Enjoying the Heart of the City
Bonjour mes amis,
We gave considerable thought to going up to Montmartre yesterday, but we decided to wait until later in September in hopes of seeing a little color appear in the beautiful vines which drape some of the houses. With so little rain, who knows what kind of fall will develop. I look at my black raincoat every day hanging on a peg by the door and wonder if I’ll ever need it even once on this trip!
We chose instead to go to one of the iconic areas of Paris around the opera house, Le Palais Garnier. Getting out of the subway on Line 8 at the Opera, you’re greeted with these delightful images which I have posted before. They are throughout the station and always bring a smile.
After a leisurely lunch on the terrace at Café de la Paix (onion soup for me and fish and chips for Bernie) in the Intercontinental Hotel, we walked around the opera house with a stop in their adorable gift shop. If you have an interest in dance or ballet, this is your place. 
On the way to the Galeries Lafayette, we ran into some interesting hair!
Since it was a Tuesday, Les Galeries Lafayette was subdued and as empty as I’ve ever seen it which was SO nice. We stopped upstairs at one of the little bars which hang over the edge for a mid-afternoon break…green tea for me and a Ricard for Bernie. The counter was a smokey glass and I captured some interesting reflections with my phone. Bernie got some great shots of the doom and some looking down at the main floor. And of course, a selfie!
Of course, some looking around is always fun and we found an entire section of used or recycled clothes which is this year’s big fashion trend in Paris. These shops are all over the city (one right next to our apartment), and they shuffle clothes in and out all the time. I couldn’t believe there was one in this elegant department store. It appears to be about saving the planet if you read the signs.
On the escalator down, I just happened to see a “knife and fork” symbol for the shoe floor of all places. That connotes a restaurant and this was our big discovery of the day. We believe it’s totally new. El & N and it’s out of London. Certainly a new lunch spot for us!
After a most pleasant day, I was content to eat in the apartment, but Bernie convinced me we should go out. It doesn’t take much arm twisting!! We picked a tiny little Italian place off Ste. Catherine’s Square that we have walked past probably 500 times over the years…Salento’s. It was packed and the food was yummy, not elegant, just plain ole home cooking kind of stuff. We sat outside next to a couple who tried to convince us to rent their apartment but it was only 40 square meters (400 square feet). That’s not quite large enough for us. Bernie really enjoyed his dinner but mostly enjoyed the beautiful young woman sitting behind him. She and her sister were from Seattle and dressed to the nines. First time in Paris and they still think that fashion is a big deal here. We all know that’s no longer true. Anyway, they were off to the Crazy Horse Saloon to “look for men.” Ah, to be young again!
And lastly, there is hope for me yet as an artist. We saw these displays at one of the very nicest art galleries in La Place des Vosges along with this eye-catching perfume store!
Hope you enjoyed the post today! Happy Wednesday.
L & B
August 31, 2022 @ 8:14 am
How interesting! A recycle shop in Galeries Lafayette! Let’s call it an up-cycle shop! Lovely photos of the dome. I love that view!
August 31, 2022 @ 10:40 am
What a fun day! And it proves that there is always something to discover in Paris!
I couldn’t resist scanning the QR code that is part of one of your subway figure photos. It links to a webpage that says “With Les Secrets de l’Opera, a visual and audio installation, the RATP is pleased to take you onto a journey through the world of the craftsmen, technicians, and artists of this prestigious institution that gave the station its name.” When I clicked the link, I only got the audio of the opera music, so perhaps the “visual” portion were the figure drawings in the station.
August 31, 2022 @ 1:06 pm
How interesting! I almost couldn’t take the photo because my phone was trying to read the QR code!
August 31, 2022 @ 10:59 am
I did indeed enjoy the post today. Food, fashion, beautiful surroundings and a selfie of you two made for an interesting and enjoyable read.
August 31, 2022 @ 11:09 am
Your “looking down” shots are like peering into a huge dollhouse. Fun!
I’d noticed that fashion (on the people in the streets) was no longer the thing. Sad to see it go, and yet, comfortable is good.
Love the glass and the dome, and, always, yourwritten observations.
August 31, 2022 @ 2:20 pm
What an enjoyable post!!! I remember those fall colored vines on Montmarte. Hope they put on a show for you.
September 1, 2022 @ 12:50 am
I loved the selfie! Nice to see youze guyze.
September 1, 2022 @ 3:54 am
Nice to hear from you, Steve! Bernie shared your situation and I’m so sorry! You’ve been through it and glad that Bill was there to help you. Hopefully, you are on the mend. Much love…
September 1, 2022 @ 2:05 am
LOVE 💘 the picture of u and Bernie! Andrew is coming home for the holiday weekend…we are excited to see him. Love y’all
September 1, 2022 @ 3:55 am
Yes, Andrew texted me that he was going home for the holiday weekend. I know you will be glad to see him. How are his classes going?
September 1, 2022 @ 6:02 pm
Great post, as always!
I look forward to them each day!
Blessings to you and your Bernie!
September 1, 2022 @ 11:09 pm
A day late in reading this and I love your photos “looking down” are especially delightful. Lovely selfie too! What a fun day to share with you and Bernie.