Weekend Strolling Around Paris Always Delights
Bonjour,
Our weekend was made for strolling because the weather has been terrific. We are hoping it will continue for at least another week or two until my son and his family complete their visit. Paris is a different city when it rains…not all bad but not at its total best. Just like at home, weather affects everything we do. I’m a sunshine gal from Alabama so I relish the warm, breezy, blue-sky days.
Friday evening, we had a cup of café at one of our favorite spots on the island and captured some beautiful photos. The Pantheon was under restoration for several years, surrounded by cranes and ugly construction. Now it shines forth in all of its elegant beauty.
We love to walk the river and captured Parisian life along the way with these picnic scenes of a fun birthday party. The “Birthday Cake” appears to be in the center. We even captured a nun having a fun time.
Heading home, we found this beautiful set of window boxes so characteristic of Paris.
On Saturday morning, we were off for a lunch in Les Tuileries, the lovely garden promenade just outside Le Louvre. We were looking for a Salon de Thé which reportedly has the best Croque Monsieur in Paris, but alas could not find it so I had the worst Croque Monsieur I’ve ever had, save one! Oh well, there is bad food sometimes in Paris. Where is Le Salon de Thé? Anyone know?
The exit we took from the garden led straight away up to La Place Vendome which contains the recently cleaned monument to Napaleon’s triumphs in war 
and of course, the famous Ritz Hotel. This is where the very well-to-do circulate around Paris, not so much folks like us! But it’s fun to pretend. We walked along rue St. Honoré running into a dude with blue hair.
In the evening after dinner, we were off to the street of the rose bushes in the Jewish district, rue des Rosiers, where there’s always something oh so fun to see and hear… Jewish music in the air and a few people who don’t want their picture taken!
Heading back toward our apartment, we encountered more music outside the St. Paul/St. Louis church. Notice the sign behind the singer which translates “Concierge of the Quarter.” This little kiosk is a walk-up, neighborhood “Angie’s List” where you can find a plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter, knife sharpener, etc. 
And finally, the “Purely Paris Photo of the Day” – a lady washing out the bakery after a crowded overrun Saturday.
It was a busy day full of delights. We hope your Saturday was equally good.
À bientôt,
L & B
P.S. I apologize for this post. Sometimes, the internet is very slow on the weekends, and the spacing is not correct. Maddening!!!
June 11, 2017 @ 10:46 am
Happy to hear the weather is so nice. As I type this I am at a friend’s house in Leland, Mi. I’m sitting on their screened in porch enjoying a view of the lake and a blazing sun as it rises.
June 11, 2017 @ 10:50 am
Have a great time. So sad to read about the bus wreck with Mt. Zion Baptist.
June 11, 2017 @ 1:13 pm
Happy weekend walking!
Hadn’t heard of the salon de thé but was inspired to Google around — looks like it may be Sébastian Gaudard’s at 1, rue des Pyramides (?). Attached article mentions at end saying Le Figaro named best croque-monsieur in Paris 🙂 Now adding on my list too – merci! https://www.traveldk.com/article/croque-monsieurs-go-gourmet-in-paris/
In case it might be of interest, my absolute favourite Paris croque-monsieur is from Café Fleurus, just outside the Luxembourg Garden at 2, rue de Fleurus, specifically their house specialty Croque Fleurus made with Fourme d’Ambert bleu cheese. If you or Bernie like bleu cheese/Roquefort etc. this is soooooooooooooooo good. (My hubby does not but enjoys their regular croque-madame.) The café is small and local and a regular stop for us. There’s also a Bread and Roses a block away which we keep meaning to try, but I can’t stay away from the Croque Fleurus.
Cheers and bon dimanche à Paris.
June 11, 2017 @ 2:13 pm
This is a great link! Merci beaucoup. We will definitely try your suggestion at Café Fleurus.
June 12, 2017 @ 10:30 pm
Correct name is Le Fleurus 🙂 Bon appetit!
June 12, 2017 @ 11:06 pm
Slight correction: name Le Fleurus. Bon appetit!
June 11, 2017 @ 2:20 pm
One more thought on the Diner En Blanc. I wonder if there is a correlation between the white tennis shoes becoming popular again as you mentioned in an earlier post and folks buying white shoes to wear at the Diner En Blanc? Especially if those attending the dinners could be trend setters.
June 11, 2017 @ 4:10 pm
Bien sur (of course), definitely trend setters. Though white tennis shoes have never been popular in Paris prior to current times, as far as I know!
June 11, 2017 @ 7:54 pm
Great pictures of Parisians having fun. Loved the ones along the Seine particularly.
June 12, 2017 @ 12:22 am
Linda, great to hear from you as always. Today Judy and Carey were at Peggy and Jim Bilbao for Judy Waters (WLRH) party. The Bilbao’s said they were excited about visiting you all in Paris. Stay safe. Judy and Jim