We explored a bit today, with our first stop in one of the Louvre’s courtyards. Always beautiful! We walked toward the Bibliothèque Nationale and found several covered passages, dating to the early 1800’s. They were an early form of shopping center, with glass atrium windows, mosaic floors, carved wood frames around windows and doors, and filled with ateliers full of artisans goods.
We walked to the Hotel de Ville, with 2024 Paris Olympic flags still flying, and then over to the Notre Dame. We circled the Notre Dame, reading about all the work that has been done over the past four years. There is still work to be done, and the whole cathedral was crawling with craftsmen.
We met our friend and neighbor, Dominique, for lunch at Cafe Le Bonaparte. She and Romain live in Paris full time, and their home in Lectoure is a second home. We enjoyed every moment with Dominique and had a delicious lunch. After we parted, Papa and I peaked in Eglise Saint-Germain des Pres. It has a beautifully painted interior. We stopped at Saint Sulpice a couple of blocks south - another beautiful Eglise, on our way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. I love watching the children guide their boats on the pond.
We returned from our walkabout, through the Jardin du Palais Royal. We stopped for an almond croissant along the way. The afternoon was sunny and warm with everyone enjoying the outdoors. A good day!
