Nothing Quite Like a Lively Saturday in Paris
Bonjour,
Saturdays in Paris are lively, busy, jammed with shoppers, café-sitters, and street performers, all graced yesterday with mostly blue skies and a cool breeze. What could be better. Bob has been in short sleeves, no coat, the entire time. The rest of us have been laden with raincoats, umbrellas, scarves, and sweaters. He’s lovin’ it!
We started the Ludwigs with the oh-so-Parisian experience of riding RER B, the city train out of Chatelet. The RER or train network is located underneath the subway system, and the stops are basically the same as the Metro. Paris moves A LOT of people. The Chatelet station used to be like the armpit of Paris but now has been completely refurbished and quite lovely. Just a lot of walking down under. Bob & Cindi almost didn’t make it on the train in time, save for the strong arms of a large gentleman who held the doors as they rushed on. Aha, another typical Parisian experience.
We chose the train because it takes you to the front entrance of the Luxembourg Gardens, the prettiest park in Paris. It’s immense and decked out in the flowers of autumn.
We ate a delicious lunch at Choupinet, the new restaurant we found earlier and had the very same waiter. It’s the one with the big teddy bears. He solved the mystery as to the meaning of the word “Choupinet” which we couldn’t find anywhere. It means cute or something cute. Bob and Bernie enjoyed the escargot after a few tries with the utensils, but not without some messy spills, and poor Cindi was the brunt of a spill by the waiter onto her new raincoat. (We washed it last night and all is well.)
Then, we strolled and strolled and pretty much walked their socks off! Down Boulevard St. Michelle to the Cluny Musée with the Roman ruins and the Unicorn tapestries. It is under total renovation right now with only 3 rooms open, and the tarif is only 5 euros. The beautiful tapestries represent the five senses.
Next we walked to the famous little alleyway by Le Procope where Ben Franklin frequented and then stopped to rest a bit a Le Café de Flore, renowned as the meeting place for the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein.
Just across the street is the Eglise St. Germain which used to be dark and dreary as one of the oldest churches in Paris. It is on the way to being gloriously restored and we captured our outstanding “light” photo of the day!
Last stop was the Shakespeare bookstore across from Notre Dame and then back to the apartment, but not before we were encircled by a boisterous parade along the river Quai. We have no idea what it was about but it was definitively lively. Bernie led us through the maze, and we had to take an alternate route home. It was SO typical of the surprises one encounters in Paris. Bob absolutely loved the vibe.
The cutest photo of the day, a Choupinet, was this doggie along the river bridge crossing over to Ile St. Louis. 
In case, you hadn’t noticed, we’re having a blast and so glad you’re along for the ride!
L & B
September 29, 2019 @ 7:12 am
Oh what a joy it is to read your posts and see your wonderful photos, L&B (and C&B)! A perfect Paris Saturday for sure.
Cheers across the Pond and merci for sharing your journey.
September 29, 2019 @ 7:14 am
PS make that cheers across the Channel! Jet lag here … 🙂
September 29, 2019 @ 11:07 am
What Linda said! We are having a blast! So much so Bob and I slept 10 hours las night.
September 29, 2019 @ 11:08 am
Your visit to the Shakespeare bookstore, reminded me of the Thanksgiving store that closed a couple years ago. With the Thanksgiving store gone, can you easily find major brands such as Crest, Dial, Tide, Aleeve, Pringles, etc. easily or have you found French/European substitutes for your day to day items.
September 29, 2019 @ 3:05 pm
Somewhat at the Monoprix, but no Jiffy p-nut butter.
September 29, 2019 @ 12:00 pm
We’re delighted to be along for the ride. I’ve read about the unicorn tapestries for years, so it was a pleasure to see them “close up” through your eyes and camera.
September 29, 2019 @ 12:40 pm
I like the dog and the photo below it is outstanding.
September 29, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
Co #1’s today, the tranquility of Le Medici Fountain is a yearly favorite and the vivid colors of the restored ceiling of Eglise St. Germain remind me of how the restored Sistine Chapel must have looked when 1st restored several years ago.
September 29, 2019 @ 1:24 pm
What a lovely day! Lots of walking, but you managed to hit the highlights. I loved the light photo, as well as the others.
September 29, 2019 @ 3:03 pm
Merci, Peggy. We loved the light photo!
September 29, 2019 @ 3:14 pm
Thank you Linda for taking us along on your ride! I look forward to it every morning.
September 29, 2019 @ 3:59 pm
I have so many friends named Ann/Anne. Remind me who you are!!! My apologies!
September 30, 2019 @ 11:14 am
I’m sorry, I should have put my last name. I don’t know you personally but have been following you in Paris since last year. I love everything Paris! I have only been there once in 2017 and fell in love. Hope to go back maybe this April or May. I live at the beach in Delaware. Thank you for sharing your daily Parisian excursions!
September 30, 2019 @ 3:48 pm
Enchanted de faire votre connaissance! (So nice to make your acquaintance!!)
September 29, 2019 @ 9:30 pm
Oh how absolutely marvelous to enjoy Paris in pleasant weather. Hope not too cold for us, but, hey, won’t complain an iota. I can wrap warmly. Getting my head together now.
September 30, 2019 @ 12:47 am
Bob seems to be enjoying it but Cindi seems to be glorying in it! So so happy for all! Joe and I seeing so many things we loved when we were there in May!
September 30, 2019 @ 4:51 am
Actually, Bob as much as Cindi!
September 30, 2019 @ 9:39 pm
Wonderful, Wonderful! Jims
October 2, 2019 @ 10:24 am
So many good memories and I recognize almost everything! The Luxembourg Gardens are stunning!! So glad it was good weather for you that day. Adore the last shot of the bridge with the sun and shadows nearing what appears to be dusk!