Our third day in Paris was gymnastics day, the event that this entire trip was planned around. It was May 2023 that my name was drawn for one of the first ticket lotteries for the Olympics. After discussion with Jillian and Dana we decided to go for it, but then Dana backed out becuse they plan to attend the next winter Olympics when G is old enough to appreciate the figure skating. J and B were still in so the trip planning commenced.
Gymnastics wasn't until the evening so we had a full day to explore. We started with a local food and wine tour or as they call it there--gastronomy tour.
It was another very hot day in Paris!
We hopped on the metro and made it to the meeting point where our guide arrived exactly on time. First stop was at a Boulangerie or bakery for fresh croissants. We ate them on the sidewalk while our guide explained the history of the Boulangerie. It can only have this name if the products sold are completely made within the building.
I can't remember all the stops, but I did get a picture of a few. Lunch was at a local cafe where we had the largest grilled cheese sandwich ever that was filled with all kinds of cheese! I only ate half. We also tried a couple French wines.
For dessert we tried this and I can't remember what it was called, but it was topped with cherries.
Then it was onto a local cheese shop where we tried "new" cheeses and the "old" cheeses that have been aged for a very long time. All were delicious!
Then we continued our walk through the district. Let me tell you, the security in Paris was everywhere and it was immense. Mounted police, local police, and the federal gendarmes were visible wherever we went. Most of them were carrying automatic weapons. Well done, Paris!
Then we continued the walking tour and our guide took us through a church.
We didn't visit many churches this trip so I was glad to get my fix of gold gilding.
Stunning don't you think?
From the floor to the ceiling.
Then we walked through a part of town that our guide said nobles used to have their apartments and probably still do.
Very beautiful architecture, just like all of Paris.
The only other people on our tour were these two ladies from Houston, TX who were also in Paris for the women's gymnastics. There were so much fun, we even met them later in the day for a drink before the big event.
Then we left the really posh area and stopped for some more treats.
We got to try a couple different types of macarons and they were mouth watering! I meant to buy some to bring home, but never got around to it. I really doubt they would have made it through the day had I purchased some.
Then we wandered through the Jewish area and the guide got us some falafels (at least I think that's what they were.)
Our tour was coming to an end, but not before we visited a pastry shop where we each got to pick a delicacy.
Melt in your mouth delicious.
Some of the cafes in Paris were so beautifully decorated.
We ventured back to our hotel to shower and clean up. Then we went to meet our new friends at a very fancy lounge and restaurant for a drink.
Le Train Bleu is located in the Gare de Lyon train station and was built in 1900.
Very fancy and upscale decor.
Another aperol spritz!
The restaurant overlooks the very busy and modern train station.
From there it was time to make the short walk to Bercy Arena for the main attraction.
Stay tuned!
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