Jeudi et Vendredi

Thursday we visited the grand magasin Printemps to pick up a little something for mon beau fils Aaron who had requested parfum, "fresh and lively, just like me". After discussion with a young, gorgeous store assistant who agreed that "boys like to spray very much perfume on themselves", we think we've made the perfect choice. Every time we see a group of young people with long fringes and wearing skinny, skinny jeans, we nod to each other, "There's some of Aaron's friends".

Continued on to Montmartre, first visiting Basilique du Sacre Coeur. Were accosted by groups of hawkers on the steps to the Basilique endeavouring to sell watches, bags, plaited cotton wrist bands and wind up flying birds. Not pleasant, and after ducking out to a side path, managed to climb the hill to the Basilique in peace and take in the view at the top of the well known Montmartre steps.

Spent the afternoon wandering Montmartre and the Abbesses area, following Jan's Paris walks cards (merci Jan!). The narrow, steep, cobbled streets are charming with hidden corner cafes, tiny parks and interesting shops - even a vineyard.

Ventured down to Blvd de Clichy (only briefly) to stand among the erotica shops and photograph Moulin Rouge. Were happy enough to fast track it back to the Abbesses.

Climbed down the spiralling steps of the Abbesses metro station to head home.

Friday, a beautiful day, and we walked to Musee D'Orsay. It was glorious taking in the river and bridge views and stopping for coffee on the sunny side of Quai des Gesvres.

Musee D'Orsay is fabulous, and Brent loved it too. Pre-impressionist, impressionist and post-impressionist works by Degas, Delacroix, Renoir, Monet, Gerome, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, Manet, Pissarro, Sisley, Whistler and Toulouse-Lautrec; sculptures by Rodin and Claudel. The audio-guide was great, not just for the technical comments but for the information about the friendships between the artists and quoting them in relation to the works and the times in which they lived.

The gallery building itself is interesting and Brent did a great job of planning a path chronologically through the floors. (Brent's navigational skills and his need to do things by numbers has made the musee visits a dream for me ... and it's a treat to have someone to open and pour the wine at night!)

Favourite quotes heard at the Musee D'Orsay today:

Monet room: "Would you hang one of these in your house?"

Van Gogh room: "You know Van Gogh ... Kirk Douglas in "Lust for Life" ... you know, Michael Douglas's father ... it's a classic."

Walked home in Paris' Friday night peak hour. Spotted these teenagers letting go of the week alongside the Seine.