Thursday, November 28, 2019

J'adore Paris...

What can I say about Paris?
It is a city that holds a very special place in my heart.

I dreamt about going to Paris ever since I was a young girl.

One Christmas I was given
a set of blue bottled fragrances ~ Evening in Paris.

Mom and I watched and loved all of Audrey Hepburn's movies.
(many were set in Paris)

My favourite film was Sabrina...
Let's go to Paris...shall we?


The view from our room.

The Welcome Hotel is a small family run hotel
 situated in a fabulous location on Rue Seine in the 6th arrondissment.






Out in front of the hotel you can sit and enjoy a coffee or just people watch!


The Seine River is full of boats.


We took an amazing dinner cruise aboard this vintage boat.

The food was excellent and the views were breath taking
The Eiffel Tower twinkled as we passed...


The skies were overcast in Paris and rain sprinkled
 our spirits were not dampened at all!
We are in Paris after all.

There is lots to see and do!



Wandering around the Louvre...


We explored The Tuilerise Gardens and listened to the street musicians.
Lots of people were out and about doing the very same things.


We ventured into the iconic Dehillerin Kitchen Shop...
we did not leave empty handed!


We ate lunch at one of Julia Child's favourite spots in Paris.
Au Pied De Cochon.

I enjoyed the delicious French Onion Soup...
Did you know that this restaurant is open 24 hours each day?


We perused Shakespeare and Co.


We had to sit for a bit and rest our wearly legs
savour a coffee and watch the parade of chic styles.


We walked 17 km one day!
(That should allow us to indulge in French butter and cheese.)


Rodin Museum and Gardens 



The Gardens were not busy so we were able to wander at our leisure.


Roses are blooming!




Fountains, lush greenery and statues dot the grounds.



A long stand of trees...



With all our walking we worked up an appetite for lunch.




Bread from Poilane Bakery 


Love the colourful door details in Paris.


Lovely courtyard garden at Ralph Lauren.


The Ralph Lauren Shop 
also has a restaurant...it is very popular.


Sterling Silver in an antique shop.
I think these look like they are made in The Secessionist Era. 


Lots of mustard yellow clothing shown in the windows of the shops.


Lots of beautiful Ittala glass in the BHV department store.


On a mission for darling daughter...
her favourite shop Rouje where she orders clothes online is situated within easy walking distance...


Jean Damas is the owner of the shop.
She has recently opened a restaurant beside the store.


I purchased the scrunchie on the right for Jennifer.
Also a pair of really cute sunglasses.


I bought myself some lipsticks.





Bonpoint 
for stylish kids




Macarons



Louis Vuitton


Sumptuous scarves




Eye catching displays



Le Bon Marche Department Store

and 

The Food Emporium




Julie called this the egg wall.


Exotic Fruit



I hope you have enjoyed the pictures of our travels to Italy and France.




Au revoir Paris...
memories and photos will keep you in my heart
(until next time)

This is the past post from the trip.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the USA who are celebrating today.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, November 25, 2019

SW France ~ Auvillar.


Le Farat  
(where we stayed)


Le Farat offers two gites for larger groups and families 
with a B and B attached to the owners residence.


We were most comfortable in the well appointed suite.



The hallway of the owners residence
was so beautiful!


Lots of old furniture mixed with art and antiques.


Le Farat have a great website if you want to read a bit more about their holiday accommodations.


There is an outdoor pool and a games room.


We loved the luxurious touches offered by our hosts.

The area in which this residence is situated is called Bardiques
a short 7 minute drive from Auvillar.


Auvillar is a small village on the Garonne River.
Our friends John and Cheryl live there.



Market Day





The Village Church.




We used the Village as a home base and drove around to explore 
other Villages during the day.


Moissac


A UNESCO site
With the oldest Cloisters in the World.







Stained Glass Window by Marc Chagall



We visited on a Monday and Moissac was very quiet.
Sundays and Mondays in the SW of France businesses are usually closed.


Seen from the car in the middle of a farming area.
Rolling Hills and very Pastoral.


The tiny little Village of La Chapelle nestled up in the hills...
the church was open
hardly anyone was out and about.


We spent most evenings with our friends making dinner and sipping wine.

It was so fabulous seeing them and it was difficult saying goodbye as we flew off to Paris...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~