Grey Paris......

Grey clouds and drizzly rain all weekend didn't deter me and my daughter ( personal translator ) from  finding this fleamarket at Porte de Vanves on Saturday morning.

Some interesting things but too big to bring back in hand luggage.

So after a quick coffee break....

And a purchase of a monster meringue the size of a dinner plate.....

 We took the bus to Bastille......

 In search of some more French vintage goodies.

 This Brocante stretches out on both sides of the river with individual marquee booths.

Interesting displays but at Paris prices.....

Some more walking and the Palais de Louvre...... still grey and drizzly...umbrellas everywhere.

 By now I was flagging and the prospect of a sit down with a cup of something kept me going.
My daughter suggested Angelina..... famous for its hot chocolate.
Angelina is the equivalent of Betty's Tearoom and naively we thought we would pay it a visit.
But I think all the Parisians had the same idea that day......

The queue was so ridiculously long that we decided we wouldn't be joining them after all......posh hot chocolate or not.

So off again, passed Opera....

To Gallerie Lafayette with its twinkly Christmas lights against the darkening skies...

A quick peek inside at the famous dome ceiling decorated with a massive suspended Christmas tree....

 Then into the Food Hall and out again with this delicious cheese....only the French would think to make a heart shape cheese......

The next day was to be a trip to the Arc de Triomphe.....

Something I was unaware of was the possibility of climbing to the top of this impressive building.

So, 10 euros lighter and a heart attack inducing climb of the spiral staircase, resulted in a panoramic view of Paris...... well worth it for the view even in the rain.....

Then on to Montmartre..... up the furnicular railway to Sacre Coeur with more splendid views over the City.

 

Finally, a well deserved spot of lunch to brighten the miserable weather......

 Taglietelle with langoustine and a parma ham and rocket pizza......very tasty....

Then it was back to the Airport on the RER for me leaving my "baby" behind in Paris....

I now have blisters on my heels and aches in muscles I didn't know I had, but I have had the most fab weekend......think I will have to see Paris in the Spring now.....
Julie x