There's no place like home...

After a week in Denver, which I enjoyed very much, it's time to go back home! When you read this I'll be on the plane to Paris, but I doubt I'll be able to take my morning coffee on the terrace of a Montmartre café, as the weather forecasts show that it's going to be very cold! I took this one right before my departure and I saved it for my return as I think it's a very Parisian scene ;-)  

Paris, I love you!

I know I'm going to make you sooooooooo jealous, but believe me this past weekend in Paris was absolutely delightful. Just the right temperature, not too many people because it's currently the Passover vacation time and many Parisians are out of the city, and... a lot of sun. What more can you ask for?! Oh yes, a nice lunch at a terrace... That is what I had, twice. On Saturday in the Quartier Latin area and on Sunday at... er... The Hard Rock Cafe! I took this photo at Odéon (that is at the Latin Quarter), at the Les Editeurs, where I took this photo.

Last sunny weekend?

It may be the last sunny weekend before a long time in Paris, so I think it's the perfect day to spend some time at a terrace... Today, let me take you to a very interesting place called La Bellevilloise, in the height of Paris - pretty far from the center, where tourists rarely go. It's a restaurant, bar, exhibition and concert hall... you name it and it's also a place where you can have a very nice view over Paris (even though a few skyscrapers kinda block the scenery!) I highly recommend a trip there if you feel like going out of the beaten paths.

Lunch at Les Invalides

In Paris it's prohibited to walk on the grass in most of public gardens. Therefore the only option you have when it's sunny outside and want to take advantage of the nice weather, is to sit on a bench or go to one of the woods in the suburbs. That is unless you know the secret places! Like l'Esplanade des Invalides where I took this photo today around lunch time. It was a beautiful day yesterday as, apparently, next Thursday (the day of the PDP Picnic) will be - well according to the forecasts...

Sunday Tea Time

It's cold, gray, a little rainy... It's the perfect moment to have a little tea. Like this nicely dressed lady that I photographed at a terrace near Beaubourg (she probably had a macaron or two, wrapped in this ugly white paper on the table!) The French tradition of tea is not as strong as in England or China, but the market is apparently increasing (2 ou 3 French people drink tea against 1 out of 3 ten years ago). It is still considered as an "elite" beverage, and more feminine than masculine. There are several nice Salon de Thé in Paris ; the most famous ones are probably Mariage Frère (a tea specialist) and Angelina (an upper class hang out). If you're interested, here is a little selection of other cosy addresses (in French).

Flavor of the past

Not far from where I took yesterday's photo, there is a little passage called la Galerie Royale - off la rue Royale - that I never knew of and that I discovered while wandering in the neighborhood. It's a place I recommend if you're near rue Royale (where the famous macaron maker Ladurée is located!) and should you want to have a drink on a quiet terrace. The buildings are really beautiful (as you can see in the photo) and the passage has kept its original flavour (the rue Royale was built in 1758). PS: if you are in New York and want to meet me next week, please check this forum entry.

Spring has started

We're currently experiencing one of the hottest winter since 1950 (1,1 °c above the average temperature since the beginning of winter). It's not only warm, but also very sunny: the sun shone almost 300 hours between December and February (against 187 hours over the same period on average between 1991 and 2000). Consequently cafés and restaurants have reopened their terraces and Parisians are already having lunch outside (I did last Saturday!) ! It's a moment I love - and I'm sure you do too ;)

April in Paris...

I really wish you were ALL here! The weather is so nice in Paris at the moment that you feel like stopping at a café terrace every hour and just enjoy life! That is what I did at lunch time today, and believe me, it was worth it! I know that some of my regular visitors will arrive today (like Françoise and her French class from South Jefferson Central School, NY), let me tell you that you are going to have a fantastic weather... As for the other visitors (Jeff, Philly...) who will arrive at the end of the month, well it's a little too soon to tell. One thing is sure; the yearly PDP meeting will take place on April 27 in the evening. Save the date!