Easter Monday Morning in Paris – Breakfast at Bar de Marche
Easter Monday in Paris started with blue skies that turned into rain.
Umbrellas in hand, we ducked out of the rain at a bistro we found as we started our morning wandering towards the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. In honor of Easter Monday, our goal was to visit this historic site.
But first we needed to feed our hungry bellies!
Description of Bar de Marche from parisinfo.com:
Located at the corner of rue de Seine and rue de Buci, the Bar du Marché (nicknamed BDM by the regulars) is frequented by the boho chic youth of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district…but not only! It seduces all those nostalgic for village and bohemian Paris. A totally assumed “old France” side with its red and white checkered tablecloths and its waiters with the Parisian titi look. The atmosphere is trendy and relaxed and the large terrace of this bistro is very pleasant on summer evenings! You can nibble on finger food made from regional products and sip classic beverages at very reasonable prices!
Breakfast
I ordered Croque Madame Poilane avec Salade.
About this delicious breakfast from thespruceeats.com:
The croque madame sandwich is a variation on the famous croque monsieur. The croque madame is similar to the croque monsieur in almost every way. Both include ham, béchamel, and Gruyère cheese, but the croque madame is topped off with a fried egg “hat.” The runny egg yolk adds a rich sauce to this substantial sandwich.
The toasted bread provides texture, while the cheese, ham, and egg add substance and flavor. It’s a hot sandwich that makes any occasion extra special. Serve a croque madame for breakfast or brunch, or make them for dinner and serve with a salad on the side.
Michael ordered Omelette Jambon avec Salade – a ham and cheese omelette with a side salad.
Galerie Frederic Got
Michael and I discovered a variety of shops along the way.
We stopped at a Frederic Got Gallery or Galerie Frederic Got.
We enjoyed the art of Carlos Mata and Tolla Inbar.
Carlos Mata
About Carlos Mata from leonhardsgallery.com:
Throughout his life, Carlos Mata, who studied at the Academy Of Fine Arts in Barcelona and Paris, was focused on the basic shapes and lines of his subjects. When confronted with his works, one is often surprised by their humble simplicity and peaceful tenderness. A unique patina in beautiful earth tones adorns every piece.
Mata’s stylised depictions of horses and bulls resemble ancient cave paintings and magnificently capture the timeless mystery of prehistoric art. Just like these ancient cave paintings, his work shows the symbolism behind the animal. With stylised lines, he carefully sculpts the idea and essence of the animal, rather than the animal itself. All that remains is its grace and elegance, its strength and pride.
Tolla Inbar
About Tolla Inbar from expressionsartgallery.com:
Tolla is considered one of the top Israeli artists working today. Born in Germany in 1958, Tolla attended the Merz school in Stuttgart until 1971. There she specialized in the art of ceramics and sculpture, developing her skill in an art form that would become a lifelong love story. Between 1977 – 1984 she studied at Bustan Institute and at Avni Institute of Arts, where she worked in stone and wood with well-known Russian sculptors.
During these years of experimentation with varying materials, she transformed her style from realistic and figurative to more expressive and semi-abstract. Tolla describes her artistic process as a “relentless drive to keep creating different expressions of the ancient human spiritual quest for the divine.” This is evident in her rope sculptures which are both unique and naturalistic, balanced and fluid. In combining contrasting materials such as wood, metal, and bronze she is able to reflect tension or what she refers to as “spiritual optimism.”
Tolla’s conviction is that, “our world is mostly composed of light and energy so that theoretically the victory of energy (spirit) over matter is only a question of time.”
Tolla’s works can be found in numerous private collections throughout Germany, France and the United States.
Afghan Girl
A signed Afghan Girl by American photojournalist Steve McCurry .
Ile de la Cite – Natural Island in the Seine River
Ile de la Cite is in the 4th arrondissement. It is one of two natural islands in the Seine River that is remarkably located in the centre of Paris and known to be called the very heart of Paris.
Below is a view of Pont des Arts as we crossed Pont Neuf to Ile de la Cite.
Conciergerie Clock – France’s First Public Clock
A beautiful gilded Conciergerie Clock is hanging on the Clock Tower of the Conciergerie .
It is situated at the junction of Quai de l’Horloge and Boulevard du Palais in the 1st arrondissement of the .
The Conciergerie clock is France’s first public clock.
Notre Dame Cathedral
We turned a corner on Ile de la Cite and beyond the springtime blossoms were the Towers of Notre Dame! Just like that, we were at this historic site and the crowds that went along with it on Easter Monday.
The line ups were much too long for us to wait to go inside the historical cathedral. We had no regrets about this decision.
Ile Saint-Louis – Natural Island in the Seine River
Ile Saint-Louis is also in the 4th arrondissement and is the second of two natural islands in the Seine River.
We walked the narrow streets to discover Taken, a private swingers club.
Pont Marie
Back on Ile de la Cite – A l’Ombre de Notre Dame
Our bellies were rumbling. It was time to eat!
Sudden Downpour Turns to Hail
The Great Canadian Pub
We didn’t enter the pub. This Canadian was excited to see a Canadian pub in Paris!
Paul
I was familiar with the cafe and pastry shop Paul because there is one in Landmark Mall in Doha, Qatar where we live.
Heading Home
After a full day, it was time to head back to our apartment to relax and enjoy some Parisian treats.
Aah… Paris…
S, 🇫🇷
March Break – 2016 – Paris, France
Paris, France – Dinner at Au Chai de L’Abbaye
Paris, France – La Palette,Yann Arthus-Bertrand & Musee d’Orsay
Paris, France – The Louvre Museum
Paris, France – A Rainy Day in The Marais
Paris, France – The Eiffel Tower
Oh the adventures you two lead. So exciting. xox Tish
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