Paris .... part four

Our busy day!!!
It's not really, just feels that way as we have a time constraint.  We will be meeting Ranger 1 for dinner, at a set time and place.
The bus to Montmatre stops down by Bel Air and the plan was that we would get off just past Gare de Nord and be able to walk up to Sacre Coeur and the shop that should sell my curtains - secretly I am hoping that they wont sell them but .......


Everything went to plan and we soon found ourselves sitting having coffee in the little bistro at the bottom of the Sacre Coeur.
  
So much going on!

Just to our left there were policemen with a guy in handcuffs, to the right there was a guy searching among the shrubbery for who knows what!

As we sat there with our coffee we noticed that one of the trees were being trimmed .... good job this isn't done in Summer!!




It always amazes me how the tree surgeons can climb so high let alone work with a chain saw up there!


They slowly worked their way up the tree but we had to leave them to their work as we had shopping to do.

We walked the short distance to the shop. This area now has lots of various material shops, most of them look like market stalls and are situated in between the 'souvenir' shops.

Saint Pierre has been there for more than 60years, I think it was the original shop.
We started at the top floor and the very nice lift attendant man took us down to each floor until I found my Ridoux de Dentelles.  I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for but after all these years - one year I was told they were too old fashioned! - I was willing to settle for second best.
The young man cut out my yardage, which was labelled and taken to the cashier's desk for us.  The material was carefully folded, the bill attached within one of the folds and placed in the bag.  
OOOOH! I love it!  such old fashioned attentive service.  Why do people keep going back?  That's why!
Once back outside we decided to go back and have another coffee before going back to our bus.  I'll unpack the materials and take photos when I have made up the curtains.... promise.
Back at our hotel we started to sort and pack ready for our return journey home tomorrow.

We had one more trip now and this was becoming so easy!
We caught the bus at the top of the road and reached the bistro where we were meeting Ranger1 and M in what seemed no time at all.
After several drinks we all decided to move on to another restaurant where we were shown to a table towards the rear.  The drinks order came straight away and then M had a very bad coughing fit, she thought it was caused by all the pollution, but eventually had to return home.  
We continued with our meal as it was waiting for us but once eaten, decided not to have coffee so that Ranger1 could go home to M and make sure that she was all right.
We caught the last bus back, called in for a coffee and returned to our hotel.

Our Eurostar did not leave Gare de Nord until late afternoon so we people watched outside Le Baroudeur - the food is still very basic and, at one point, we were the only customers .... speaks volumes!
A good journey home but, as I now have my nets, I'm afraid it's au revoir Paris and Hallo to Masstericht and Andre Rieux.

Paris ..... part three

This was the best day of the whole visit!!!
When we were travelling down to London by train, I was panicking a bit about the walking.  I managed the walk between Euston and St Pancras so maybe it would be ok.
After travelling on the buses so successfully for the last few days we mapped out our journey and, after the obligatory Croissants and Coffee, we set off.
The first tram route started at the top of the road, a kind guy kept the doors open for us to 'jump' on and we were off.  We travelled northwards all the way past Gare de Nord - we couldn't believe it, no Metro or RER! We stayed on until we reached the Terminus and then descended.  The area was not very salubrious, and although a bus was waiting, the stop area was very crowded.  Thank goodness we live in Birmingham, we're used to being Cosmopolitan!  We climbed aboard, seats being given up for us with a smile, and off we went again.
As we travelled westwards, we passed some very interesting places making mental notes to look them up on Google.  We arrived at the next terminus, and found to our delight that we were at the Congress Centre so we knew that L'Escale was just round the corner!!!

Croque Madame -
the egg makes the difference!

Croque Monsieur

It was great to be back there and as we sat at a window table we discussed the various times we have eaten there.  We decided to have a snack and ordered the Croques.  They were a bit over done and not really up to the quality we expected but presentation and size still good!  
PJ pointed out that there was a bus up the hill so if I fancied walking up to L'Arc de Triomphe and have a look, we could catch a bus back. 
I had brought my walking poles with me although so far had only used one, and that as a sort of 'tall' walking stick.  
F.Y.I .  I find that the Walking Poles might look funny but are much better than crutches, my knees do not hurt and I do not get out of breath so much - a sound investment for me.
We made it up the hill and there it stood in all its glory! 
 L'Arc de Triomphe.

 In all the years we have visited Paris, we have only been here once ...... the very first time we came and we were on a guided tour ...... 
I have no words to describe it ..... it's a must see!!
When we got closer to the island I spotted some steps down and we found out that, if I managed the steps, we could view the monument closer ...... I WOULD manage the steps!

It's glorious close to and, if I had known that the Winter sunlight would give me such detailed photos, I would have taken so many more!!!  

I just thought - I can get them off the web.



We took a slow walk round the monument, access is so easy and it was stunning close to, such artwork.  
We could see the eternal flame, the inscription and wreaths - getting close without any scrambling.  The sunshine made it all so much better, it was coolish but no cold wind....... I could have done with a seat!!


We could see La Defense back the way we had come, the Paris Eye down the Champs Elysees out at Touleries, but decided that was enough.

If we had time we could've queued to visit the top where, I would imagine, the view must've been stupendous!

We didn't find out if they had a lift!!

I took lots of photos with my phone, being such a cool, sunny Winter's day there were just enough people there, not crowded out with Tourists and their selfie sticks!

We stopped to take a 'shadow' photo, which I gave up on getting the perfect one, but looking through them at home I notice that the couple, top left, managed to 'do the right thing' ..... you know .... when in Paris the City d'Amour!

We went back through the underpass to the bus stop, back down the hill to our next bus for the journey south.

What an amazing trip this has been.  We have had much more than we expected.  The transport has taken us through some very pretty places, the buildings and statues, decorations ..... I could go on ....  
We reached our final tram without any problem, it arrived as we descended from the bus - one would think they are timed to do that!
We called in for a coffee as we walked back to our Hotel ..... altogether an extraordinary day.

Down at the Bel Air for our evening meal, we had the French menu so I chose Escolope de Veaux and PJ had roast chicken.  Have I mentioned the glorious sauces that come with French meals!!!
The greengrocer was still open so we bought some fruit to have on the following day when we would be going to Montmartre ..... to buy lace curtains ..... that's why we come to Paris after all!

Paris ...... part two

We tootled off to the Market where PJ would sit in Le Charolais (hic) and I would trundle round at my own speed ...... sort of slow, slow, stop!

Taken from Googlearth

Where we stay in Porte de Vincenne there is a Patisserie opposite the Hotel - PJ nips out and buys some croissants while I am getting dressed - and there are Bistros on each corner.  The wide boulevard at the top of the road is handy for Trams, Metro and Buses so we usually start the day at the local bar, on the corner, for our morning coffee - delish - but today we discovered ...... a market!!  
Weeeell .......one has to doesn't one?!!
We wandered down our side of the road, marvelling at the quality, size and variety of the food.  It's been a long time since I have seen such an array of produce - even fresh skinned rabbits! 
I started to ache a bit so we crossed the road for the bus..... but look ...... a flea market!!!  
We wandered down that side of the road, me in my element but not able to see anything worth buying.  PJ went off to the Orange shop to see about cables and when I reached the end of the stalls I walked back to meet him, passing a shoe shop .....


I like things that are different ..... never would have known would you?!? lol

In the window ..... boots ...... on my feet.... in a box..... paid for and I was out again!

We arrived quite late at Aligre Market, no idea why!!! 
The whole street is a fresh produce market (see above), so we had to thread our way through all the food stalls to reach the square but PJ ensconced himself at the Charolais and I started my walk round the stalls.
I bought a beautiful old tooled leather covered sketch book, and then found some boxes on another set of tables ...... photos, postcards, papers, just junk ..... oldish junk ...... just what I wanted to rummage through!
A packet of old fashioned Air Mail envelopes - do you remember them?  A really old paper envelope full of old Italian postcards.  A torn folder full of small, ATC sized, textured cards and envelopes.  An old but very clever Christmas card and another old postcard of Paris.
By the time I had finished here and paid for my 'junk' some stalls were closing up but I did manage to see a bronze statue that I simply had to have.  
It was a smaller version of one that we had at home, belonging to PJ that he treasured (can't remember why!)  so I bartered and managed to get it for a good price.
I then popped into the Chocolate shop for my samples ..... the Christmas displays filled the shelves and no samples were to be seen. 
The young man that served me had no English  but between my basic French and his eagerness to serve, samples were wrapped and paid for.  
French service and packaging is just so perfect, take my shoe box .... not just a plain white box in a plastic bag.  The chocolate ..... not just pre-wrapped and shoved in a bag ...... makes me feel like a valued customer.
We had a 'sandwich' at the Charolais - half a French stick, ham, salad, cheese .... massive!  There were also several coffees and Kirs.
Some time later we decided to call it a day and go back to the Hotel ..... by bus of course!!!
I had had a lovely day, PJ had had a lovely day - I presume he did as he slept ever so well that night!!
We decided that the next day we would travel round Paris on the buses, possibly having lunch at L'Escale Restaurant over by La Defense.........

Paris ..... part one

This was a funny sort of visit - funny as in 'different'.
I love Paris, love every inch, can't get enough!   I also love a certain type of net curtain, bought in a French market some years ago, and want some more for my other window.  So I have to go to Paris to look for them .......  I know where to get them from, a shop that Lunch Lady Jan should never, ever visit.  Some trips to Paris are so busy that we don't have time to go to the shop, one trip the shop was closed and so the story goes on ...... we have to go back to Paris to buy some curtains.......
A couple of days before our trip I wrenched my right knee, walking caused a great deal of pain, but the trip was booked so off we went.
We had arranged for Ranger 1 to purchase our Paris travel tickets for us and were to collect them from the local Bar - Charolais.  
From our previous adventures in there we were looking forward to collecting the tickets!!!  True to form, after making our way from Gare de Nord, the tickets were waiting for us along with a 'few' drinks!   
Later (!) we left the Bar and made our way to the nearest Metro but on the way a bus arrived at the bus stop.  PJ remembered that this bus went along a route that passed near to our hotel so on we hopped!
We arrived at our Hotel and were shown to our room - very bijou this time but on the ground floor.

We had a view into the courtyard (our window can just  be seen), not that we spent much time looking out!!

We unpacked and then tootled down the road to Le Bel Air restaurant recommended by Hotel Reception, apparently several customers had remarked on how good the food was.

As per usual, the Restaurant was on the corner!!!  
We had a very tasty meal, I had Salmon with Pasta (doncha just loooove those French sauces!), PJ had Chicken Supreme, we were able to have a laugh with the Waiter - which is always important - and wandered back to the Hotel.  

Looking at its Facebook page I see it has live music evenings ....

We decided to visit the market next day, I love searching through all that old French stuff!

Paris 5 - at the market - again

When we left the room on this sunny morning we strolled around the market and found a couple of small surprises ....


A small box containing two small films and a viewer.  The film is of our Queen's CORONATION!!
How marvellous is that!
To find something about our Queen in the middle of a flea market in Paris!!
I bargained with the man and bought it at my price.  I am so pleased with it.  The film still fits in the viewer and it shows the carriage and horses and Abbey and .....

On another stall I found this tiny photograph album.  The writing says Studio "Express"

All photographic works

and works of amateurs

to 27, Metalsmith Road

(near the station)

Douai

At the market I found these photos inside and was very satisfied as I can use them on my ATCs.
On the back of this album it says - Expansions of all Kinds - which I think means 'Enlargements'.


Back at the Hotel, I examined this more closely and found that the 'blue' paper was in fact a religious reliquary.
On the front cover it says -
 In grateful remembrance of orphans-apprentices (from) Auteuil (West Paris)

On the back it says -
I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth ~ Sainte Therese.


Inside there are several 'compartments.
The left one contains a photo of a bearded man.  The second one contained a small medallion on small piece of linen with a plastic cover to protect it.  The writing says -
Medal and petal blessed (by touching) the relics of the little saint.
The next compartment is empty and the next one says -
Under the protection of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and Reverend Father Brottier.

More information of the Reverend Father here.  The material has also been 'touched' by Father Brottier who has now been Beatified by Pope John Paul II.

What amazing finds in this little market - I shall come back here and search among the stalls again!

Le Petit Garçon!

Sundays in Paris are nearly almost 'family' days.  Events happen on Sundays that don't happen other days of the week ...... such as picnics in the park, cycle riding, and floating boats in the Tuilleries.
After our truly awful day we could now get on with our holiday.  We walked along the Rue de Rivoli, checking out the cheapo souvenir shops, looking for the best buy postcards.  The prices of postcards vary between shops but I have found that the 'gallery', as I call it, opposite the Louvre has the best value ones.  
After I had purchased them all (lots and lots of course!) we wandered across the road into the gardens to eat our pastries, moving a couple of the chairs so we could sit in the shade.  

Yes! you heard right, the sunshine was very bright and hot even though earlier in the morning we had had to shelter from the rain.


Whilst we were sitting, I noticed that man with the boats was at the side of the pond....... we wandered over to him and I managed to persuade PJ to hire a boat with me.  


So off we went ..... two sailing boats floating on the pond, one gentleman floating his boat and one pink haired lady running round the pond laughing out loud with happiness!!!

Parisians probably saw a pink haired English maniac of a woman with a elderly gentleman trying to pretend he wasn't with her!!!!

'Somebody's' boat just loved the fountain in the centre of of the pond!

After a while, several proper children joined in and the pond became a little crowded, so we handed back our boats and stood watching for a while.  

 
Across the pond a gentleman was feeding the ducks and then we realised that the ducks had moved away, yet he carried on throwing his bread into the water.  
We walked round to where he was and there were ..... lots of Koi and other fish!  
Some of the koi were huge , they appear as shadows in the photo but were amazing and unexpected.
We will definitely visit this part of the Tuilleries garden next time we come.  
Now that PJ has found the fish, he is already thinking about our next visit!!!

Paris III

The next morning, Saturday, we went down into Reception to find ..... still no tickets!  
After going on line, free wi-fi provided by the Hotel and assistance from the staff, we managed to find out that we needed to contact the office at Gare de Nord.  
The address given for the office was not really clear but eventually we found the kiosk inside the station.  The lady explained that she was unable to help us but if we came back after lunch, she hoped that her colleague would be able to.


We went off the the Baroudeur, just outside the station where we had spent some lovely afternoons and we knew they did good food.
How times change!  
I think the waiter must have thought us two English idiots!  We ordered deux Croque Monsieur, Grand Creme and deux Kir.  Simples!

This is what we expected! 

What we received was a slice of stale bread with some boiled ham and grated cheese layered and grilled over the top! 
It was disgusting!  I was shocked when the plates were put in front of us, but the taste was unbelievable ...... I could not eat it and PJ had to leave his.  When we told the waiter that we did not expect such rubbish, he said that it was probably because it was French bread!!  
I could not, would not, ever go there again! 

We walked back into the station to be greeted with the words that the young man could not help us, but after much explanations that our travel tickets were with his company, he gave us two of his own personal Metro tickets so that we could get to the main Office.  If you happen to be visiting Paris and see the kiosk .... ask for Olivier and say thank you for us.  He really does know the meaning of Customer Service!
We found the offices at Pyramides quite easily and the waiting area inside was very pleasant.  We were called to the counter quite quickly and when we explained that we needed our travel tickets and/or a refund of courier fees there was much discussion between the manager, staff and the Hotel!  
After an in depth investigation we were told that they had no explanation as the tickets had been definitely sent to our hotel.  They took all our details and, the clever man I am married to had taken copies of all the paperwork, so we left copies of our paperwork with the manager.  They issued us with some tickets which we could use over what was left of the weekend and told us that they would be in touch with us to tell us what had happened.  With that the skies opened up and the rain and hail came down so hard we had to wait inside the shop.  
Eventually it eased off enough for us to leave and we went over the road to a cafe for a celebratory Kir!
We found ourselves a table and when the waiter came over to us ...... well! .... I swear it was Rylan Clarke!!!
I asked him if it was but no ..... it was a Frenchman ...... I told him who I thought he was and he was straight on to the web ...... hope he thinks it is all good....

We then went over to our friend's apartment and spent the rest of the day doing what we came for - drinking, eating, laughing and generally enjoying ourselves!
We rolled back to the hotel very late at night ...... or was it morning .... the shops were still open!

Paris II

We eventually found our hotel - one of the joys for us is the adventure of trying to find our way round different areas of Paris.

If we hadn't misunderstood 'turn left' for turn left when it really meant 'turn left immediately!' - we would have arrived earlier! We laughed when we found out where it was - right on the corner!
The staff were very welcoming but could not find our travel tickets anywhere so we left them waiting on the Manager and went off to our room.  
The room was compact but clean and bright, easy to access via the lift so the ninth floor was nothing!
We asked at reception if the post had arrived but no - possibly tomorrow - they suggested a local bistro for us to have our evening meal.  We set off for our meal and found the restaurant easily - on another corner!

We were warmly welcomed by our hostess, although it was quite early in the evening.  Between her poor English and our poor French we had a thoroughly enjoyable time.  We took the set menu which gave us three courses but to be honest two were enough.
My courses were perfect, except for the potatoes, but PJ had problems with his steak, and potatoes!!  
However, we did have a lovely time and the hostess - wonderful!

Unfortunately the tickets had still not arrived when we went down next morning but ... out of the window by the lift we could see a grey mountain ..... honest!!!  We asked around but but everyone looked at us as though we were daft!  When we came back to England I checked it out and found it!!  

The Zoo!


Honestly!  It has a mountain, known as the 'Great Rock'.