French Markets

After being in France for almost two weeks, my American cupboards were literally bare upon my return.  I was forced to get up this morning and go to the grocery store.  Had I not noticed before that everything is wrapped in plastic or comes in bags?  That maybe twenty percent of the store has fresh items (fruits and vegetables, possibly meat that could be considered fresh)?  It was an eye-opener.  In a more perfect world, people would shop like the French do.  One of my favorite markets in Paris in the Raspail Bio Market, which means it's all organic.  Every Sunday morning, the neighborhood wakes up and many people visit this market.  I'd not been before in late October, and it was brimming with autumn vegetables.  I spent a long time looking and photographing, and wishing I could shop like this at home. Look at these photographs, and I think you'll agree.

 

France Day Ten - Paris

Sunday morning in Paris is the last day of my vacation.  I woke with a sense of anticipation that I would have Paris all to myself today.  My camera was super excited!  After breakfasting downstairs to an incredible meal, out I went.  I'll be putting up new blog posts on specific subjects shortly, but here are some of my favorite photographs from the day.

 

 

Ah, Paris, I miss you already, but I'll be back.

 

 

France Day Nine- Paris

We flew from Toulouse to Paris on Saturday morning.  When we stepped outside, it was was cold and windy, but a beautiful day!  With the wind tugging at my coat, we quickly walked to the car, and within minutes, the driver was manuevering the streets of Paris.  I never get tired of Paris.  So old, so beautiful...it's a photographer's dream.  I stayed at the Hotel Sainte Beuve, which was both chic and charming.

Fall is definitely in the air in Paris.

 Poilane had stunning window displays, as always, and we ate lunch next door at the tea room.

 This little guy was shopping at Galleries Lafayette.

 Ah, the weary traveler!

 My friend, Geni, drove into town and met us for dinner at our favorite Le Timbre.  She's an Alabama gal who lives outside of Paris with her family, and it was great to catch up!  The evening was way too short!

It was late when I returned to my room, but knowing that an entire day of Paris beckoned the next morning, I quickly crawled into bed and fell asleep dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.