Day Two in Paris – Meandering

Hotel de Ville – this building is actually not a hotel, but rather Paris City Hall.

Pretty little park at the western end of Isle-de-la-Cite.

Some of the faces on the Pont Neuf.

View from pont Neuf.
Today we didn’t have much on the agenda other than picking up some tickets for our various excursions, so we spent most of the day wandering around, starting out near Hotel de Ville, over Pont Neuf to Ile-de-la-Cité , and then around the 6th a bit, where we passed by this guy sharpening his knives against the curb.

He wanted to pose for a proper picture.
We opted for lunch at a favorite spot from previous trips, Chez Fernand on Rue Christine (Style Spy also loves Le Christine a few doors down, definitely adding that one to the list for one of our other days) and had a fabulous Boeuf Bourgignon and a lovely Languedoc red with an earthy, mineral flavor that complemented the Boeuf perfectly.

Here’s the deuxieme ensemble: black jeans, burnt orange top, leopard scarf, black patent loafers and black leather jacket. You’ll probably see the jacket again for day three, as we’re headed to Reims for some tours of champagne houses, and it’s chilly dans les caves.
My brain was more functional on our second day, enough to note some of the popular style trends: boots, black tights, boots, large slouchy shoulder bags (still), scarves of all varieties, boots, leather motorcycle jackets, boots, eyeglasses in rectangular shapes, and did I mention boots? Short, mid-calf and knee high are all worn with skirts or pants tucked in. The only thing I’m sorry I left at home are my low-heeled knee-high black boots. Most of the boots I’ve seen are a bit softer and less literally equestrian than last year. Hmm, may have to do some shopping after all… 😉
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21 Comments

  1. Shop if you must, but you are doing your stateside sisters proud; you look great! Just wanted to clear up the fuzzy info…you say that a few of the locals are wearing….BOOTS? So happy you are there, I am visiting Paris vicariously, and what a good trip “we” are having! Maravonda

  2. Your travel wardrobe is definitely doing you proud!
    I’m struck by how much less crowded all those sites look from when we usually visit in May or June — we sat in that little park this summer listening to a military band and it was packed. Someday, when I’m retired, I’ve got to check out fall Paris. Meanwhile, I’ll rely on you to check it out for me.

  3. Oooooh, D.P., You look sooooo chic and soooo happy.

    You found your patent moccasins (!) and just the perfect touch of leopard. No one will point at you and say, “there goes an American.” They’ll wonder if you’re French. Well done.

    Thank you too for your armchair visit through Paris. I have never seen anyone sharpening a knife on a curb — great catch.

    We’re on for Saturday? Really looking forward to it.

    Have fun and all the best, call if you need anything,
    Tish

  4. The origin of the word “Hôtel” is a place where “hôtes” (confusingly, meaning guests as well as hosts) are received. Thus a lodging for travellers, but also the town hall (Mairie) in large cities (Hôtel de ville) and the town’s main hospital (Hôtel-Dieu, literally “God’s hotel”). You will also find many storied “hôtels particuliers” in le Marais – meaning a luxurious city house, housing an aristocratic family and their staff, usually with a courtyard separating the main entrance door from the masters’ dwelling.

    Musée Carnavalet, the Museum of Jewish Art and History and Musée Picasso are famous repurposed “hôtels particuliers” in the neighbourhood where you are staying.

    When le Marais went out of fashion, many of these hôtels particuliers became multi-family dwellings, and the new tenants were anything but wealthy. Many were artisans who used the courtyards to work their craft. A large number of Eastern European Jewish immigrants flocked to the area from the late 19th century – and alas there were many Nazi-era roundups. There was also a Chinese community, but nowadays the major Chinatowns in Paris are elsewhere. Most Jewish Parisians live in other areas as well, but rue des Rosiers and the “Pletzl” have remained important commercial, cultural and touristic hubs for the community.

    Now of course le Marais has become fashionable again, and it also is host to the main Gay Village in Paris.

    That outfit is smashing. Yes, boots are fashionable but heavy to carry on a plane, and what on earth will you do with them in LA? Amusez-vous bien!

    Ha, my verification word is “condo”! Are you planning to buy a little pied-à-terre in Paris?

  5. I’m enjoying this trip vicariously. Hope you keep posting all week. Love to see your outfits, and you look grand!

  6. You are trés chic! In this ensemble you look fantastic in Paris and would look equally stunning in New York.

    I loved learning about the use of the word “Hôtel” in lagatta á Montréal’s comment. You both reminded me of fond memories of visiting this wonderful place.

    Thanks for blogging on your trip.

  7. You look adorable…hope you are having a great time. I’m enjoying your posts. Thanks for taking the time to write and post pictures.

  8. You look so happy Pseu
    Like a kid in Disneyland! Don’t drink too much champagne and then start trying to sharpen knives in the neighborhood…I know you’re tempted!

    You look great, hope things are good at home for the little man..Keep posting!

  9. will you take some photos of the women whose style you’re noticing? this would be a huge help to those of us unable to walk the streets of paris this fall…