Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Oh La La! We Are In Paris... Our Day Fourteen... by Montreal photographer Hera Bell and her husband Anthony

Today was our first sunny and hot day.  It felt great to feel the heat of the sun, and not have to bring jackets.  However, at times it was too hot.  And there is not much you can do, except find shelter, relax and make sure you are well hydrated.


Earlier in our trip, Hera had found some teas that smelled delicious.  Unfortunately they were out, and when we had passed a few days later, the shipment still had not arrived.  So our first quest today was to walk over to Place de Vosges.  Fortunately the tea did arrive, and Hera bought some to bring home.


Being our last day, we decided to simply stroll and enjoy the streets of Paris.  We wandered over the hustling Vieille rue du Temple, and eyed the various shops and restaurants.  Walked in front of the grand Notre Dame Cathedral and along the streets of La Cite.  


Through the Louvre, and the Tuilerie Gardens where we stopped for a drink, and watched the people walk by.  The shaded table was a comforting relief as the sun was quite strong.


Once rested, we continued on our way through the gardens and then onto the Champs Elysees.  We had previously walked past Laduree, and this time we entered and enjoyed their sweets.  Hera had their “Butterfly,” a large macaron with strawberries and cream, while I tried their strawberry millefeuille.   Mine was good, but our palates are now so spoiled, and we both agreed that my millefeuille was not as flakey as some we have had.  


For drinks, Hera had their hot chocolate which was very good, but not as full and deep as the one we had at Angelina’s.  I on the other hand wanted something not so sweet, so I went for their “Othello” tea.  A dark deep and rich tea with hints of cinnamon.  I found it went perfectly with the sweets.  As for ambiance.  You just have to enter, and do be seated inside on the second floor.


We walked a bit further up, then decided to turn left on Rue George V.  We walked past some lovely hotels, and then as we crossed the Seine, had some gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower.


We continued on our way, with the occasional interesting view of the Eiffel Tower, until we were on Champs de Mars, with the Tower straight ahead.  While we have seen it countless of times, it is still an impressive structure.


As we have done often in the past, we walked under the tower, across the bridge and up Trocadero.  While all views of the Tower are impressive, I find the views from Trocadero to be the best.

It was getting late.  We were getting tired, and hungry.  While I tend not to like to try places so close to tourist area, we settled on le Malakoff, at 6 place du Trocadero.  We started by sharing a very good pate de foie gras.  Hera only wanted a salad, which was quite large with a large assortment of vegetables, while I went for their confit de canard.  It was perhaps the best confit de canard I have had.  Along with a half bottle of wine, what more can one ask.  Maybe a bit more time, as tonight was our last night.  So we took our time and enjoyed it.