Paris 2013 - Shopping

When it comes to shopping I usually leave Paris empty handed. Most of my money is spent on entrance fees to exhibitions, docents to educate me and well - food and adult beverages. I do have a short list of must items for shopping in Paris either for myself or gifts for others.




Le Laquiole knives - 6 rue de Pas de la Mule 75003


Frederic Malle fragrance - rue de



Diptyque Candles - Bd. St Germain




Stationery and handcrafted papers - rue Point Phillipe




Kitchen linens - La Maison Ivre 38 rue Jacob

If your looking for something for me (hint, hint) any of these will do just fine! Bon Anne and much success in 2013!

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Eight Lunchtime

We stumbled across Le Basile Cafe Bar at 34 rue de Grenelle. This 1960's moderne cafe attracts a local crowd at lunch. We enjoyed our sandwiches and rest before an afternoon of shopping. I don't know that I'd seek it out but if your in the neighborhood and hungry it is a good choice.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Eight More Canaletto

Museum Maillol is located in an unassuming building at 61 rue de Grenelle in Saint Germain. Maillol is best known for his scuptures of women. For us Americans a terrific one can be found in the gardens at the Modern in New York City.
The museum is also host to another tribute to Canaletto and his works of Venice. Venice is one of my favorite places and Canaletto is earning a place in my heart too. He painted many commissions for the elite. Venice was a must stop on the 'Grand Tour' for Europe's well to-do. Canaletto's artwork reminded them of the grandeur of Venice and captured life in the city he loved. The exhibit is bit-size and filled with private works (read: see them here because you won't see them any time soon).
A quick walk through Maillol's permanent exhibit will take less than an hour and his sculptures are lovely.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Seven Grizzli

Frenchie had a 1 month waiting list for reservations so book early. We didn't so we are off to an old standby Grizzli in the Marais. They offer good food though the service wasn't as good as normal. Plenty of Americans here so you will feel like you are at home (both good and bad). Portions are American-sized and tasty reminding me that the gym is waiting for me back home.







Boef


Duck


Salmon

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Seven Medieval

Musee Cluny should be your first stop for medieval artifacts. The museum is a lovely place and a stone-throw away from our hotel in the Latin Quarter. This year - it was host to two interesting special exhibits. The first on Croatian medieval artifacts including relics which I still don't fully understand. These include arms, legs and heads from the early days when Saints didn't get chopped up into such smaller portions. All my Catholic friends please forgive me. The second on Games starting with the earliest primitive ones to the Royal games of the Kings.

Croatian Medieval Artifacts









Games

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Seven War

Okay - I admit it. We were not on our way to see Musee de l'Armee at the Hotel des Invalides. We wanted to see the Musee des Plans-Reliefs (a collections of models of French cities) which was closed today. Okay - I admit it. The Musee de l'Armee is really good. You could spend a lot of time here. I'd recommend breaking it up on a couple of days to prevent museum fatigue. The museum offers a enormous collection of wartime items from acient armour through Napoleon to World Wars. Photos are allowed so click away.

Location:Paris, France

Pairs 2013 - Day Seven Cafe Mucha

We ran across Cafe Mucha on one of our first visits to Paris and often return for lunch. It is located at the corner of St. Germain and Rue de Bellchasse near the Orsay. It is situated within walking distance of the Invalides, Rodin, Maillol and Branly. If your in the mood for a salad or omelette - then this is a good choice for lunch. They also serve a few other dishes including pasta.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Seven Impressions

The Musee d'Orsay continues to be one of my all time favorite museums in Paris. Not only does its collection of artist appeal to my taste but the architecture of this remodeled train station is fantastic. It sit on the Left Bank opposite the Jardin des Tuleries (Louvre). You want to get here early as the lines are long. The Paris Museum Pass helps for a shorter queue. Bring your umbrella if it is rainy because there is not cover during your wait.

Their current exhibition on Art and Fashion is worth a trip to the museum. Afterward - a quick walk through the permanent collection is always a treat.

The museum no longer allows photography. Below are a few select images from the exhibition to give you a sense of the paintings. Mixed throughout are articles of clothing from the period. I will post an audio file from the guide to introduce the exhibition.

Location:Paris, France

Louvre Islamic Wing

https://vr.shapeservices.com/listen.php?hash=f9336eae6b79227f519f4874fc9727f66ad96e19247da9b91

Great commentary about vestibule in the Louvre by Anne-Christine Mathews

Paris 2013 - Day Six A Bit of Mexico

This trip we continue to break free from our traditional festivities and try new things including dinner at El Chuncho Mexican Restaurant located on rue St Andre des Arts. We walk by this place all of the time and often peak into the window. It is located on a lovely alley which has some other eating spots and a good chocolate shop called Rue de l'Eperon. While nothing matched our familiar USA counterpart titles - the food especially the guacamole was well prepared. Oh - the mojito was very good too. You don't want to eat here until you have tried and tired (if possible) of French food - but for an affordable, comfortable and kind-of familiar food joint - this place works just fine.







Chimichanga


Boef with avocado



Mojito - I could not take the photo fast enough. Delicious.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Six Chateau de Vincennes

The Paris Metro is a wonderful experience and reaches to the far edges of the city and beyond. Whether you are off to Saint Denis or Vesailles - the rail provides an easy (although sometimes crowd) method of getting to your destination. Add Chateau de Vincennes to your list - the castle, prison and cathedral all sit conveniently at the end of Line 1. The prison has undergone a recent renovation and while stark - it is large and interesting. You will be surprised by the overall size of this walled city - often used by the Royals due to its fortifications and proximity to Paris. Today - the attraction is away from the crowds in the city center and boasts one of the best (and fairly priced) gift shops in the town. Thankfully - our Context Travel docent Annie-Christine Mathews (excellent for her work at the Louvre's new Islamic Wing) encouraged us to visit this medieval attraction located within minutes of the city center. It is covered by the Paris Museum Card. The site includes the military history museum which we skipped (exhausted) on this trip.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2013 - Day Six Islamic

See this exhibit. Enough said.

Location:Paris, France