Gorgeous After-Christmas Day
Bonjour,
Yesterday was a wonderful weather day with bright sunshine and temps close to 50 degrees with very little wind. Bernie and I are still struggling with what the French refer to as “le rhume” or a very bad cold. It just doesn’t want to let go of us and the lingering cough is a bit maddening at night trying to sleep. I would say that overall we are some better but not out of the woods yet.
It was much too nice to sit inside all day so we ate Christmas leftovers for lunch and went over to the Left Bank for the very first time this trip. Our purpose was to see the “Christmas market” at St. Germain des Pres…very disappointing and nothing worthy of picture-taking so we stepped into the beautiful renovated church which we’ve shown you before. Absolutely gorgeous. I remember well the first time I saw it about 15 years ago..dark, dirty, dank, smelling of mold and lack of care. It was closed for several years and now is a masterpiece. It was originally built in the 6th century and according to Google is the oldest church in Paris. I might take issue with that …I thought it was St. Julien Le Pauvre.
We walked across the ancient cobblestone street to the very famous cafe, Les Deux Magots. Even during winter, there is a line to get seated.
It was nice enough to sit outside for my chocolate chou (hot chocolate) and Bernie’s coffee. It’s a great people-watching spot and is celebrating its 140th anniversary.
On the way back, we found the new Ricola store in our neighborhood. Don’t ask me what the big deal is about this, but it seems to be a phenomenon. It was jammed with people.
Sadly, we have had to rethink our plans for New Year’s Eve. One of the things we most wanted to do was to stand on the Champs Elysées and watch the fireworks off the Arc de Triomphe. Well, yes, if we were 25, that might be a great idea. However, given our age, our colds and the million people they are expecting, we will probably try to find an alternate location or just watch it on television. The night air really devastates us. Travel while you are young!!!!!!!!
Today we plan to go to the Bon Marche, the lovely department store on the Left Bank, to see their Christmas decorations.
Bonne journée!
L & B
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December 27, 2024 @ 12:34 pm
I’m happy to see that you and Bernie are making progress getting back to good health and that you are continuing to get out and about seeing the sites you both so love. The church photos you posted are beautiful. Here’s to good health and continued adventures.
Cindi
December 27, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
Really miss the old churches in Europe!
Thanks, Linda!
December 27, 2024 @ 6:17 pm
Such a beautiful day to be out and about! The eglise Saint-Germain-de-Pres is beautiful! I don’t think we’ve been there since it was renovated. It would be really cool to be on the Champs Elysèe for New Year, but you wouldn’t see fireworks off the arc d’Triomphe. I think they shoot them off the Eiffel Tower. Maybe it isn’t too late to get into a restaurant for the evening. Sending healing thoughts across the pond to y’all.
December 27, 2024 @ 7:59 pm
No, on New Year’s Eve, they will be from the Arc de Triomphe. Quatorze Julliet is la Tour Eiffel. We’ll going to investigate finding a spot where we can see them without going on Les Champs. Did you all catch my funny mistake on the blog? Chocolat Chou is chocolate cabbage!! Laurie caught it and we had a good laugh!
December 27, 2024 @ 9:24 pm
I’ll have to try chocolate cabbage next time I’m there. Glad you are both feeling a bit better..
The Christmas photos are beautiful. Happy new year, whatever you do!
December 28, 2024 @ 5:36 am
This was so funny!
December 28, 2024 @ 6:07 am
I definitely recall that church… Steve and I were sitting here discussing almost in incomprehension about the sixth century! America is so young! The church seems cleaner than when I visited.
I’m sorry this trip is dreary on more than one account for you guys. You definitely have lots of great memories and hopefully you’ll have better health and blue skies before you leave 🙂
December 29, 2024 @ 11:35 pm
Love the photos and the tales you share. We are no longer able to get Europe due to health and so it is even more special that in years past to follow on your coat tales. Hoping you have a speedy turn around with the new cough medicine and that Bernie will wear a hat. Wishing you an early Happy New Year!