I waited a bit to write this one, it deserved good, deep thought, and homage. I loved Paris a lot more than I thought I would. It was a whirlwind, and I am trying to just recount the days there. Where do I even start?
I was prepared to be poorly treated. Not only from what people have said, and just the rumor mill, but I figured after the Olympics, Paris would have had its fair share of tourism. I am happy to report that was as far from the truth as can be. Now mind you, I did my homework and knew that you MUST greet people in their language when you enter. I absolutely did just that! In fact, my husband said I literally sang “bonjour” like Julia Child to everyone. What’s wrong with that? They loved it, and when I asked “parlez vous anglais” they knew I didn’t speak French, and we just went forward beautifully from there.
The food is divine, but very rich. When I travel to Italy my stomach can handle it because it’s clean pasta, bread and olive oil, with veggies, and proteins. French food is rich, heavy with butter and cream. It tastes amazing, don’t misunderstand me, but it hits different.
Just like Italy, the architecture is astounding. History and statues everywhere you look, cafes on every single corner. We saw a lot, but I wish we had another day or two there. Three nights was not enough. I will just have to go back! And I probably will.
When I travel to Italy I always take cooking classes, so naturally I took one in Paris as well. What an experience! We started at the market and chose seasonal produce, we sampled and purchased cheese from the fromagerie, purchased loaves of bread from the boulangerie, and lastly picked out a beautiful pork roast from the butcher. Sigh, I wish I could do that daily. It’s just not the same going to the supermarket.
When we first arrived in Paris, it was later in the day. We checked into our hotel just in time for cocktail hour. It was a long day of travel from London, so a cold, crisp glass of Sancerre erased the weary travel slump. We were upgraded to a suite ( Hilton Diamond Member perks) we freshened up and took an Uber to the Eiffel Tower as dusk set in.
It took my breath away. We stayed long enough to see the sparkles start, I think I wept a little bit, then we found a cafe for dinner. Escargot, roast chicken, potatoes, fresh bread and more wine, sitting outside watching people stroll by. Heaven, pure heaven!
We got right up in front of the Mona Lisa at The Louvre, climbed the steep steps to the Sacre Cour in Montmartre, walked the Hall of Mirrors at The Palace of Versailles, saw the progress at Notre Dame ( still cant get in), relaxed by the Seine River. All in between stopping for a glass of wine, a coffee and a pastry.
My shopping probably wasn’t like others who visit Paris. No expensive handbags ( I can get that in the U.S). My purchases were from E.Dellherin, a kitchen supply store that dates back to the 1800s. I left with Lion Head bowls for soup, copper pots, a tart pan and a whisk.
After Paris we drove along side the Loire River, to the Loire Valley. It was an easy drive and just breathtaking. More on that soon!
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