Last day in Paris...

Sunday, 17 March, 2013

Bonjour from a cold and windy Paris!  It is our last day here; very sad, as there is always room for Paris!  We’ve been talking about the fact that if someone asked us where should they go first, our response would automatically be PARIS; truly the most beautiful city in the world!

At the Louvre

A morning in Paris

Have to admit that we have been pretty lazy.  We got in about 4 yesterday afternoon, and didn’t go out again – which might have had more to do with rain and wind, or, possibly that we needed naps!  Up this morning about 7, to another cold, breezy and wet day.  What I realized yesterday was that my photographer, Robert, was too busy locating artifacts, and we didn’t have a really good collection of photos!  So, this morning, back to the Louvre to remedy the situation!  Out about 8 and caught the 72 down to the Louvre.  Back to the Carousel for a repeat of Saturday – hot chocolate and pain au chocolat for me; coffee and a red-fruits muffin for Robert.  (Note:  As I sit here and type, it is now starting to hail outside!  It is REALLY coming down and as we’re on the top floor, it sounds incredible!)  In to the Louvre at 9 a.m. and once again, we had the Near Eastern collection to ourselves for quite a while.  We photographed lots of things, and then decided to take a wander.

Wall plaque

King Gudea

King Gudea

This time, we wandered in to the Napoleon III apartments, which, we believe, are fairly newly renovated; lots of gilt, red velvet, huge crystal chandeliers – an amazing place!  But my favorite part (besides the crystal dressing table!) has to be the small selection of jewelry they had on display – a diamond and emerald crown, and a diamond and pearl crown…oh, I could wear that easily going out to the grocery store!  

Top of a victory stele

Monumental wall panel

By this time it was after 11, and we decided to head over to Relais d’Entrecote in St. Germaine-des-Pres for lunch.  We got there, but as they don’t open until noon, we had to wait a bit.  Walked down the street to La Croissantier and had coke, coffee and a GREAT chocolate chip cookie to while away the time.  Back to Entrecote and noon, finally!  We were the first people through the door; by the time we left, an hour and 15 minutes later, there was a line out the door!  At this point, though, we actually got some sunshine and blue skies!  Fun to see, but it didn’t last long – as we were eating, it was both sunny and raining at the same time!

Stele

Top of stelle - Code of Hammurabai

Stele

The Pyramid at the Louvre

Apartments of Napoleon III

Apartments of Napoleon III

For anyone who hasn’t been lucky enough to eat at Entrecote, they serve (Spoiler alert!) only Entrecote!  We had been told about this place by an old friend, Bill (thank you again!), who only said: Go!  So, we went.  The first time we went, Robert had to use the bathroom when we got there, and by the time he was back to the table, there was a salad on the table – which neither of us had ordered!  So – the routine is:  You are asked 1) how do you want your steak cooked, and 2) what do you want to drink?  You are also asked if you want dessert, but that comes later!  We were very lucky to have a small table for two in a corner, which was really nice.  Usually we’ve been on a banquette with people on both sides; nothing private there!  Our salads came out quickly – lovely lettuce with a French mustard vinaigrette topped with nuts.  That was followed quickly by our steaks – sliced thinly, and served in the restaurant’s “sauce secret” – would LOVE to know what’s in it!  (Note from Robert: I actually asked once, “What is in the secret sauce?”, and was told, “It’s a secret.”) You also get a big pile of great French Fries.  Then, once you’re about finished with your first serving, your waitress comes back with part 2 – the rest of the steak and more fries.  The food is truly yummy; and the clientele is mainly French, so obviously they’re doing something right!  

Pearl tiara - Apartments of Napoleon III

Crystal desk and chair - Apartments of Napoleon III

For dessert, Robert ordered their tartlettes with cherries, and I had their three ice creams served on a bed of warm caramel sauce – YUM!  And all washed down by a nice bottle of red wine!  Seriously, who could ask for more?  Entrecote is definitely a good place to go for a splurge.  Their prices aren’t outrageous, and the quality is superb – and for our last day in Paris, it was perfect!  

We had planned on going over to the Bastille Sunday market just to walk around – as there was NO way we could have brought back an entire roast chicken back to the hotel…but we were so nice and full when we finally left the restaurant, that we decided that naps were calling us back at the hotel.  Obviously a good decision, as it started to rain in earnest while we were on the bus.  

I am hopeful that we might get out tonight for a stroll (but certainly not any more food, that’s for sure!); doesn’t have to be long, but just nice to get out and see the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty on the island in the Seine, very close to here.  But we’ll see…I also don’t want to freeze!

Street scene

l'Entrecote

Ready for lunch

Simple green salad

Entrecote and frites

Three ice creams on warm caramel

Cherry tarts

We’re heading for the Chunnel and the Eurostar crossing tomorrow late morning.  Robert has figured out a perfect way to get to Gare du Nord on two buses, so hopefully no schlepping up and down metro steps with luggage!  (We’ve certainly played that game before…)  It’s about an hour and a half or two to get to St. Pancras International station in London.  From there, we’ll walk to Euston station (about two long blocks) and get the train out to Birmingham Airport.  We’ve changed our original plans from a Hilton in town to a Novotel right at the airport – seems to make much more sense, as our plane to Newark is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning!

So…more later, probably from London!

m

xxx