Tour de France with the Zs…First Stop Paris

First Night Dining at Le Procope

The Timeless Travelers are on the road again, quite literally, this time with our dear friends Darlene and Michael Ziegenhagen. We met up in Paris, where Darlene and Michael had been visiting longtime friends from their years of living abroad.

The very charming Left Bank Hotel gave us a warm welcome for our 24 hour stay in Paris. With a quick stop to drop our bags (and Doug who needed a nap after an overnight flight in front of a screaming infant), we were faced with an overwhelming array of options for spending our limited time.

Welcoming Lobby of Left Bank Hotel
Michael and Darlene with Doug in Our Lovely Room
Comfortable Hotel Living Room
Lovely Hotel Atrium

With just a brief stay in Paris, we decided to visit the Picasso Museum. It did not disappoint.

Picasso Museum Entrance
Grand Staircase in the Picasso Museum
On the Picasso Museum Rooftop
Interesting Picasso Sculptures
Michael om the Steps to the Top
Darlene and Denise Taking a Break
A Picasso Wall

The next stop was for a brief respite to enjoy the stunning gardens of the Place des Vosges.

Place des Vosges
Stopping for a Rest

Strolling around Le Marais District, we enjoyed incredible falafel from a street vendor and reveled in the lively atmosphere with quaint shops, cafes, and beautiful buildings.

We returned to our hotel and re-joined Doug for a delicious dinner at Le Procope, the oldest cafe in Paris. Seated in our own tiny dining room, we enjoyed three courses of delightful food and gracious, relaxed service.

Le Procope
Our Wonderful Server
Prawns with Avocado
Grilled Bream with Sauteed Zucchini
Bourbon Panna Cotta

Our after-dinner walk took us across the Seine to the incredibly upscale  Samaritaine. With five floors of carefully-curated designer goods, this landmark store offers a truly unique opportunity for “window-shopping.”

Samaritaine

As the setting sun reflected on the Seine, we reflected on our good fortune of safe travel with wonderful friends. We’re truly blessed.

Sunset on the Seine

The next morning we were up early for the next leg of our journey, the TGV from Paris to Avignon and points south where more adventures await.

La Gare Lyon
Waiting for Our TGV to Avignon

5 thoughts on “Tour de France with the Zs…First Stop Paris

  1. hi Denise, Doug and Friends! What a lovely start to your journey, Everything was amazing that you shared and I’ve been to that Museum as well. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your trip and can’t wait to hear and see it through your eyes.

    Karen

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  2. What a wonderful start to a new journey! Love reading your blog and enjoy the amazing photos! Missed you at our the monthly luncheon yesterday, and jealous that you were dining in Paris at the same time!

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