Sunshine and Mobs of People at Le Fête du Pain
Bonjour,
A belated Happy Mother’s Day to all who are following the blog. It was a glorious warm Sunday in Paris, but started out quite cool at 52 degrees as we walked up to the Bastille market.
It was not Mother’s Day here in Paris which isn’t celebrated until Sunday, June 4, my daughter’s birthday. She and my grandson Carson will be departing on June 2 after a week’s visit and the Harry Styles concert. Can’t wait to see them!
We enjoyed our rendezvous with two great friends yesterday to attend Le Fête du Pain. Hannah and Chantal, our former neighbor, linked up to enjoy the bread festival with us. Alas, it was nothing like the early days of years ago. Limited space in front of a Notre Dame still under renovation, and I’m sure, the expense have whittled it down. Free samples were always given out, but this year there was a price for all the baked goods. The lines were ridiculous and we didn’t stay very long. Still fun and aromatic. Nothing like the wafting smell of fresh bread after it comes out of the oven. The festival selects the best regional baguette baker who has the honor of providing the baguettes for the President of France for the next year. 
We had a quick stop for refreshment and then said au revoir to Hannah. We walked through the shops of Ile St. Louis and back across the river to find these swans. 
All of a sudden, it was 4pm. Where does the time go?
A light dinner at Carette brought some wonderful joie de vivre photos of the evening around La Place des Vosges.
One last funny photo for those of you who’ve been to Paris before. This is our sophisticated electrical configuration in the apartment. 
Have a lovely Monday!
L & B
May 15, 2023 @ 8:40 am
WOW! be careful with your sophisticated electrical connections in the apartment. I used to blow out many a fuse when I lived there.. And I had a friend (HA! French) whose connections set off a fire. May I recommend that you get a surge protector/power strip with a disconnect buttonmso when you leave the apt all that is disconnected.. I do that in NYC where I live in a pre war. I had my apt re-wired but you never know! … Yes, I have outlets, but I feel safer this way and I can hide them in the back so they is not seen, I have two in my kitchen. Very easy. I also have one n my bedroom for all the chargers I want to keep in the strip. ( Cant lose them tht way),, Since there is phantom electricity if you. just have the chargers in, I turn that off unless I want charge some thing. Electricity in Paris is more than twice what I pay here, so that is a thought also! B ut more important is safety… I know Paris and I know apartments there,, … Just a thought!~. Enjoy your stay, I am enjoying vicariously thru you, thanks! Amusez-vous bien! … Jusqu’à la prochaine fois!!!
May 15, 2023 @ 9:20 am
Thanks for your thoughts. We have no major appliances plugged into this, not even our coffee pot. Mainly 5v chargers for phones, iPads, hearing aids etc. which are used intermittently, never at the same time. Toaster, microwave, television, refrigerator, washing machine, all have a dedicated outlet. I think we’re okay. It makes for a humorous photo and so far after two weeks no blown fuses. And I think the power strip has a surge protector. Good thoughts, all, and we appreciate your concern.
May 15, 2023 @ 12:42 pm
Looked like a beautiful day. Love the pics in the park!
Thanks
May 15, 2023 @ 1:06 pm
I loved seeing your electrical system. Looks like my childhood home in the 40’s and I am old enough to remember!
May 15, 2023 @ 1:15 pm
Carette is one of my favorite restaurants. Always busy and always good food. The Fete Du Pain looks so interesting – and always buy the baguette Tradition. What’s your favorite boulangerie near you?
May 15, 2023 @ 1:39 pm
I’m afraid we succumb to ease and convenience. Miss Manon at the corner of rue St. Paul and st. Antoine is where we usually go. Bernie always gets a Demi baguette tradition. There is another boulongerie on Francois Miron that he likes called Au Petit Versailles Du Maris.
May 15, 2023 @ 2:04 pm
What a wonderful post! I loved the photos of the bakers. I can only imagine the smell. Heaven.
May 15, 2023 @ 3:47 pm
What a fun day with friends, nice weather and delicious food! Too bad you were unable to taste the bread at the bread event. We love the baguettes and croissants in France! Miss Manon holds fond memories for us.
May 15, 2023 @ 7:24 pm
And we hold many fold memories of sharing Paris with you all! So much fun.
May 18, 2023 @ 7:10 am
yes, with no major heat generating appliances in that strip you are probably okay. But in terms of cost however,,, the electricity in France is more than double that of the US, as you know.. . And since you most likely dont leave your things plugged in for 24 hours or there about, having a surge protector/power strip with a switch you can turn on and off is what I use here. I Live in NYC, with high electrical rates. Removing les petite trucs ( cant think of word I want). that are lugged in there would be a pain and too much energy! ( I mean I’d have to re plug all the time!!) so switching on and off works for me…. so cost saving over the long run esp in Paris. . Just a thought, and a choice. But yes, first thing I thought of was safety! especially if you are in an old building. And thanks for having me along on your stay! Paris is my favorite city, I lived there and went to school there for a long time, it is a gem! And yes, the lines at Berthillon are impossibly long, but I go there every time I am in Paris… reliving youth! Of course the difference now is taht I can afford it! Amusez-bous bien!
May 18, 2023 @ 7:18 am
The good thing for us is that the electricity is totally included in our rent. No separate charge. We have had that, however, in other apartments. So delighted that you are in list of folks enjoying the blog. Best…