Day 3
On Tuesday morning, we decided to walk to the Musee du Louvre. Looking back, I am so glad we chose to stay in the Marais district. The location was so convenient, as it is within walking distance to many of Paris's best attractions.
We stopped for breakfast at a boulangerie along the way. The weather was very pleasant, so we ate our warm butter croissants outside, while watching the Parisians walking/cycling to work and Moms bringing their children to school.
One of Paris's many subway stations
Musee du Louvre
Sitting outside the glass pyramid.
Unfortunately, when we arrived at the entrance, we were told the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Oh well, looks like we'll have to save Mona Lisa for another day. We decided to walk through Jardin des Tuileries (famous gardens) and onward towards Place de la Concorde, which would eventually take us to the famous Avenue de Champs Elysees.
Jardin des Tuileries
Once we walked through the gardens, we entered Place de la Concorde, the largest public square in Paris. It separates Jardin des Tuileries from the famous boulevard of Champs Elysees.
One of two fountains at Place de la Concorde.
This is the second fountain.
Walking along the famous Avenue des Champs Elysees!
A pretty sidewalk patio!
Marriott Hotel
Louis Vuitton - Champs Elysees store
The stunning Arc de Triomphe - the biggest triumphal arch in the world!
Under the arch, looking up.
The girls and I, climbing up to the top of the arch.
Looking up at the winding staircase!
View from the top, looking down the Champs Elysees!
View of the Eiffel Tower!
Can you see the Eiffel Tower behind us?
Going down the stairs was much easier than going up!
For lunch, we ate at a McDonald's restaurant nearby. This is a photo of some of the desserts available at the McDonald's in Paris. Can you believe it?
After lunch, we crossed the road and walked down the other side of Champs Elysees and came across "Laduree" - known for their famous macarons (as you can see above). We walked inside and it looked like absolute heaven in there. I saw THE most beautiful pastries I have ever laid eyes on. They do not allow photos to be taken indoors, but I'll show you a picture of some of the pastries we bought a little later.
Coming out with our pastry treats!
I love the name of this flower shop - Happy! Do you see the stand with the sign, 3 Euros? That's the price for a short stem, assorted bouquet for a mini vase. This is something I've never seen here in our flower shops. They only ever sell long stem flowers. I fell in love with them...they were adorable and affordable!
Once we were done window shopping, we found a taxi, and headed back to the studio for a little rest. Later on, we headed out again to discover the rue Montorgueil Market, just a few minutes walk from where we were staying. This was one of the prettiest streets I strolled through in Paris. Here are some photos from the Montorgueil Market:
Butcher shop
Stohrer - famous patisserie, open since 1730!
Aren't the piggies adorable??
More macarons!
The gate reads Marche Montorgueil - this is the open air market we just walked through. There are cheese shops, butcher shops, fresh fish, patisseries, boulangeries, cafes, flower shops - makes for a perfect Parisian stroll.
Back home again, after visit to outdoor market!
These were the desserts we purchased earlier in the day, at Laduree! We each picked our favourite, and then we shared. They were all INCREDIBLE! Words cannot describe the rich, deliciousness of each dessert. My absolute favourite was Nuno's - his was the custard tartlette with fresh raspberries on top. These were by far, the most delicious desserts we ate while in Paris. If you visit Paris, you MUST go to Laduree for a special treat!
This is the end of our third day in Paris. The funny thing about this trip, is that every day seems to be better than the last. And the day after this one, was very special indeed - we will travel to London, by train, to visit a beautiful city, two dear, special friends, and family that I've never met! Next stop....LONDON!!
Many wows and ohhs and ahhs happening here at the computer. You gave me a real Jimmy Stewart vertigo moment with the shots of that snail shaped stairwell. But I recovered nicely on seeing the gorgeous pastries. I love the macarons. Really want to make them again. Also love your flowered top. Looks like it could hide any number of extra pastry pounds! I'm having so much fun on your vacation!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness....you all chose wonderful desserts. I have a recipe from Laduree, so it was amazing to see the place and see some of your desserts---you are having such a fun time, that I think you should go back with ME and show me around!!!!
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Joann
Oh, I am playing catch up on the blog tonight! Wow, what a lovely trip you had and what great weather, too!! Wish McD's here had desserts like those in France...ummm....maybe this is a good thing! So looking forward to the posts to come and enjoying each one along the way!! Hugs, Sherry xxxx
ReplyDeleteYum to the eclairs!! I made eclairs one night as a teenager... for my boyfriend... told my oldest sis to stay out of them... and what did my dad and sis do? Yep! got into them lol... I'll never let her forget it, as that recipe only made 4 eclairs and it took forever! lol
ReplyDeleteI've still got chills from the fellow giving back your wallet!
sounds so nice, just to see the Louvre! and the hotel.. i've seen it in movies.. so cool!
sounds like a dreamy trip, Rosinda! loving every minute of it
love,
Denise of Ingleside
This time I listened to Edith Piaf's La Vie En Rose and was transported right back to Paris with you! Didn't we just have the best time! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my! The pastries! And could you believe how CRAZY the roundabout was by the Arc de Triomphe?! We were up on top of it at night and the cars go around so wild and fast that it's amazing there aren't accidents! Wonderful pictures of you and the girls! xoxo...Karen
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