Friday 18 October:
We had a 130pm lunch reservation at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse (our favorite splurge). We got up a little later than planned and headed to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Medaille-Miraculeuse (Chapel of the Miraculous Metal) because we have a few loved ones battling health issues. It was quietly bustling in the chapel. I’m a non-believer but truly appreciate that others have strong faith. It was gratifying to see the reverence and faith on display in this pretty chapel. No one was obnoxious, which could so easily happen.
We stopped in the gift shop, got the metals and explanatory pamphlets, and headed out. We spent a few minutes at La Grande Epicerie de Paris for cans of sardines and foie gras, and made a quick walk through Le Bon Marche because we’d never been in there before (won’t be back, either--too expensive! and not as pretty as Galleries Lafayette, in my opinion).
We didn’t have time to walk back to Le Meurice or to tour Musee Maillol, which had been the plan, so took the Metro to Solferino. We came out to the most gorgeous skies and incredible view of Sacre Couer (and fond memories of having taken the Metro to/from this stop every day for a week in 2017).
We walked down these pretty streets (I just love walking in Paris) and took the Passerelle Leopold Sedar Senghor (stupid locks) across the river into the Tuileries.
There were modern art displays in the gardens, and loads of people wandering about, smiling, playing, snapping pictures. A delightful scene!
We didn’t have time to walk back to Le Meurice or to tour Musee Maillol, which had been the plan, so took the Metro to Solferino. We came out to the most gorgeous skies and incredible view of Sacre Couer (and fond memories of having taken the Metro to/from this stop every day for a week in 2017).
We walked down these pretty streets (I just love walking in Paris) and took the Passerelle Leopold Sedar Senghor (stupid locks) across the river into the Tuileries.
There were modern art displays in the gardens, and loads of people wandering about, smiling, playing, snapping pictures. A delightful scene!
We arrived at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse and were immediately pleased. This was our fourth time at this restaurant and each time improves upon the last. The dining room is just gorgeous with sumptuous, Versailles-like décor; the chairs are super comfortable Saarinen Tulips; the service is professional but not overbearing; the food is delicious; and this year, the wine pairing was a welcome addition. We loved everything about this experience and will definitely continue this tradition!
After lunch, we decided to go to the Orsay. It’s my favorite museum and we generally go at least once every time we’re in Paris but skipped last year (only revisited the Marmottan). We were not planning to go this year but we read about the changes to the Post-Impressionist rooms and decided to check it out. At 4pm, there was no line for tickets and we were in the Degas at the Opera exhibit around 415pm. It was crowded in there. We didn’t feel it was as well done as the Toulouse Latrec exhibit but we enjoyed it.
Next we went up to the Impressionists gallery, which I simply adore. All of my favorites, except one, were there, with few people to mess up my enjoyment. Missing was L’Evasion de Rochefort by Manet. I believe it’s somewhere in the Orsay and will seek it next visit. The new Post-Impressionist rooms were pretty crowded but much better than their previous location. Going at the end of the day works well for us and is a natural pairing with lunch Le Meurice (I do love our little traditions).
We took the RER to St. Michel Notre Dame and wandered by the cathedral before grabbing a spot in the bar at Au Bougnat. We happily drank and munched there for a few hours before heading back to Passy (from the Hotel de Ville Metro stop so I could gape at that beautiful edifice).
It was a fabulous day in Paris!
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