The Three P’s

 Paris, Proust and Pans

This morning we went to thé Marais and to the Musée Carnavalet to see the remodeled museum and the Marcel Proust exhibit. The museum seemed much larger and so much so that I had to ask directions on how to find the exit. I enjoyed the Proust exhibit and the paintings that accompanied it. 

We walked over to the Place des Vosges and enjoyed the fountains and shopping along the way.

  Next we took a cab to the Les Halls district to E. Dehillerin to view (and possibly buy) their copper pans. Incredible store that recently celebrated their 200th anniversary. Very kind and informative sales people and we all bought a few goodies!  

Later in the evening we went to the Musée d’Orsay as they are open until 9:30 on Thursday nights. It was lovely to be there without many people and take photos without the back of a head in my photos!

And the sunset was positively dramatic…..

Sorry for the photo quality but it’s a photo from my iPhone taken off my camera. I promise to head over to the Apple Store today to get a transfer cable today!  But you get the idea of the beauty of this sunset thru the d’Orsay’s restaurant window. 

Finished the evening with a late night dinner at Le Deux Magots outside in the brisk evening air. 

Trains & Automobiles & Castles

 I forgot to tell you that on our first day of arrival we went to a fashion show of Alber Elbaz’s designer clothing and it was fascinating    I have a lot of great shots on my big camera but I haven’t worked out a way to download them onto my iPhone or iPad yet  I think tomorrow I need to visit the local Apple Store! 

Anyway, here is one photo that I took on my iPhone for you…

Yesterday, March 16th was a very full day. We took the TGV down to the Loire and rented a car (that Mr. rented for us from home because my link was all in French and I didn’t want to rent us a tractor by mistake). We drove to Villandry first and visited her beautiful gardens….

It is still early in the season yet so not a lot was blooming but it was amazing to see the bones of the garden AND there were very few people!  A crew of gardeners were out working on hand planting some of the area and it was great to watch them at work. 

Next we drove on to Chenonceau and into the sweet village for lunch. We found a cozy galette restaurant and ordered some very delicious buckwheat galettes with ementale cheese, ham & an egg on top. Then we ordered a chocolate crepe to share. Everything was delicious! So then we headied to the chateau…

The château itself is amazing but the flower display throughout were incredible and since 2015 Jean-Francois Boucher had been teaching workshops and creating the beautiful floral displays.  

Both Château’s are well worth a visit!     

Springtime in Paris

View of our bedroom balcony & blue skies

After an 11 hour plane ride with masks on we arrived in Paris about 10 am to a slight Parisian drizzle. We checked into our hotel early and went down the street for lunch.  Returned to our apartment and unpacked, hung up clothes and giggled because we are actually here…in Paris!

I am here with two girlfriends and this is our 4th or 5th trip here. Staying at our sweet little hotel that feels like home. 

Today we woke to brilliant blue skies and we worked on our joint calendar including all of the museums, parks, restaurants & shops we want to visit including three day trips outside of Paris. 

Today is a Monday when most museums are closed so we will head to a beautiful park and have lunch at a nearby restaurant!

Bonjour France!