Today I went for a bit of walk around Le Marais and as it was my Dad’s favourite place in Paris I ventured off to the George Pompidou centre of art. I had my first ( made in France) croissant it was so much better than what most Australian pastry shops pump out. I am not sure how the French would have rated it but I loved it. It was from a boulangerie on my street. I went in and had my first positive experience with my very limited French speaking skills. She was nearly as lovely as the croissant. When I was a kid Dad used to drive a couple of suburbs away to get Mum croissants on Mothers day. Todays croissant reminded me of them! I will be back to her shop again. It started my day off with happy memories and a smile.
I hadn’t looked at the website for the Pompidou centre so I got there long before their opening time of 11am. As it was too early for most places to be open I turned around to come back to the apartment. Had my first French beggar conversation , well he talked and I said that “i don’t understand”. He was harmless enough! Went to a much friendlier supermarket to get a few more supplies for the fridge , a lovely French African boy helped me , while kindly smiling at my very bad language skills, he said “you’re welcome” at the end so I probably could have spoken English to him, but I am trying not to . I will definitely be going back to that one. Hope he is there again.
Three police motorcycles , a marked police car and a plain car with very handsome suited police (one with a wrist band hanging out the window that said “police)” stopped traffic and made their way past where I was walking. Would have loved to have followed them to find out what was so important!
The Pompidou centre was amazing, sadly the museum of modern art was closed for upgrading , I’ll just have to go back next time I am in Paris :D. I got the audio guide. That was really interesting, I have never used one before but I will be getting them again. It took 3 hours to look at all the art and shops. Then I had lunch at the restaurant at the top of the centre. It wasn’t cheap but the food was really good and it was amusing that there were staff smoking as they worked. I wouldn’t be going back in a hurry but I am glad I went..
My first close (ish) view of the Eiffel tower. I thought it would be more “in your face” than it actually is
What some people may say about me. 😉
Some street art near the Pompidou centre
I am not normally the “take a photo of a cat” type person but this cat looked so chilled and happy to be living where it does that I just had to take a photo.
I should have written down the details of this piece but it was someone’s feminine take of a male artists famous piece of art.
This room was lots of felt on a wall. There was a great story on the audio about it . I should have written that down as well!
I really liked this piece. It is simple but says so much. To me it reminded me of how much kids love bosoms
This was an installation that to me was representing Parisian life. Everyone living in multi storey buildings able to have glimpses into the lives of the people in the other multi storey buildings.
There is a very funny French man who works at the Carlisle Street Wine Bar in Melbourne. A couple of the phrases that he said I must know came in very handy today. I am so grateful. He also recommended a Champagne called Veuve Chabert. The nice supermarket stocks it so I will indulge in it a couple of times whilst I am here.
Champagne corks seem to pop louder in France! maybe, they lose gas on their long trip to Australia? Today has been such a better day than yesterday people have been much more welcoming .
Down and up the stairs 4 times so far today. The last trip up was rather painful 😉
Tomorrow it is off to Reims . (pronounced Rance) I could ask them about the loudness of the pop!
Maybe it is just the walls of a 17th century building that makes it go pop so loudly.
Abientot
Bron Voyage 
Great blogging Bron. Beautifully written and funny. Have a wonderful time in Ronz
Tres charmant! I especially liked the auditory image of champagne corks popping louder in Paris. The restaurant at the top of the Pompidou centre has one of the best views in the city and some of the most expensive food. My last meal there (for 50 euros) consisted of a salad with some lovely soft white cheese, a roll and a class of chardonnay! Still, eating that whilst viewing Sacre Coeur, the Eiffel Tower and all the rooftops of Paris was great. Can’t wait to hear your tales of Reims!
Try the canteen on the top floor of Galleries Lafayette, then head out to the rooftop for an amazing view of the city, over L’Opera Garnier.
I will thanks Deb, I have been a little disappointed by the whole shopping experience so far. Thanks for the tip. I appreciate all the tips 😀