we journey to Les Champs.
More adventures to follow,
L & B
July 15, 2022 @ 11:11 am
We were worrying about you being hot, but it turned out so well. Between the gorgeous windows in Natalie’s pictures and the gorgeous fireworks, your celebrations were shared with us, too.
July 15, 2022 @ 11:18 am
From your photos and descriptions it looks as if your day was as close to perfection as possible. Truly enjoyed the photos and all your happy faces.
July 15, 2022 @ 12:11 pm
Looks like just a fantastic day all around! Is the new apartment location growing on you at all?
July 15, 2022 @ 7:44 pm
Yes, I think so. We’re learning more and more about how to get around and where things are. Richard Nahem and Victor were here this evening and told us about a lot of good restaurants. We’ve been so busy, we haven’t had much time to catch our breaths. The quickest way to the area we know is by bus if we don’t have to wait very long. Natalie and Lisa are off to DisneyLand Paris tomorrow so we will have some time to rest. They have been very enjoyable. We’re both just showing our age a bit.
July 15, 2022 @ 12:42 pm
Great pics! Thanks Linda!
July 15, 2022 @ 12:52 pm
Really really a trip for the ages. Please frame some of these pics. 🗼🌆🎇
July 15, 2022 @ 1:35 pm
What pure pleasure to travel with you. Your photos bring back so many great memories. Thank you!
Nancy
July 15, 2022 @ 3:21 pm
Where did you view the fireworks from? Looks like a great view! We usually go to Place de la Concorde but it looks like your spot is closer. We find Place de la Concord is good because you can make an easy exit and duck into the metro before the crowds from around the Eiffel Tower leave.
July 15, 2022 @ 3:25 pm
Duh, you were on the river cruise. LOL. I would have deleted the comment, but it wouldn’t let me. We will definitely have to try a cruise next time to watch the fireworks.
July 15, 2022 @ 3:26 pm
So glad you had good weather for such a fun day!
July 15, 2022 @ 4:42 pm
I enjoyed the celebration! Thank you.
July 15, 2022 @ 5:08 pm
Thanks for sharing.
That pastry looked like an eclair which I love. Made me hungry for one.
Wonderful view of the parade!
July 15, 2022 @ 6:24 pm
a great day!!!! So glad! Thank you!
July 15, 2022 @ 7:58 pm
Really enjoyed your pics! We showed our age big time on the DC trip in June. Tired so easily. Enjoy. Your little bit of respite tomorrow. That pic of you and Bernie is priceless!
July 15, 2022 @ 8:54 pm
Terrific photos and mouth watering food!
July 16, 2022 @ 9:20 am
Love all the photos of this wonderful day! Thanks for the tip about going upstairs at St Chapelle! Enjoy your R&R day! So important!
July 16, 2022 @ 9:53 am
Your photos are terrific! I felt like I was right there!
Thanks for the tip about going to the upper level in St Chapelle
July 16, 2022 @ 1:27 pm
Your girls are having such fun, they may decide to stay longer. Glad the weather turned pleasant. Hot weather is definitely tiring.
July 16, 2022 @ 9:20 pm
Those flyover pics are phenomenal! Are they thanks to Bernie’s trusty camera or some other source? Glad you had such a nice day.
July 17, 2022 @ 8:07 pm
Peggy, my phone, my photos! Tried to put you right there!!