ALWAYS SOMEWHERE NEW TO EXPLORE IN PARIS

Although the day started out cloudy we set out to explore a part of Paris we have never been to before.

We popped up out of the Metro and there was a wonderful food market right in front of us.

We had skipped breakfast hoping to enjoy a coffee and pastry in a little cafe somewhere but instead we opted for a punnet of blackberries and half a dozen black figs ( a new favourite since Sarlat ) and nibbled as we strolled along.

That's what is so special about this lovely city, there are hidden treasures all around.

A bit of research and we had set out to explore the area around the Canal St Matin.

The clouds began to lift as we walked along beside the canal.

Some sections are wider than others

and some surrounding streets are nicer than others

but the canal itself remains very pretty all the way, criss-crossed in many places by pretty iron bridges.

It really was a pretty walk with the trees just beginning to drop their leaves but many still retaining their green canopy.

The day had turned sunny and clear

giving us lots of wonderful photo opportunities

and to top it all off  we watched a tour boat move through a lock

a sight not experienced by many Aussies

Not our first experience but always interesting to watch.

Water level just right, the the gates open 

and onwards sails the tour boat ! 

Brilliant !

Another lovely day !

Cheers.

EMPEROR NAPOLEON III

One of our activities today involved a revisit to the Louvre.

Last time we attempted to visit was on the free entrance Sunday that happens once a month and the whole of Paris was there.

Today was much quieter and we entered downstairs  through the Carousel shopping complex. This entrance is often much easier than the main entrance and we walked straight in without any line at all.

Our main target today was Napoleon III's apartments which have been preserved in one wing of the Louvre.

We knew we were in for a treat when we entered through this passageway.

Such opulence. 

All golden trims and sparkling chandeliers.

The ceilings were a sight to behold too.

Just loved this seating arrangement.

Then came the dining room.

Certainly fit for an emperor.

Cheers.

I LOVE PARIS !

This is our third visit to Paris. 

Each visit we have spent a week here so we feel very comfortable here.

Each time we have stayed in an apartment in the Marais district. It is so close to everything like the Louvre and Notre Dame and the streets are filled with cafés and restaurants making eating out just a trip down the street.

The weather is cool and cloudy but by the time we went out today the rain had cleared.

Not too many people around either which is always nice though there are lots of school groups.

School kids sure get it good these days with school trips to Paris and Rome. What a terrific responsibility for the teachers.

Even on a cloudy day it looks lovely.

We revisited the Pont des Artes  but couldn't find the padlock that we put here last year.

They are so crowded now you would have a lot of trouble putting another one I there.

Apparently there is some concern about the weight of all these padlocks making the bridge unsafe ? ? 

And of course no visit to Paris would be the same if I didn't rave about French food.

We returned to our favourite restaurant, Equinox, and they didn't disappoint.

I'm a very happy customer tonight !

Sea scallops for me......

Chicken in fill for Tony ........

And a Tarte Tattin for dessert.

Cheers.

PARIS IS FOR LOVERS

Shortly before we left home I purchased a brass padlock.
Then I took it to the local engraver and asked him if he could engrave something onto it for me.
He gave me a look - you know- like "Here's a strange one!"
So I explained that I was going to Paris and there is a bridge there where lovers place a padlock.

His eyes lit up and he burst into French!
When I asked if he was French he explained he was actually Swiss.
"Oh! I' m going to Switzerland too!"
Even better.
We chatted about his homeland and why he had moved to Australia (a woman of course !) and then he set to work engraving
"Helen & Tony 2013" only he put a heart instead of the & sign....
(Why didn't I think of that?)
.... and when I went to pay him he refused to take any money!!!
What a sweetie!

So today, on our last day in Paris, we took ourselves off to the Pont des Artes to put our padlock on the bridge.

The Lovers' Bridge !

Awwwwww !

It is amazing ! I love it !

I LOVE Paris !

So today's photos are about the Pont des Artes.
When you come to Paris, don't forget your padlock. It's a lovely tradition.

Tomorrow we pick up our hire car and we head south. Don't know what the wifi access will be like down there in the little hilltop village of Fayence.

Cheers.