Dimanche Paris, Journée du Patrimoine, Garde Republicaine

Sunday turned into another 'Tourist Day' but sometimes when you're on a trip, things don't go exactly as planned...hmmm. A lot of you ask how I find out what's on and could I please tell you what to do next September when you're planning to visit. Honestly I get most of my ideas from posters in the Metro. On Sunday musée d'Orsay was having quickie 'free' concerts in their atrium...not so free by the way since you have to buy a ticket to get inside, hmmm. Still the Orchestre de la Garde Republicaine was playing at 11:00 am.

I live near the Garde Republicaine on bd. Henri IV. Every now and then they come out in full regalia on horseback and parade around stopping traffic. Very exciting.

On Journée du Patrimoine I watched them curry the horses etc.

They have an excellent somewhat secret museum inside worth a look if your into toy soldiers or real.

Sunday I raced over to the Orsay

Once inside…

Exactly SIX guards beating drums. That was it. This is not an orchestra in my opinion. C'est la vie. You don't always get what you want.

Last day for the Femmes Photographes 1839 - 1945 at the Orsay so I might as well catch it

Intriguing

Historic photos

By intrepid women. Doesn't this dark, moody interior shot

Remind you of Degas' painting called 'Interiors'? He often used a camera to set up his paintings.

Still feeling a tad disappointed if not in tears.

A hop on the Metro to catch a Sunday matinee. If you want to learn how to tie your scarf, do not be afraid to ride the Metro! An excellent place to pick up Paris fashion trends believe it or not.

I decided to see CAROL but I had an hour to kill before the show.

Nearby - the oldest restaurant in Paris, Le Procope since 1680 on 13,  rue de l'Ancienne Comedie 75006. I've never been and always wanted to try it. I bet some PBers have been here.

I ordered a soupe d'oignon

Plus a salade mixed. Perfect for a pre-matinee lunch. L'addition came to a mere 17,50€

I was surprised how much I enjoyed CAROL. It's atmospheric and filmed like a painting from start to finish. Did you see it? Did you like it oui o non?

Walking home 'tourist mode' kicked in. 

I rarely go inside luxury chocolatier Patrick Roger, but I have to do research for your February Valentine letters right?

I walked out with just 3 chocolates inside their gorgeous signature turquoise bag. Damage done = 2.90€. 

What have I been waiting for? An affordable luxury for sure. 

Only trouble is I ate the chockies before I got to paint them :(

Same ole...same ole. Now I have to go back for more chockies.

Walking home a flash mob of skaters took over boulevarde Saint-Germain. 

That's what's great about Paris. Even when things don't go exactly as planned there are lots of fun surprises.

By the way here is my 'garret'(a top-floor or attic room, especially a small dismal one, traditionally inhabited by an artist) minus 'the bunch of cats' predicted by my dad as my future home. This is the back view. Pas mal non? Mille Merci Dad! ;))