PARIS X COLLEGE ROOMMATE!
One of the benefits of living in Montpellier is that we are a mere 3 ½ hour train ride away from Paris.
Our decision to live here was partially predicated on the fact that we could venture to Paris anytime we wanted, meet friends there, see special events or just enjoy the city. So, when I received an email from my college friend and roommate Julie saying she would be there with her daughter Claire, one would think bells would go off in my head.
No. Russ had to interrupt me reading the email to him and say – GO.
MICHIGAN
PARIS WANDERINGS
ROAD TRIP
I popped on the train, arrived in Paris, and was greeted enthusiastically in the hotel lobby by Jules and Claire arriving back from coffee. Voila, the adventure begins. Drop bags, venture to Julie and Claire’s room, gussy ourselves up and off to lunch.
Claire, the true nexus of this trip, then left us for work. Her fluent French gained in no small part from a year of college spent in Paris, yielded a high- powered job with an international company. Julie and I were just tagging along for the ride.
ADVENTURE
Since we had lunched, it was time to do coffee, Nespresso-styled. My local Montpellier store no longer carried my preferred coffee mugs nor did online. Horrors! Hedging my bets, I brought a huge suitcase for a 3-day trip to Paris, banking on the fact that the Paris store near the hotel would still have my beloved mug in stock.
nespresso
The Coffee Store Quest
It’s good to have a quest, particularly when one accomplishes the goal. The Paris store did not disappoint and I now had the world’s heaviest suitcase with 8 boxed mugs, expertly packed with volumes of stuffing.
Not to be outdone, Julie laid in a supply of Nespresso coffee to take home to the states. In case you wonder why buy coffee in Paris, it’s all elemental. The sleeves were already about 50% less than in the US, and Julie had a card member discount available, plus the additional discount of the VAT tax. Julie knows a bargain when she sees one!
The Sarrians Effect
And how did Julie have such insight into French bargains? Julie and Sherri lived in Sarrians, France for the good part of a year not long ago. Not only did they make great French friends, but ever the prudent shopper, Julie learned the ins and outs of French products. Which leads to our next adventure – the mecca of French art supply stores, Sennelier.
I AM ARTISTICALLY CHALLENGED
I know nothing about art supplies except they are cool. I make great stick figures. I’m sure the lovely paints or chalks or whatever’s from Sennelier would liven up my attempts at art but Julie can actually create masterpieces. Here’s an unfinished piece from her flower series:
Working woman arrives
Claire met us at Sennelier and we trotted off to dinner. Dinner provided yet another photo op and here’s my favorite picture of Claire from our time together.
And the perfect nightcap, a boat cruise on the Seine. As always, the iron lady was the main attraction.
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Musée d’Orsay
The next morning, we were off to the Musée d’Orsay for the John Singer Sargent special exhibit. It was lovely and what an insight into changing norms. Can you believe this portrait was scandalous? Originally, one of Madame X’s straps draped off of her shoulder, sending society into a real tizz.
The Musée d’Orsay Crew
When in Paris…shop
All that shopping works up an appetite and not only was dinner on the agenda, but more friends. Monique and Annie, friends of Julie’s from Sarrians, made the pilgrimage to Paris to see Julie and Claire.
A Farewell Dinner
From cocktail hour to a little restaurant called Le Jardin Saint-Germain for dinner. You definitely needed reservations because it was teeny tiny.
I had the honor of sitting across from Annie for the evening. I’m proud to say that we were fast friends by the end of the evening. Julie has to come back to France soon so that I can visit both Annie and Monique in Sarrians or I may just grab Russ and do it on my own!
Dinner served as the handoff of Julie and Claire to the capable hands of Monique and Annie for the rest of their stay. That meant I had a day to explore before my train left for Montpellier in the afternoon. Notre Dame with its newly renovated interior was calling my name.
Notre Dame
Restoration
The restoration work on the church was fabulous. My recollection from years before was of a dark interior. See how light the stonework is now.
Fire
The above gives you an idea of how hot the fire was, it is the original rooster that was at the top of the church spire.
Colors
Vibrant colors throughout the church showed off the meticulous restoration work.
A Colorful Quest
Quest #3
After Notre Dame, I was off to find a colorful pair of gloves to match my fabulous new winter coat. Julie had googled up a store that only Paris could have – Gantier. Gant means gloves – the shop was totally devoted to GLOVES!
Limitless choices.
Drumroll…
Matching the cuffs of the coat.
MISSION COMPLETE
Denouement
The rest of the day went by in a blur. First a stop at LeNemours, Russ and my favorite people watching café. Followed by a quick trip through Galeries Lafayette and Printemps to buy Russ a scarf. Then lugging my impossibly heavy suitcase from the hotel to the train station. And to my amazement, figuring out where my seat was on the first try and simply enjoying the ride home.
Russ texted me when I was 10 minutes away from the Montpellier St. Roch train station, offering to order my dinner if I wished to meet him. How lovely! Paris, as Audrey Hepburn famously said, is always a good idea but home is where the heart is.
How fun!
Notre Dame looks amazing. It wasn’t open yet the last time we were in Paris, in 2023. I think we definitely need to return!
You know that every time I read your blog, I just want to look for flights over. And I will, but not just yet. One more medical hurdle to jump….
It will be great fun when you get here! Keep the faith and sending good vibes.
Sounds like perfect girlfriend getaway!
Karen,
We had great fun and Russ was such a good sport to stay home and care for the girls!
Leslie
Oh Leslie, what a fantastic adventure! It’s doubtful I’ll ever get to Paris, but I get to live it thru your eyes – so thank you for sharing all this!! Your smiling face says it all.
Trish,
Love your comments and hope one day that I can show you Paris!
love,
Leslie
I truly enjoy reading your blogs. Makes me realize I honored I am to say I know you!
MarkO
Hi Mark,
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I’m lucky to have a friend like you!
Leslie
Oh my gosh! I was with you through your energized narration! How fun to be together with Julie and her family and friends. You two must have lit up Paris with your laughter and appreciation for all things French. Those gloves!!!! Yes please! Thank you for including us in your adventures, Leslie!
Amy,
Anytime Julie’s in the mix, it’s a grand adventure! Thank you for reading and commenting. You’re the best!
Leslie
Love to both of my sisters! What a fun adventure to read about – so happy you both connected again (and with the always lovely Claire).
Kristina,
We had great fun!
Leslie
What a fun adventure! I felt like I was along for the ride!
I first thought, “Leslie’s going to hit Paris and only buy coffee pods”, but au contraire, you got a beautiful coat and gloves! Way to go!
The Notre Dame pictures a wonderful. I love that they saved the melted rooster. Such a piece of art
Patty,
I loved the rooster as well! Thank you for reading and taking the time to give me your feedback!!!
Leslie
Notre Dame and the Musée d’Orsay look beautiful of course, but the coat… FABULOUS!
Hi Laurie,
You made my day!
L
What a delightful recap of a delightful trip!
Sandy,
Thank you! Coming from someone who has an amazing blog, this means so much!
Leslie