Paris | Day 2

We couldn't have asked for better weather during our time here. Today it was sunny and in the high 50s, low 60s—gorgeous!

We started the morning with our "usual" baguette from one of the local bakeries, and then walked over to the Montparnasse Metro stop to catch the train up to Porte de Cligancourt, where some of the largest, best known flea markets are held. These are something wholly unlike anything I've seen in the states...it's like a mixture of DC's Eastern Market and street vendors from NYC. It's this amazing high-low mesh of bric-a-brac and actual treasures. My gem for the day? Gorgeous brown boots. I've been suffering from severe boot envy since we landed in Europe. :-)

[fountain at Marche Dauphin, one of the markets]


From the markets we walked on to Montmartre, a hilltop neighborhood home to Sacre-Coeur, a gorgeous cathedral overlooking all of Paris. It was quite the climb, but the time spent in the church was well worth it. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take any pictures of the inside, but from these shots of the outside, you can imagine that they didn't skimp on the interior.

[climbing through Montmartre]



[sacre coeur]






[view from SC]


After some reflection (and rest), we braved the crowds of school children and walked down the hill and through a more touristy section of the neighborhood and then south towards Pigalle, home of the Moulin Rouge. Since we were there during the day, we weren't witness to any sexcapades, but you definitely got a sense of what the district can be when night falls.

From Pigalle, we stumbled down through the Nouvelle Athenes district to Opera, the district that is home to the Palais Garnier Opera House. While in Athenes we stopped to grab a [much-recommended] banana and nutella crepe, and ate our tasty lunch in the garden just outside Sainte Trinite.

[sainte trinite]



[opera house]


So...through Opera we went and then hopped on the train to head back to the Montparnasse area and hang out at Cafe Odessa so that we would be in close proximity to our dinner spot. The cafe was very quaint and we enjoyed some warm beverages while reading and watching the lively passerby.

[heath, reading marilyn robinson's "home"]


Now, for what ended up being the main event of our day: Dinner at La Cerisaie, one of our Michelin guide recommendations. It's important to point out that our concierge, Gerard, worked his butt off to get us this reservation, which he didn't hesitate to point out to Heath. We understood what he meant when we arrived...the restaurant only seats roughly 20 people at a total of about 7 tables. We were one of the few parties not sharing "personal space" with another couple. It may sound cramped, but it was absolutely charming. Our waitress helped translate a few of the things on the menu and our fantastic meal included...
1st Courses: escargot w/ chorizo, cochon pate
Main Dishes: "black pork" with fava beans, duck with white asparagus
Desserts: Chocolate tart with chocolate ice cream, rhubarb-apple compote with vanilla ice cream and some unknown crumble

It was DELICIOUS! Paired with a spicy wine, it was a fantastic meal. Afterwards, we strolled back to the hotel. Day 2 had less on the "to-do" list, but it still felt like a full day that we thoroughly enjoyed.

[our petit restaurant]