Paris, France – Easter Monday in Paris, Ile de la Cite – The Heart of Paris, Notre Dame and Ile Saint-Louis

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!

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement
March 28th, 2016 – Paris, France – Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche – 6th Arrondissement
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement
It was pouring rain as we stepped inside for some breakfast

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement - I order Croque Madame Poilane avec Salade
I order Croque Madame Poilane avec Salade

Michael ordered Omelette Jambon avec Salade – a ham and cheese omelette with a side salad.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement - Michael ordered Omelette Jambon avec Salade
Omelette Jambon avec Salade
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement - After breakfast Irish Coffee
After breakfast Irish Coffee
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - Easter Monday Breakfast at Bar de Marche - 6th Arrondissement - Ready for a day of adventure
Ready for a day of adventures!

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Galerie Frederic Got
Galerie Frederic Got – Contemporary Art Gallery

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Galerie Frederic Got - Piece by Carlos Mata
Piece by Carlos Mata
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Galerie Frederic Got - Piece by Carlos Mata
Piece by Carlos Mata
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Galerie Frederic Got - Piece by Carlos Mata
Piece by Carlos Mata

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Galerie Frederic Got - Piece by Tolla
Artist: Tolla

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - View of Pont des Arts as we crossed Pont Neuf to Ile de la Cite
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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 1st Arrondissement - View of Pont des Arts as we crossed Pont Neuf to Ile de la Cite

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Springtime blossoms and the Towers of Notre Dame
Springtime blossoms and the Towers of Notre Dame
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - Walking around the front entrance area
Walking around the front entrance area
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - Standing directly beneath the entrance and looking up
Standing directly beneath the entrance and looking up
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - Line to enter along the south side of the cathedral
Line to enter along the south side of the cathedral
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - South side flying buttresses and gargoyles
South side flying buttresses and gargoyles
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - South side gargoyle on one of the flying buttresses spitting water after a sudden rain fall
South side gargoyle on one of the flying buttresses spitting water after a sudden rain fall
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - The South Rose Window
The South Rose Window
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame Cathedral - Notre Dame - The rear of the church with a few of the flying buttresses
The rear of the church with a few of the flying buttresses

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.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - Walking the narrow streets
Ile Saint Louis – Walking the narrow streets
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - View of an inner courtyard
Ile Saint Louis – View of an inner courtyard

We walked the narrow streets to discover Taken, a private swingers club.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - Taken - Private swingers club
Taken – Private swingers club
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - Cabano Club
Ile Saint Louis – Cabano Club

Pont Marie

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - Walking under Marie Bridge, one of three bridges connecting Ile St Louis to the Right Bank
Walking under Marie Bridge, one of three bridges connecting Ile St Louis to the Right Bank
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Ile Saint Louis - These interesting trees have round bud like leaves that hang like Christmas ornaments
These interesting trees have round bud like leaves that hang like Christmas ornaments

Back on Ile de la Cite – A l’Ombre de Notre Dame

Our bellies were rumbling. It was time to eat!

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Back over on Ile de la Cite, we stop for lunch at a cafe across from Notre Dame. The cafe is called A l'Ombre de Notre Dame
Back over on Ile de la Cite, we stop for lunch at a cafe across from Notre Dame. The cafe is called A l’Ombre de Notre Dame
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement - Back over on Ile de la Cite, we stop for lunch at a cafe across from Notre Dame. The cafe is called A l'Ombre de Notre Dame. The view of Notre Dame from the cafe.  This is one of two endless line ups to go inside the cathedral
The view of Notre Dame from the cafe. This is one of two endless line ups to go inside the cathedral
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - Looking out from our table
Looking out from our table
The back of the cafe
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - Statue of Quasimodo
Statue of Quasimodo
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - One of the booths.
One of the booths.
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - Gargoyle above the tables
Gargoyle above the tables
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - We warmed up with mulled wine while deciding what to order
We are enjoying hot wine while deciding what to order
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - Michael orders lasagna
Michael orders lasagna
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - I order French onion soup
I order French onion soup
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 4th Arrondissement -Ile de la Cite, A l'Ombre de Notre Dame - French bread
Fresh bread

Sudden Downpour Turns to Hail

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - On our way back to our little home away from home, weather quickly changes to a sudden downpour of rain
On our way back to our little home away from home, weather quickly changes to a sudden downpour of rain
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - On our way back to our little home away from home, weather quickly changes to a sudden downpour of rain - Joyful Stephanie
Joyful Stephanie
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Rain turns to hail
Rain turns to hail

The Great Canadian Pub

We didn’t enter the pub. This Canadian was excited to see a Canadian pub in Paris!

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - The Great Canadian Pub! 'Eh!
‘Eh!

Paul

I was familiar with the cafe and pastry shop Paul because there is one in Landmark Mall in Doha, Qatar where we live.

March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Paul pastry shop near our Airbnb where I pick up a few treats
Paul pastry shop near our Airbnb where I pick up a few treats

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 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - As I turn to the right to go into our apartment, the sun breaks during the rain
As I turn to the right to go into our apartment, the sun breaks during the rain
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Back in our cosy Airbnb apartment
Back in our cosy Airbnb apartment
March 28th, 2016 - Paris, France - 6th Arrondissement - Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Our treats and of course French wine
Our treats and of course French wine

March Break – 2016 – Paris, France

Paris, France – Arriving

Paris, France – Quai Malaquais, Le Café des Beaux Arts, Place de la Concorde, Riding the Roue de Paris, Passerelle de Solférino – Love Lock Bridge

Paris, France – Dinner at Au Chai de L’Abbaye

Paris, France – Easter Monday in Paris, Ile de la Cite – The Heart of Paris, Notre Dame and Ile Saint-Louis

Paris, France – La Palette,Yann Arthus-Bertrand & Musee d’Orsay

Paris, France – Les Deux Magots, Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and YellowKorner La Hune Saint-Germain

Paris, France – The Louvre Museum

Paris, France – A Rainy Day in The Marais

Paris, France – The Eiffel Tower

Paris, France – Another Evening at Au Chai de l’Abbaye

Paris, France – Saint-Germain-des-Prés, The Latin Quarter, Place Saint – Michel Public Square, and Gastronomic Delights

Paris, France – I Hope To See You Again, My Friend

One Comment Add yours

  1. Tish Smith says:

    Oh the adventures you two lead. So exciting. xox Tish

    Sent from my iPhone

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