Meandering in the Marais

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Thursday 24 February

Finally! John managed to get up and go to the boulangerie for breakfast supplies: Croissant, Soleil de Abrigot (yummy apricot pastry) and Pain au Chocolat. This was followed (not long after) by a slab of pate (bloc de foie gras) and beers for 'elevenses'. John caught up on a bit of 'work' work in the morning so we didn't get out and about until 2:30. We were keen to revisit our 'old stomping ground' - an area called The Marais, where we stayed last time we were in Paris. We wandered the streets, soaking up the atmosphere and checking out lots of very cool historic buildings and the like. It seemed busier than last time and there were noticebly more US and English visitors.

One of the famous streets in the area is the Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish quarter in Paris. It is renowned for its falafel shops (amongst other things) so we decided to try one from Chez Marianne. Falafel in hand, we then made a bee-line for our favourite place in Paris: Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris (early 17th century). The symmetry of the square is striking, and the overall effect is to create a tranquil space within the heart of Paris. The square houses a children's playground, rows of benches under lines of trees, fountains and a statue of one of the Louis. We sat on one of the benches and shared the huge falafel - the best we've ever had!

The ground floor of the houses mostly contain shops, restaurants and galleries, all fronting onto a covered, arched walkway - great for window shopping. Last time we were here, Ali bought some perfume in a small perfumery (as you would) and she was keen to restock! Happily, we found the shop still there and we both ended up buying some (different scents, obviously!).

We were equally keen to revisit l'Île Saint-Louis, the quieter of the two islands in the Seine, which was a fashionable address in the 17th century. We wandered around as the sun was setting, colouring the sky and creating great views of the back of the Notre Dame. We made our way down onto the lower quay that runs around the western end of the Île, and sat on the point watching the lights come on across Paris as the tourist boats cruised up and down the river.

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Photos

Hôtel de Sens
Built in 1475. Not bad for a local library!

Place des Vosges
Our favourite place in Paris.

Looking towards Notre Dame
The view at sunset looking down Quai d'Orléans towards Notre Dame

The lights on the Seine
Très romantique!

Comments

[Wendy Duff]

I'm coming...please wait!!
I sent an entry just now, but I don't think it went through. It was about Ali's talent for travel writing....and a to let you know that I salivate every time I read your food descriptions!!! Keep them coming!! xxxxx Wendy