Paris, J'adore

Awaking somewhat refreshed, I popped across to Montparnesse station to pick up some croissants from Yann Couvetre my favourite Parisian bakery. These provided the initial sustenance to plan our Parisian adventure for the day. It was picture perfect weather, and after a quick metro ride across to the Right Bank, we were able to meander through the streets to my favourite perfumery, Fragonard, not forgetting coffee and champagne enroute at one of the many cafes. From L'Opera we headed east toward Rue Montogueill, a famous 'foodie' street in the 2nd Arrondisement, where the infamous welcome to Paris beverage, an Aperol Spritz was enjoyed with a caesar salad. Roger had the Parisian take on Fish and chips served with an abundance of tartare sauce and naturally, a chablis to keep up the fluids.

Some culture followed, with a visit to Musee des Artscet metiers. The reviews did not do it justice and to top it off, there was special display of the original Zeus, a life size model horse made of alluminium and beaten steel, that literally 'galloped' down the Seine at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Inside the Musee, founded in 1794 is a fascinating collection of technological innovation. From scientific instruments to energy, communication, construction and transport this recently refurbished musee is a one of a kind repository of scientific and technical knowledge. It also houses Focults Pedulum, 1851, which provided evidence of the earths daily rotation around it's axis.

Soaked in knowledge, a short walk took us to Bar Nouveau. Rated 17th in the top 50 bars in Paris, 2025, it was definitely unique. There were only a dozen seats around a marble bar with mirrored walls and strategic art nouveau decorative trim to set the scene. The barman was friendly, the cocktail list limited, but innovative and the charming young Frenchman from Bordeaux, dressed in an immaculate dark suit who sat beside me spoke English remarkably well and kept us in conversation. He looked like he should be a lawyer or an accountant, but it turns out he's actually a barman and has recently moved to Paris to take up a new position at one of the smart hotels. We may just need to visit there on a future Parisian adventure.

By now with our step count at close to 17000, we headed for the metro, and a return to our Hotel. A GnT and wine at the nearest bar sufficed for dinner and another early night.

On Thursday we enjoyed a delightful Parisian style buffet breakfast at our Hotel. It including some eggs and sausages plus all the usual pastries, fruit, yoghurt and cereal. With the backpacks packed, I enjoyed a walk through the 14th ar in the sunshine before collecting Roger, and backpacks uplifted, we wandered over to Montparnesse station. We had time for coffee and then endured the guessing game of 'which platform' our train for Bordeaux would depart! Platform 9 flashes up and there is a mad rush for the train. Safely on board with the luggage stored, we enjoyed a speedy trip (just 2 hrs 15 mins) through the French Countryside to Bordeaux. We jumped into a taxi and made our way to the lease car pickup near the airport where we were met by our friend, Diedra, who had handed over our original lease car in 2024.

A quick review of the paperwork, and we were on our way up the A10 to Les Petites Rivieres, arriving just hours later. A flick of a switch put the power on and we lit the fire to warm us up and dry out the house, which had thankfully survived the huge rains of the past three months. Sleep came easily and early!Read more