Connecting with Friends Who Make Paris Special
Bonjour,
On Monday morning we met our friend Ann Jeanne for breakfast which turned into a two-hour visit on a new street for us, rue du Parc-Royal…lovely area and a new cafe called La Petite Place near the Picasso Museum. It was quiet and out of the way, but they were out of croissants by 10am! Poor Bernie was instructed that there was a patisserie just around the corner (always beware of those words in Paris) and alas, ended up going almost a mile up near La Bastille to find a bakery open on Monday. We enjoyed hearing about Ann’s life and were delighted for her that all is going well. 
Monday evening was one of the nicest evenings weather-wise that we’ve had so far this year, and we spent it at the wonderful cafe we love, Cafe de Flore on L’Ile. The breeze was perfect and the tilt of the sun so very Parisian, casting an aura of light that only Paris can bestow. You just have to see it to understand.
Tuesday, our day was built around greeting Debbie Jones and her children, Anna and Burke, and other accompanying friends to Paris. They wanted a tour of the Marais, but I’m afraid by the time they joined us at almost 4pm, they were bedraggled, hot, and very wilted with already four miles of walking under their belts. They had taken an early trip to Versailles.
We showed them the St. Gervais-et-St. Protais monastery/church which we had never been inside because it has always been locked. The first church was built in 1497, the second part in 1657 and was a parish church until 1975 when it became the headquarters of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. It was gorgeous and has quite a history. Read more at this link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/St-Gervais-et-St-Protais. 
We also showed them Hotel de Sully, L’Eglise St. Paul/St. Louis, our apartment, La Place des Vosges and all the shops along rue St. Antoine. We amended our tour to do a little shopping, then ended our evening with dinner at L’ilot Vache on Ile St. Louis. It was very enjoyable but hot! Today, they left early for Lyon and a Rhône river cruise which we think they will love. We’ve done the exact cruise about four years ago with the Burritt Cruisers. I was so very impressed with Debbie’s children, positive, happy and eating so well. Here’s a taste of our time together.
We left them to call Uber cabs as we walked across Pont Marie back home. This was the absolutely gorgeous sunset which they missed!
The street scene of the day is this very Parisian couple, he dressed in his black beret and she in matching black and white.
August 1, 2018 @ 7:50 am
You photographed our friends house on Rue Parc Royale!
August 1, 2018 @ 8:52 am
What a coincidence. Hope they don’t mind!
August 1, 2018 @ 9:45 am
Bonjour Linda , I love reading your blog . I loved all the photos !!! Paris is absolutely gorgeous I just love ❤️ paris !! I loved the photo of Ann Jeanne with Bernie !!! She’s a true gem !! I love her tours one on one and so personal she makes you feel so French I just adore her so merci for the lovely blog and photos xo 😘
August 1, 2018 @ 11:53 am
So appreciate all of your kind words!!!
August 1, 2018 @ 12:44 pm
As always, your photos tell the story. You are so energetic and give your visitors a fine tour of the city. The blog gets better and better!
August 1, 2018 @ 1:03 pm
Beth, you are too kind!
August 1, 2018 @ 2:15 pm
Lots of nostalgia in today’s post for me! I’m storing up your images for my summer virtual travels. L’Ilot Vache is one of our favorites. We’ve been going there for seven or eight years. Thanks for taking us back.
August 1, 2018 @ 2:15 pm
Linda, your friends are so lucky to have you! I cannot imagine touring Versailles and then doing all that you did with them in the afternoon. My knees ache at the though! But I remember so well many of those spots, including the giant bowl of mousse! And you and Bernard looks so fabulous! When do you return to hot ‘Bama?
August 1, 2018 @ 5:59 pm
We return on August 16th. 75% of my wardrobe is unwearable because of the heat. It’s just been awful and I think I’m done with the summers. It wasn’t like this 15 years ago…cool with lots of rain and need of scarves, sweaters and jackets. I haven’t been able to wear any of my scarves. Those who don’t believe in global warming should be here and do the comparison!!!
August 1, 2018 @ 2:18 pm
Thanks for our virtual nostalgia tour! We’ve been going to l’Îlot Vache for seven or eight years, through modernization and multiple menu changes. It’s one of our favorites! Did you see the modern stained glass windows in the Saint-Gervais et Saint-Proteas Church? I’m not sure who did them but they are lovely replacements for window damaged during the war.
August 1, 2018 @ 5:56 pm
This year they did not have the lovely chargers which have been such a characteristic part of the table setting. It is trés chaud inside when it’s this hot. 90’s for the rest of the week and absolutely no rain in sight. All the foliage is dying and we’re eating dust…just awful.
August 1, 2018 @ 2:31 pm
Thank you Linda and Bernie for giving us such a wonderful guide we will use on our next trip to Paris. Love seeing the pictures of Bernie. He has hardly changed since we met in 1970.
August 1, 2018 @ 5:54 pm
Bernie says “Hello.” Thanks for following our blog!!
August 1, 2018 @ 3:03 pm
I don’t know what you and your visitors are used to, but is French/Parisian food different enough for you to feel that you are introducing them to new & different? How do your younger guests take to it? Do they have favorites?
August 1, 2018 @ 5:52 pm
The food is quite different but plenty of burgers and French fries or pommes frites. Foie gras, duck, lamb, escargot, etc. plus the desserts are wonderful but made with less sugar. So far this year, the younger kids have amazed me at their willingness to try different things. Kudos to the parents!
August 1, 2018 @ 7:01 pm
Goodness me having to fetch your own croissants!?! What a great (?) ‘c’est Paris’ experience and GOOD ON YOU Bernie for persevering all the way to Bastille!! I’m sure the ladies were most appreciative.
Lovely photos of all. L&B you are heroic in the way you welcome and guide your friends and guests around Paris. I know you’re still looking forward to one very special visitor 🙂
You describe the evening light perfectly and oh, be still my heart — there is nothing so magical as a sunset from Pont Marie.
Thank you so much for the wonderful way you share your Paris day.
August 1, 2018 @ 7:38 pm
And thank you, my dear, for your always thoughtful complimentary comments. They mean so much to a writer from another writer!
August 2, 2018 @ 1:18 pm
What struck me about your post today were the people you encounter along your journey. Paris is lovely, exciting, full of rich history and current day pleasures, but it is the people you share it with that makes the experiences exceptional and meaningful.
August 2, 2018 @ 1:23 pm
So very true especially after so many years here. I can’t wait to share with Natalie! Perhaps my only chance. Just hope it cools down a bit.