Paris

Leaving Provence, we took the train back to Paris and checked into the Hotel Aubusson on the left bank. It is a 700 year building with wonderful charm and a delightful courtyard.

Our first dinner in Paris was at La Petite Cour and it did not disappoint!

Loved these little bread baskets on the side of the table-

I ordered a smoked beef tenderloin and it arrived with smoking herbs under a glass cloche!

I tried this smoking method at home when I returned and it really works, but more on that in a later post!

After dinner, it was a walk along the Siene. It gets dark so late in Paris in the summer and the daylight fading away was so gorgeous.

We ended the evening with a stop at this gelato shop.

Look at these gorgeous creations of ice cream art!

Pistachio, vanilla and raspberry gelato formed into a rose!

Flower shops and food- I just can't resist!

I just love this combination of colors.

Just roses!

I can't believe that these bouquets were only 18 euros.

Gorgeous stone sink in this floral shop -

The quaint shop of Astier de Villatte on Rue do Honore - where they make wonderful white French dinnerware.

At the St Regis on Ile St Louis, we had the best BLT of our life! Yes, we actually ordered a BLT in Paris- you know how it is when you get a craving????

St Regis is a classic old bistro---

They chopped the lettuce and mixed it with the mayo, then added thick slab bacon and a big beefsteak tomato. It was awesome!

Now we are at the Porte de Vanves flea market- be still my heart! This market is on the south side of Paris and easily reached by the metro ( just a few steps from the metro stop). It is set up along 2 sides of a tree lined sidewalk. The merchandise for sale is varied and affordable. It is my favorite flea market in the world--------

Silverplate warming dish for appetizers for a song!

There was a lady selling hand dyed old linen napkins in lovely colors.

Diamond and sterling belt buckle-

rhinestone and pearl 1940's purse for 10 euros!

Sweet little menu that I covered the handwritten part with a gold trim

and then had it framed for my butler's pantry! Just picked it up from the framer and can't wait to find its home.

Lot's of old etchings - there was a table of your choice for just 3 euros each.

Gold etched wine goblet with "friendship" on the wording

This flea market is a "must go to" if you are in Paris. I have learned to take a small tablet with me in my purse to have the dealer write the price down, as I cannot understand the price in French. They write it down, and then I counter with my offer in writing too! It really makes it easier, as many of these dealers do not speak English. This is a charming venue and over the years, I have found many treasures at the Porte de Vanves. There are lots of small treasures to buy that easily tuck in a suitcase!

Many wonderful sights in Paris for sure- everywhere you look there is something wonderful-