Bon Weekend: 8 August 2014
by habituallychic
08 . 08 . 14
I can’t believe I have just one more week left in Paris. There is so much I will miss and so much I didn’t get to check off my list this summer. I’m actually glad I didn’t see it all though because it will give me even more incentive to return again soon.
One of the things I’ll miss most about Paris is eating outside at cafes. While we have some cafes in New York, we definitely don’t have one on every block and the chairs don’t face the street “French style.” People watching is the best pastime in Paris.
While my friend and I were at Le Progrès in the Marais, this woman happened to ride past on her bicycle. I will definitely miss scenes like this when I move back to New York.
While trying to find an RER train station that was open last Sunday to get to Versailles, we stumbled into a road rally of classic cars near Les Invalides and the Pont Alexandre III. Needless to say, I was in heaven.
The line to enter the chateau of Versailles was over two hours long so we just visited the gardens and the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. If you don’t like crowds or lack patience for lines, I highly recommend this plan. If you stay until almost closing time like we did, you practically have the place to yourself.
I will also miss well dressed gentleman when I return to New York. I just happened to catch this one peeking into the bookstore next to Cafe de Flore yesterday as I waited to meet Tommy Smythe for lunch.
We had gorgeous weather for last few weeks but the rainy season seems to have begun. Tommy Smythe and I were lucky to be inside the Musée de l’Armée in Les Invalides yesterday when it began to pour. If you are visiting Paris with young boys or just want to give your significant other a break from shopping and 18th-century museums, I highly recommend a visit here. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs has large scale models of fortress towns like something you’d see on Game of Thrones. I liked the military uniforms which are quite stunning in person.
We also visited the tomb of Napoleon which sits under the Dôme des Invalides.
Paris is known as the City of Light and the light and sunsets are another thing I’ll miss. Although, I am looking forward to going home and seeing my friends and sleeping in my own bed again. This trip has really made me appreciate the work ethic of the United States while also appreciating the way that the French are able to relax and enjoy life. My goal is to try to try to balance the two upon my return.
Bon Week-end !
HC
Photos by me via Instagram.
7 Comments
I will also hate to see you leave Paris, it has been such a joy for me to read your accounts and experience all the little special nuances spread out over the summer. Lovely post and highlights. I have enjoyed the candid shots of Parisians and their dress code puts us to shame. xo Nancy
This post really is Life in Pictures!
Thank you for bring the City of Light, and my I add, Life to us! I’ve appreciated it all. I am sorry about the mix up with your passport and hope you found someone to rent your apt. Waiting for more adventures from HC! All the best, Rié
Yes, Heather your travelogue of text and images has been a highlight of the summer. No doubt you have much more to share upon return! The people watching is always a favorite as it gives you the true flavor and style of people in a region!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
I love all your photos. You capture Paris so perfectly.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in Paris. It has been fun to see Paris through your lens.
Hi Heather, Have been thinking of you this past week, wondering what your last few jaunts will be. Thank you immensely for taking us all along on this sumptuous adventure. I know that you will return very soon. Bon Voyage. Mary
Oh what gorgeous parting shots, the woman on the bicycle (??) so fabulous, must be framed! My daughter and I used a similar tactic to tackle Versailles, but we rented one of the golf carts with the interpretive tour guide recording at each site and classical music in between. We never made it to the main palace… something to go back for.