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Saturday, May 18, 2024

Birthday πŸŽ‚ Lunch in Nantes

 Nantes is not a bad place to spend your birthday πŸŽ‰ πŸŽ‚ πŸ₯³

Especially when you dream of plateau de mer 

At least 1 X a month because of dozens of clams eaten in Surf City, NJ. as a kid. Things like that you don’t forget.
I figured out by trial & error how to eat a plateau de mer. Put the seafood on the big white plate. De-shell it. Then toss shells into the bowl under the plateau. *Another trick. Avoid the packets of chemical hand cleanser. Use instead the lemon πŸ‹ slices - much nicer & fresher smelling hands ✋ 
I miss seeing classic l’assiette de cruditΓ©s on the menu nowadays so I couldn’t resist
After lunch I headed 
Across town (Jules Verne is one of Nantes most famous residents).
To the Petit Beurre shop, La Friande - Lu.
A long walk but not disappointing - so many adorable souvenirs.
I was temped but ended up with Brittany sardines with algae and sarrasin crackers of all things.
You fall into wondrous places in Nantes, like this drop dead gorgeous candy shop! Their ice cream 🍦 chariot drew me inside πŸ™ 
They have 5 shops in Nantes. The actual name is Debotte
They sent me on to 
The divine Passage Pommeraye. Yes, that’s an Urban Sketcher drawing ✍️ on the floor.
I stopped for a cuppa ☕️ in Tea salon La Passagere
Time to catch my breath & doodle. These sturdy English teapots πŸ«– (from RAK) are de rigueur in Nantes FYI.
Their pastries are Paris caliber πŸ‘Œ
Tiles in the Passage
Nantes is kind of a dream city. There are very few stop πŸ›‘ lights. You cross the street an all traffic stops, including 🚴‍♀️! People care ❤️ about human life in this city 🀷‍♀️ 
Many of the streets are pedestrian 🦢 only.
All transportation is FREE on the weekend! Who does that?
True, they are Very crowded 
This afternoon I’m headed to the train station sadly…just an overnite in Nantes.
I’m Carol Gillott, an artist living in Paris. Every month I send out beautifully illustrated letters that capture the true Parisian experience. Sign up to receive these whimsical treasures in the mail.
Thanks for reading❤️
Or you can buy me a birthday πŸ₯³ Ko-fi ☕️ 🀸‍♂️
More Nantes tales coming.

Tbc.

51 comments:

  1. Seahorsey6:22 AM

    Happy birthday to you. Mine is this month as well.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:28 AM

      Aren’t Taureans the BEST πŸ‘

      Delete
  2. Happy Birthday! Now you are my 3rd friend with a May 18 birthday. Looks like you celebrated well!

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    1. Anonymous7:24 AM

      Bonne Anniversaire Beth πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:28 AM

      We all need to celebrate 🎊 Norwegian Independence day 🀸‍♂️

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:52 PM

      It’s my birthday today, too… Bonne Anniversaire all you fellow Taureans!

      Delete
  3. Oh, now I just spent over an hour looking at train fares and hotels in Nantes! You make everywhere you go so appealing with your photos and sketches. Did you see Les Machines de l'Isle? Have a super birthday and a safe trip home.

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    1. Anonymous7:27 AM

      Just back from the elephant 🐘 its free. No ticket required & I wasted 30 minutes online before finding out. I think they keep it a secret on purpose 😳
      This is a FUN townπŸ‘

      Delete
  4. Anonymous7:30 AM

    We wish you a happy birthday from Madrid! Beatriz πŸ’‹

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  5. Bonnie L7:54 AM

    What a fabulous place to spend your birthday, Carol! I think you must have special radar to find the BEST places, like that candy shop, the Lu biscuit shop, that plateau de mer! It would have been difficult for me to leave town without that Lu biscuit tea pot in my suitcase. You’ve made me want to visit Nantes. Happy travels home.

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  6. How wonderful! Have a fabulous birthday! May your celebrations continue for at least another month and be as fun and tasty as this day!

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    1. Anonymous2:28 AM

      Thank you Jeanie ❤️
      Bonnie says I have a week to celebrate πŸ₯³

      Delete
  7. Anonymous8:04 AM

    What a wonderful birthday present to yourself. Mine is today and it's pouring here in Pennsylvania. Oh, what do I do???

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    1. Anonymous2:30 AM

      Hmm πŸ€”
      I don’t believe in letting the weather determine my mood.
      Rain is essential for flowers 🌸
      Go buy yourself a bouquet πŸ’
      Guaranteed to lift your spirits 🀸‍♂️

      Delete
  8. Anonymous8:48 AM

    Nantes looks like a great place to visit, especially on your birthday. So civilized and people friendly!! Looking forward to your art work that flows from this visit. Happy Birthday!

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  9. Anonymous8:50 AM

    Happy Birthday! What a fun place to go. Thanks for sharing:)

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  10. Anonymous8:50 AM

    Happy Birthday Carol, I hope it's filled with lots of laughter!

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  11. Anonymous8:59 AM

    Happy Birthday, Carol - and many more adventures! πŸŽ‚ from Marge M

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    1. Anonymous2:31 AM

      Thank you Marge ❤️
      I got special Nantes cards just for you πŸ‘

      Delete
  12. Happy birthday and year:) Nantes looks so pretty..I have a few souvenirs..but bought in Provence;)

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:33 AM

      There is always next time Monique
      France has a lot to offer
      France is not just Provence πŸ₯°

      Delete
  13. Margaret9:44 AM

    We just returned from 2 weeks in France - Paris, Bandol, Aix-enP - and now I have to get back on the plane for Nantes. Thank you once again Carol for introducing me to a place that I knew nothing about!looking forward to buying a Nantes watercolor to further whet my appetite!

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    1. Anonymous2:35 AM

      Definitely get back on that plane Margaret πŸ‘
      I have to go back to see the Jules Verne museum & Beaux Arts museum 🎨
      Plus to get another milk chocolate ice cream 🍦

      Delete
  14. Anonymous10:25 AM

    Happy Birthday! πŸ’Your posts always feel like a short trip to Paris or France. Love these travel pockets during the week.

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  15. Dee Ann10:28 AM

    Happy Birthday

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    1. Anonymous2:37 AM

      Thank you DeeAnn,
      I am wearing your neckerchief
      OK, it’s a pretty table napkin I folded over…

      Delete
  16. Anonymous11:03 AM

    Happy Birthday Carol! Thanks for sharing Nantes with us. Looks wonderful and a great place to spend your birthday. As always your photos make me feel like I am right there with you. Your attention to detail is much appreciated. Merci.- Suzanne P.

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    1. Anonymous2:15 PM

      Thanks so much Suzanne P. ❤️ so nice to hear that πŸ₯°

      Delete
  17. What a wonderful post sharing your birthday highlights, and so many of them. Such a good eye to bring us bits of your sightings. Thanks.

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    1. Anonymous2:39 AM

      Thanks Peggy
      Because of PBers I must get out & discover the city πŸ—Ί️

      Delete
  18. Anonymous12:28 PM

    Happy Birthday, Carol! Glad you enjoyed a celebratory trip! (I'm an April Taurean)

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:40 AM

      I didn’t know that.
      You get the best of both months.

      Delete
  19. Anonymous12:40 PM

    Another Taurus girl sending her best wishes for the coming year. You make our days brighter and happier. Merci .

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    1. Anonymous2:45 AM

      Parisbreakfast attracts Taureans ❤️
      Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions.
      The moon is in Virgo.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous1:02 PM

    Love this!! Happy Birthday! Patty, Minneapolis

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:16 PM

      Thank you Patty in Minneapolis ❤️

      Delete
  21. Anonymous1:14 PM

    I’m impressed with Nantes. It is charming and I adore the shops. I could live there. Lynne

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    1. Anonymous1:15 PM

      Coming back to Paris today felt uncivilized after Nantes 😳

      Delete
  22. Anonymous1:46 PM

    Happy birthday dear Carol. Lovely way to spend your very special day. Nantes is a beautiful city. Don't miss Queen Anne de Bretagne castle right in the middle of the city. From there, you can take a train to Saint Marc sur Mer, a half hour ride and you can visit L'hΓ΄tel de M. Hulot, popular thanks to comedian Jacques Tati, Pornichet, La Baule-Escoubliac and Le Marais Salants de GuΓ©rande, but then you'll need more than one night., Gros bisou ,Isabelle

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    1. Anonymous2:18 PM

      What great tips Isabelle ❤️
      I almost went to the chateau today but train time was getting close.
      I would kill to see anything M. Hulot-related. I’m a big fan ❤️

      Delete
  23. Happy Birthday! Thank you for the little trip!

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    1. Anonymous11:32 AM

      You’re welcome Cindy 🀸‍♂️

      Delete
  24. Mary in Oregon8:06 PM

    Belated Birthday Greetings, Carol ! My daughter's birthday is Monday, the 20th! No wonder your personality traits are similar to hers!!! I will remember to be sure to visit the Elephant! I did a mini-reportage of the Mechanical Village of Jules Vernes in Nantes! Not to be missed was the last phrase I used! Who knew it was meant for you, too!

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    1. Anonymous11:33 AM

      Oooo where is your Jules Verne reportage Mary πŸ™

      Delete
  25. Anonymous1:28 AM

    Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Vicki

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    1. Anonymous1:30 AM

      I think it motivates me to do more things…instead of sleeping in or ✍️ drawing in my room 😍

      Delete
  26. Anonymous11:30 AM

    OH, CAROL, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WISHING YOU ANOTHER WONDERFUL YEAR. HOW BLESSED WE ARE TO BE CONNECTED TO YOU! THANK YOU FOR EVERY DAY BRINGING JOY AND INTRIGUE INTO OUR LIVES!!! πŸŽ‚ CARLA ❤️

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  27. Anonymous1:52 PM

    What a perfect way to spend your birthday!!! Given your love of seafood, I can’t imagine a better place. Carolyn

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    1. Anonymous11:21 PM

      πŸ˜‹ Thanks Carolyn ❤️ Brittany is the place πŸ¦ͺ 🐌 πŸ¦€

      Delete
  28. Anonymous10:48 PM

    Happy Birthday Carol

    ReplyDelete
  29. A belated happy birthday to you, Carol. What a lovely way to spend it - looked all lovely, including the sweet shops and teatime but best of all - the plateau de fruits de mer! Cheers x

    ReplyDelete

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