Faire une promenade

Yesterday we had a look around Le Bon Marché, a small, upmarket department store in the 7th arrondissement.  It is 160 years since the shop was created by Artistide Boucicaut and there is an exhibition in-store of its history.  The store is quite beautiful and is housed in two buildings - one fashion, home, beauty; the other La Grande Epicerie, where you find a fabulous array of food products.

From Le Bon Marché we walked to nearby rue du Cherche Midi and found a cafe for lunch where we could sit at a sidewalk table and admire the typical Parisien architecture of the apartment buildings opposite.  The cafe was small and obviously a local for many of the patrons who greeted the proprietress with kisses on both cheeks.  The table next to us had a reserved sign on it and we soon realised it was being held for a special couple - a woman and her mother, who shared a piece of chocolate cake to celebrate the older woman's 90th birthday!  There was much laughter, cries of "joyeux anniversaire", smiles and photos.

Heading back home we encountered a street procession of motorcycles, although we have no idea why it was happening.  Each year we come across at least one procession:  protesting retirees; rollerbladers; the technoparade.  Paris loves a good get-together!

Last night we had a wonderful evening with Rita and Gerard, our landlords from the rue Saint Antoine apartment.  We caught the metro to Gobelins and joined Rita and Gerard for a champagne aperitif at their apartment.  Then it was a short walk to a local bistro, Comptoir Margery, for dinner, and then metro home.  Une bonne soirée.

Today we wandered around a local trash and treasure market held in the stone courtyards of streets around the Hotel de Ville, a leisurely stroll through our favourite areas to Place des Vosges, and then a quiet afternoon at home.  A peaceful Dimanche.