Yesterday we returned to Montparnasse Tower in the evening.
Usually I like to travel near the end of Spring. A great time, as the weather is usually good but not too hot, the tourists have not yet completely taken over, and the days are longer.
Unfortunately, this time, the weather did not comply, it was often cool and wet. But even worse, Paris is quite north and thus the days are very long. Sunset is close to 10 pm, and the gorgeous Paris lights do not get turned on until after 10. So I would suggest to travel in September for Paris. We’ve been here in September and that offers good weather, and the lights get turned on much earlier.
High on Montparnasse Tower, we had a spectacular view of Paris as the sun was setting. And then, at 10pm, the Eiffel tower shimmers in sparkling lights for 5 minutes before the regular lights light it up. I believe at at the top of each hour, it shimmers again for 5 minutes.
As usual, we started our day with a croissant a piece. But we also shared a Flan, and a scrumptious millefeuille. The French do know how to make pastry, and do not deprive yourself. Go ahead and indulge
Off to the Opera Garnier, we bought our entrance tickets and then walked in. Grand is an understatement. The entrance with the grand staircase is as large as the auditorium. The architect purposely designed the staircase to show off women in their long gowns at their very best.
Lovely balconies are found overlooking the grand entranceway as he knew that “being seen” was of utmost importance.
The plush red velvet was also chosen on purpose. The reflected red would leave a highly complementary pink blush on the skin of women. Again, showing the women off at their very best.
We do forget that the times have changed. Today, going to the Opera is a serious affair. While just a century ago, it was much less for the Opera, and more the social outing. Seeing and being seen was at least as important, perhaps more so, than the performance on stage.
Taking our turn to be seen, we took a seat at the Opera cafe, and enjoyed a drink. We sat back and relaxed.
Back on our feet, we came across the Pierre Herme pastry shop. We had met a charming Australian couple the night before at Montparnasse Tower who raved about it. So we bought a couple of macarons to give it a try. They were indeed wonderful.
We walked about the neighborhood, and came to the Ritz, but we were disappointed that it was completely closed and is being renovated. A pity, as it would have been lovely to walk inside for a glimpse.
Besides seeing the Opera house, another goal of ours today was to try out Angelina on rue Rivoli.
Decisions decisions. So hard to choose. I decided to go for the house specialty, the Mont Blanc while Hera went for the St. Honore, they were scrumptious! Although I think if I was to choose again, I should have tried a millefeuille here. We also each had a cup of hot African Chocolate, that was like drinking the best chocolate imaginable.
So much sweets today! And like I said before, I do not have a sweet tooth! But that does not matter when in Paris.
While we walked about, we came across a shop that claims to be the best chocolate shop in Paris. With a life size jaguar made out of chocolate in one window display, while the next window had huge ribs made out of chocolate. The interior looked divine. But with so much sweets today, we just could not give it a try.
A good day of walking and eating sweets, we finally settled down at a bistro and had our supper. Hera just wanted a Greek salad, while I went for the special of the day, Dui du Boucher, a piece of beef and a piece of veal, with a lovely pepper sauce on the side.
