Paris. Somehow I thought I didn't need to go there. My friend Jane thought otherwise and since we were traveling together, we added two days to the chateau adventure.

I'm so glad we did, but it was a rough start. We took the train from Toulouse (Montauban station) and that was delightful, but when we arrived in Paris, it was the day of the Gay Pride parade which effectively bisected the city, preventing taxis from reaching the train station. So we decided to walk with our heavy bags, overstuffed from the brocantes and vide-greniers in Auty. Through the parade itself. And way beyond.

Two hours later, we reached our hotel only to find out that in spite of a 6 month prior paid reservation, there wasn't a room for us after all. (Long story- damage to the room, early morning {and unreceived} email notification, bumped for longer-staying guests, etc). So we wearily trundled off to another hotel. I was sure that Paris was not for me.

Oh, of course it was! I just needed a nap, a meal and a glass of wine.

And then everything brightened up.

We put on our walking shoes and saw as much as we could.

Rue de Seine in the St.Germain. Fish for dinner.

A good night's rest.

In the morning we started out early with Donna who was also in Paris after the chateau. We headed for the Marais. It was a sparkling, cool and quiet Sunday morning and the three of us had the sleepy streets to ourselves. After the chaos of the day before, the peacefulness was welcomed.

This fellow was happy too. His owner was nearly a block behind him. Clearly, their usual morning walk.

We had ice cream for breakfast before the crowds lined up and then found the cutest shops in Village St. Paul. I think we spent a few hours there, each shop full of small wonders.

Millie posed here and there.

And so did Jane.

After dragging that heavy bag through town, I used my camera more than my euro's.

Jane's daughter Katie lives in Amsterdam. She took the train over and met us for the afternoon. Lunch at Chez Julien was by far the best meal we had in Paris. And the most fun. The excitement of having Katie with us, the vibrant cafe scene, the beautiful day, seeing mama Jane so happy.

Our little band of travelers toddled around for the afternoon. The Place de Vosges was a perfect spot to sit and visit, the streets now jammed with energetic shoppers for the beginning of the traditional July sales.

I loved the creative SOLDES signs in the shop windows.

We said good-bye to Katie at Notre Dame and she ran off to the Metro.

At the end of our day, the sunlight was disappearing right along with the wine. Jane decided that I really couldn't leave Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. She wrangled a taxi and gave the driver, Joe, a short list of must-see's. He laughed good-naturedly and said okay. Donna, Jane and I climbed in for our tour. Whoosh! Off we flew for a whirlwind drive-by. Like a golden retriever, ears flapping in the wind, I leaned outside the open window with my camera. Plenty still to see.