Paris: Flanerie Part 1

paris cafe 7th eme

I usually try to spend my first day in a new time zone walking outside as much as possible. And that’s what I did yesterday, mostly, aided by some absolutely gorgeous weather. Cool, but pleasant. I did meet up with Tish of A Femme for lunch at this cafe. We had a lovely visit, made utterly delightful by an adjacent table of older French women who were a bit “in their cups” after a carafe of two of wine. They were having a great time, talking, giggling and flirting with the young waiter (who also seemed to be enjoying himself). It was a perfect way to start my visit. Tish as usual was lovely and we always enjoy catching up. I’ll be seeing her again later this week.

I gave myself a gift of sleeping in a bit today. Josephine from Chic At Any Age will be here in less than an hour, and I’m sure we’ll get up to lots of adventures.

In the meantime, some snaps from yesterday’s Paris flanerie…

fishmonger in Paris

holiday greenery in Paris

coming soon - dog salon in Paris

Parisians love their dogs and take them almost everywhere, including shops and restaurants. At the cafe, there was a family at another table with a beautiful and well-behaved little Cavalier that reminded me of my Coco. (The sign translates: Never Without My Dog.)

cutest bulldog ever, Paris

And this little guy, who was enjoying being carried around a crowded store by his Person.

Robert Clergerie brogues at Bon Marche

Fanciful brogues at le Bon Marché.

fun eyewear in Paris

Always enjoy the eyewear here…

Paris streets with Christmas lights

holiday lights in Paris

I’ll stop here. I’ve decided to do an entire post dedicated to chocolate shop windows toward the end of my visit.

Have a lovely day!

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27 Comments

  1. Looks like fun!
    Check out Pierre Marcolini for chocolates. He’s Belgian (they have the best chocolate anyway) and after extensive research I can vouch that he has some of the best. Plus his shops are like a cross between a high-end jeweler and a very hip club. Four locations in Paris.

    1. Hi Lisa, we tend to stay in different areas each time to explore different parts of the city. I’m staying in the 7th this time, one of my favorite areas.

  2. I can’t get enough of the hot chocolate of Jacques Genin or the chocolates of Patrick Roger. But luckily any chocolate boutique will send you swooning.

  3. You make this time of year seem the perfect time to visit Paris! A couple of suggestions — visit the restaurant Le Train Bleu located inside the Gare de Lyon train station for lunch or drinks and enjoy the amazing frescos on the ceiling and the architecture (we thought very interesting liaisons and business deals were being discussed in the very high backed wingtip armchairs pulled closely together in the back!). And of course, this time of year it would be lovely to stop in for some Angelina’s Hot Chocolate — you won’t need to eat anything else all day!

  4. Oh, you can never get too much of Paris! It is such a visual treat that I can walk for hours looking in windows. The chocolate shops and pâtisseries are works of art in every season but I’m sure that the avant-Noel period must be exquisite. I wish that dogs were as welcome in shops and cafés at home.
    Enjoy!

  5. love the photos! Are you having to wear your puffer coat b/c of the cold? So at the risk of sounding like an idiot–are you completely fluent in French? (I wish I were….) or like most of us do you stumble along with a few phrases?

    1. No, not completely fluent. Especially with spelling. 😉 Between my French and their English, I’m having no trouble. Yes, have been wearing puffer coat but find I often don’t need to zip it during the days. It’s been quite pleasant so far.

    1. Greta, thanks. I’ll try to do that as much as possible going forward. Most of these were taken around the 7th, several on rue de Bac.

    1. Hi Gloria, I’ll post about the hotel at the end of the trip. It’s in the 7th, very good location for getting around.

  6. Oh I had lunch at that very same spot when I was in Paris…
    just love seeing these images and am imagining all the fun that you are having and such a delight meeting up with other bloggers.
    Enjoy…

    1. That’s so funny! When I looked at the photo again, I realized that it was Nemrod. When I rented the apartment of Rue du Church-Midi, it was my favourite neighbourhood restaurant. Susan, we took a gourmet food tour in that area. It was really interesting and included visits to several pâtisseries and food shops in the neighbourhood.

  7. Thank you for extending our Paris stay this way — you’re staying very close to where we were, I’m sure, and we ate at Le Nemrod a few times. . . . looks as if you’re having a marvellous time. Isn’t Paris December wonderful!

  8. Susan, you are making me want to turn around, head to the airport and catch the next plane back to Paris. Instead, I’ll have to amuse myself by preparing for the annual Buche de Noel for Christmas dessert, getting my brioche and macaron ingredients together and we will have a French family Christmas! In the meantime, I’ll just return by reading your adventures and looking at the great pics!! Happy Flaneuring!

  9. Beautiful photographs Susan! Thanks for sharing I feel like I am there as well!! I have never been to Paris, but following your travels now I feel I now it a bit.

  10. Thank you for the lovely photographs. I especially enjoy the night shots that show the Christmas street decorations put up, as I understand it, by the City of Paris. I could spend all of my non-eating, non-sleeping time in Paris walking the city.

  11. Our favorite part of the city for staying! Perfect for “leche vitrine”, or window shopping! There’s a fabulous Mephisto store nearby, around rue du Four, where they stock styles never seen in the States.

    Enjoy to the fullest!

  12. I love all the pictures! Paris for Christmas! Sigh……….I have only been once, in May. I was in heaven!! I spent hours walking the streets. It was my dream vacation. Enjoy every second!