Du Grand Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville...and a peek in Village Saint Paul

This weekend was the annual Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, a celebration of national heritage across France.  The program of events includes access to government offices otherwise closed to the public - many housed in historic hôtel particuliers with extraordinary gardens, and including the Élysée Palace - official residence of the President; the opportunity to explore churches, monuments, galleries, and even metro tunnels and train workshops - some with guided tours.  There can be long queues, especially for those buildings that are "ouverture exceptionnelle" - open only on this weekend, or open for the first time - and the tours that require prior reservation are filled very quickly.

This year it was sad to note that some towns throughout France did not participate in the weekend due to fear of an act of terrorism.

We reserved a place in an English-speaking tour of BHV - Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville - a department store that is much loved by Parisiens and is currently celebrating its 160 year history in Paris.  I was surprised that there were still places available in the tour en Anglais...but then I realised that it obviously has no appeal to the French!  As it was, it was just us and three French speakers - they probably liked the look of such a petite group!

The tour was très intéressant - my favourite piece of memorabilia was an invoice to Auguste Rodin for 200 frames!

Decided on coffee in le Village Saint-Paul, a group of historic courtyards bordered by tiny antique and brocante shops.  There's a weekend market in the Village when all the shops are open and have trestles of treasures in the courtyard, but otherwise it's quiet and a wonderful spot for coffee or lunch.

Bus'd to the 11th for some additional cross-stitch goodies, and a visit to a couple of favourite record stores - one of which I always enjoy, La Cuve à Son - a vinyl and organic wine shop!  We left with a 1980 Kate Bush 7", and a bottle of Muscat Blanc pour moi - cheers all round!