Meandering Around Paris

What is better than meandering around the romantic streets of Paris?  Meandering the romantic streets of Paris with your honey.  We had a free day and decided to head out the door with absolutely no plan at all.  We started walking, eventually hopped onto the Metro and rode over to the 6th arrondissement (neighborhood) and meandered. 

We love exploring romantic rues (streets)...

And courtyards like this. 

Turning off busy rue St André des Arts we stopped for a late lunch at La Jacobine.   A cozy Salon de Thé tucked in the ancient and charming covered passage, Cour de Commerce St André.

We purposely went after the lunch hour so there were only about 2 other tables occupied. We chose a little corner table with a booth against the wall.  We sat side by side bien sur.  The food is delicious and the service low key and efficient, a treat in Paris.

We headed around the corner to grab some Darjeeling at  Mariage Frères, the place to experience L'Art de Thé, which has become so popular in Paris.   I told you this was a lazy day with no plan. 

I prefer this location in the 6th over the more popular spot in the Marais.  It is so much quieter, and if you go midweek and your timing is right you’ll practically have the entire tearoom to yourself.  
 Perfect for tea for two.

 There is so much to savor and post about here I think I’ll do another post later.

We purchased a jar of our favorite Gelée Extra de Thé 

We hoped back on the Metro to the 16th and found our way into a brocante (antique and what not shop) in a small courtyard just off the rue Passy.  

I like to visit every so often and I've managed to find several lovely crystal, silver-topped vanity bottles and jars buried among all the chaotically scattered brocante (stuff, junk)

The vendor recognized this strange American and her pitiful French and happily greeted us in English.

This time I found a floral oil painting with an over the top ornate gilt frame.  I excitedly pointed it out.  I saw that smile of his and I knew it was mine - the smile and the picture!

(This photo does not do it justice)

My initial plan was to show off my Frenchified negociating skills in front of Frenchie honey, but soon the process was hijacked by Frenchie honey and Frenchie vendor as they started rapid fire, not to be understood by me French.

I stood there mute.  They both dug in their heels.  Suspense.  Suddenly they shook hands and the bubble wrap appeared.   

A perfect end to a perfect romantic day of meandering in Paris.  And it was all thanks to my lucky charm, otherwise known as my honey.

"Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life"