Paris Day 7 - 22 July
Decided to dedicate the morning to exploring some of the covered passages. Had a look at 3 covered passages in the 2nd and edge of 9th arrondisement. My favourite was the Galerie Vivienne which is near the Bourse - pretty upmarket area. Galerie was built in 1823. It has beautiful mosaic floors and a wine shop with huge, very expensive bottles on display. Stephen sent a few photos to Will. I also liked some antiquarian bookshops.
We also visited 2 other well known passages - Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy. I thought they were less interesting although looked as if both were being restored. Both of these also dated from the early 1800's. I gather these were an early form of shopping arcade but most were demolished when Haussmann came along. Lots of ornamentation and lovely glass ceilings. A little more stylish than today's Westfields. Just read the Passage des Panoramas is the oldest of the covered passages - opened in 1800. This looked the most run down, but given its age I guess that is forgiveable.
We were energetic and walked from the 11th to these places in the morning but ended up hopping on a metro around 1pm as getting very warm. Craving something other than cheese or cheese based food for lunch so bought some sushi and ate back at hotel.
Paris has now officially 'activated heat wave level 3 (out of 4)'. Essentially there are more places open for people to cool down as far as I can see and many announcements on the metro to stay hydrated.
Found good fun creperie near the Bastille for dinner tonight. Lovely fresh crepes for both of us, washed down with some Breton Cider (poured into shall drinking bowls - felt very authentic). Walked back along Rue de Lappe - a nightclub street which becomes more interesting at night. Pretty tame actually. Quite a picturesque very old street. Saw a very cute ginger cat on Rue Trousseau (street where hotel is) - high up on a balcony, leaning casually watching the goings on in the street. Don't often see any cats - mainly dogs.
We also visited 2 other well known passages - Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy. I thought they were less interesting although looked as if both were being restored. Both of these also dated from the early 1800's. I gather these were an early form of shopping arcade but most were demolished when Haussmann came along. Lots of ornamentation and lovely glass ceilings. A little more stylish than today's Westfields. Just read the Passage des Panoramas is the oldest of the covered passages - opened in 1800. This looked the most run down, but given its age I guess that is forgiveable.
We were energetic and walked from the 11th to these places in the morning but ended up hopping on a metro around 1pm as getting very warm. Craving something other than cheese or cheese based food for lunch so bought some sushi and ate back at hotel.
Paris has now officially 'activated heat wave level 3 (out of 4)'. Essentially there are more places open for people to cool down as far as I can see and many announcements on the metro to stay hydrated.
Found good fun creperie near the Bastille for dinner tonight. Lovely fresh crepes for both of us, washed down with some Breton Cider (poured into shall drinking bowls - felt very authentic). Walked back along Rue de Lappe - a nightclub street which becomes more interesting at night. Pretty tame actually. Quite a picturesque very old street. Saw a very cute ginger cat on Rue Trousseau (street where hotel is) - high up on a balcony, leaning casually watching the goings on in the street. Don't often see any cats - mainly dogs.
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