Memories of the Sunday Bastille Market in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
It was quite by chance twenty years ago that we found the Marais! Now it is our stomping ground and the very core of our love for Paris. Originally, it was a swamp. Imagine that? Now, we seem to know every square inch especially around the St. Paul, St. Louis church. The first year we were there, it was completely black. Now it is gorgeous.
Our first apartment was at 92 rue St. Antoine. It has a bright blue door and every time we walk by it, I touch it with fondness. It was just a tiny little flat on the second floor owned by a British landlady, at best 500 square feet. I had to hang clothes on the narrow stairway going up to the bedroom which kind of morphed into what was some hint of the bathroom. What a culture shock for me! We were there for 3 months and it rained almost every day. When we arrived, our towels were locked in the washing machine after a previous renter tried to force the door open, breaking the handle. It was over two weeks before we could find someone to fix it from Darty. The kitchen had bright red appliances and there was really no “living room.” Above us was a physician who screamed at me for putting my little bag of garbage outside the front door so I wouldn’t forget to take it down. She was SO insulted. Lesson learned about being sensitive to ultra politeness when dealing with the locals. I have laughed and laughed about all the lessons we learned in that first attempt at living in Paris. Bernie was the picture taker in those days with his very expensive, very large, very heavy camera so I don’t have access easily to any photos. We’re working on it because it would be such fun to post some of those. We’ll look so young, I’m sure, so maybe not…ha!
Sunday is my favorite day in Paris and our custom is a trip to the huge market at the Bastille, only two or three blocks away. I miss it this time of year when it is teeming with fresh produce, cheese, fresh eggs, flowers, scarves, shoes, purses, and affordable but cute clothes. Enjoy the trip through the market but what you won’t get are the cadences of the vendors hawking their products and the aromas which waft freely from the fish, the cheese, the breads and pastries and the big pots of paella cooking over the fire.
Summer is different here in America, especially right now! We yearn for Paris and cherish our memories.
Bon weekend,
L & B
June 1, 2024 @ 12:05 pm
Still love all your posts! Great memories!
June 1, 2024 @ 12:27 pm
Well that was fun! Thanks!
June 1, 2024 @ 2:10 pm
Love all the market pictures! I know you are missing Paris this summer. I miss you being in Paris this summer but am looking forward to visiting Notre Dame in December with you!
June 1, 2024 @ 2:20 pm
How enjoyable this Saturday morning to revisit the lovely sites of Paris.
June 1, 2024 @ 2:31 pm
You need to convince Bernie that he’d look really cool if he wore one of those straw hats that you showed.
The market looks like a great way to spend a morning.
Thank you
June 1, 2024 @ 6:41 pm
Linda,
My all time favorite Paris market. I never leave without something, often a scarf. It’s such a grand mix of food and fashion. The paella and roasted chickens on a spit pull me in too. Yes, the Marais is such a draw. And, like you, I’ve seen all the changes over the last couple decades. I do miss those unique boutiques that have been replaced by more expensive shops,etc. But the charm of the ancient buildings and Place Des Vosges never wears thin. Thanks for bringing back those many memories.
June 2, 2024 @ 12:37 am
Ah, we MUST go back in Summer 2025. I truly hate to think I’ve officially said “good bye” now 4 times. Gosh, I’m spoiled! But I LOVE it there. All of it. The walking, the charm, learning it through you/Bernie’s eyes, riding line 1, the slow pace, the late nights and so much to do/explore. I do believe one of the best parts has become the familiarity of it all…le Marais. It feels like a home away from home. Oh, how did I forget THE RIVER?! Initially I was just along for the ride. It was refreshing to have no personal agenda. You & Bernie led the way and taught me the ropes. Since then -each time- I’ve braved more and more on my own which I have loved. And while it’s refreshing not worrying if I’ll see someone I know, how serendipidous (that should be a word) to hear Chantal’s voice the last few minutes of my stay last year while browsing in the flower store! I am so grateful for the memories and opportunities. I know it was a while before I agreed to come but believe it was exactly when I was meant to do so. Wish tremendously it was on the agenda for this year!!
June 3, 2024 @ 2:19 pm
This thrills my heart!