Final Day with Pierre and Laurie Verdier
Bonjour,
The blog is a bit late this morning as we greeted Pierre and Laurie at their hotel early to say a final Au Revoir. They were headed to Le Gare de Lyon. It’s been fun to say to the receptionist, “The Verdiers are here to see the Verdiers.” We’ve had a quick but lovely visit as always.
Yesterday’s “programme” hit an early snag. Laurie very much wanted to see the exhibit at the Louvre on Portugal, but she did not realize that ALL tickets for EVERYTHING in Paris, post COVID, have to be pre-booked. The concierge tried but said that all entry tickets to the Louvre were sold out for the day. So, we shifted gears and got tickets to the Boldini exhibit at the Petite Palais. It was unexpectedly fabulous! Selecting just a few photos of his very prolific body of work was difficult. He was definitely an influencer in the world of art and fashion. His works deal with Paris, landscape scenes, and exquisite portraits, mostly of the women of high society. They are so detailed that many appear to be actual photographs rather than hand-stroked paintings. Sorry if this is not your thing, but we try to offer something for everyone.
I had made lunch reservations for us at Le Grand Véfour, one of the classic, centuries-old, starred restaurants in Paris at the back of the Palais Royale. We’ve walked by it dozens of times but knew we couldn’t afford the prices. Last year, they opened up a terrace with a set-price lunch menu for 49 euros per person. We enjoyed the atmosphere, the small wedding party in attendance (could never get any photos discreetly) and the food, but most especially the elegant dessert. I think Jim Bilbro would have even approved.
Not to be outdone by lunch, we enjoyed the evening at Au Bourguignon du Marais in its expanded format. The adjacent restaurant did not make it through COVID and was bought and tastefully incorporated. The food here never disappoints.
Saying good-bye to them was hard because we never know if we’ll see them again. Cherished memories!!
Café chairs, etc. for the day:
Today is wash day and grocery shopping. Bernie waked up under the weather but has tested negative for COVID so that’s a relief. Onward and upward with a few days to rest and to catch our breaths.
Fondly,
L & B
July 22, 2022 @ 12:34 pm
Art and fashion– who could want more? (And there were cafe chairs in the artwork!) Beautiful food to top it all off.
July 22, 2022 @ 12:37 pm
What a fabulous art exhibition. I also enjoyed the photo of the street and the sheltie among others. Merci!
July 22, 2022 @ 12:49 pm
Oh what delectable dishes! How wonderful the times you have with the cousins. May there be more good experiences for the four of you. The exhibits have been awe inspiring. How blessed you are.
July 22, 2022 @ 1:46 pm
Yes, indeed!
July 22, 2022 @ 1:50 pm
Linda, I am enjoying reading about your travels so incredibly much. Hoping Bernie feels better soon! Sending up a prayer that you will indeed reunite with your cousins again. Hugs from Huntsville.
July 22, 2022 @ 1:52 pm
All has been a real treat. Thanks again for sharing.
July 22, 2022 @ 2:30 pm
I didn’t realize Boldini was my thing. Thoroughly enjoyed. And your food photos are always tasty. Hope Mr B is on the mend quickly.
July 22, 2022 @ 3:07 pm
Such wonderful food! You are dining like royalty!
July 22, 2022 @ 3:46 pm
What a super last day you had with Bernie’s dear cousins. Loved the artwork and lunch at Le Grand Vefour… doesn’t get more special than that! Glad you had such a wonderful and special time together! Much love, Antonia and Malcolm xx
July 22, 2022 @ 6:45 pm
Will you guys make it to Paris before end of September? I’m so glad you’re following along! We miss seeing you!!!
July 23, 2022 @ 11:54 am
We will definitely try. August 25th is a date we are thinking of coming if possible. Hope Bernie is feeling better today. Take care and enjoy every moment! Xx
July 23, 2022 @ 11:56 am
That date would work for us!!!
July 24, 2022 @ 1:24 pm
We’ll look into it!
July 25, 2022 @ 10:31 pm
The artwork was stunning!! The dinner looked great too – esp dessert!
July 25, 2022 @ 10:32 pm
I meant to say that the paintings that look as if they’re actually photos are amazing!!! Esp the one of the lady and her children in the field. I’m also surprised by the metal chairs…I had just commented how smart the wicker ones are to be cooler and easy to wash off. Kind of disappointing 🙁