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First off, dinner at L’Aubergeade last night was a triumph. Elaine had foie gras salade, followed by coquilles st jacques (scallops) with creamy cheesy risotto, followed by a molten chocolate cake. I had fried whole anchovies with aioli, followed by delicious steak tartare (for you raw beef fans) and frites, followed by French brie de melun. A total treat in a neighborhood bistro filled with locals, most of them regulars. The staff and ambiance were great, and a good time was had by all.
Thursday weather was predicted to be like Wednesday – cloudy morning followed by a sunny afternoon. The meteorologists were on target again.
DOWNER: We walked to Gare d’Austerlitz and took the RER to the Eiffel Tower. Elaine had never been up due to her fear of heights. Having worked to combat the fear with some success, she was determined to go the top on this trip. We had pre-booked entry tickets for 10:30. At 10:30, no elevator. At 10:45, no elevator. At 11:00 no elevator as the line grew longer and longer. No info provided. Finally I asked. “Ah, it is broken”. When will it be fixed? “No idea”. We waited a few more minutes as people started abandoning the line. We gave up at 11:15. (Getting a refund on my on-line purchase will be possible only by sending an official form to the company and wait for a response. Hah!) So basically, c’est La France; c’est normale!
UPPER: We trekked by foot to the Arc de Triomphe and then decided to head to the Grand Palais where there a three day exhibition of photography (Paris Photo) from famous photographers all over the world. 30 euro to get in and a long line. Ugh. We braved the line (which moved quickly) and paid our fees. The exhibition was HUGE. It was worth the money and the wait. There were exhibits by photographers from everywhere including Robert Mapplethorpe and Annie Leibovitz. We wandered around for quite awhile enjoying the exhibits and stopped for a quick lunch inside: ham & cheese sandwich (on delicious French bread!) and chips .
Then it was back on the metro back to our hotel for a well deserved nap. Dinner tonight will be on the fly in the neighborhood with a report tomorrow. Our train to Barcelona leaves at 7:15 AM, so we’ll be early risers.
I don’t know about Kris but I gained 5 pounds just. Reading about dinner. Was that around the corner from Notre. Dame? Looks quite familiar from my one and only time albeit a week there!
Loved the Eiffel Tower try, you go girl! How many steps to have climbed? I remember 232 to do Bunker Hill!
Weather looks manageable. Still gorgeous here but rest if country in Polar Plunge they are calling it.
Ciao….oh no, wrong country!!!
A long long walk from Notre Dame to the restaurant. And 300 (or so) steps to level 2 of the Eiffel over, 704 to the top. By the way, the Washington Monument is 898 steps. Bunker Hill is a cakewalk.
No gypsies? Out of season?
Photography exhibit looks fantastic, but I must say you guys are intrepid. Not sure I would have waited in line all that time for a 30 Euro ticket! Each?
Elaine, next time the elevator to the top of the Tower will be working. The Force knew you were not quite ready!
Onward!
A few gypsies, easy to avoid. And the exhibit was 30 euros each. If you want to see it, it will be in LA for three days in early May.
I was sad that you could not get in the Tower Elaine. The views from it are amazing. You will get there again I am quite sure. Looks like you are once again enjoying the food on your travels. The meals sound wonderful. Loving the pictures Joe! Love CiCi