Montmatre

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Last night Jean-Claude took us out for Dinner to a very special Restaurant in 'Montmatre' called "Cafe le Viraje" ( meaning "When the World Turns" ).

It is situated on a very Special street in Paris called 'Rue Lepic', apparently one of the longest and oldest in Montmatre.

Prior to going for dinner, Jean-Claude took Christian and I to "Sacre Cour" as Christian had not been there before. It was magnificent !

Sitting high above Paris, this glorious Grand white domed Church. As we wandered inside, I lit a Candle for "St Therese", and was filled with this glorious Singing from a group of Nuns.

It was truly Beautiful. The Church was lit up with Candles and the magnificent stained windows glowed.

We then jumped in the car and proceeded to a very typical french cafe 'Le Viraje' and were warmly greeted by the Owner, who was a friend of Jean'Marc's ( Jean-Claudes brother ). The walls were covered in Photos of Famous Singers and Movie Stars, who Pierre ( the owner ) said had been Patrons of the Cafe. So we were in good company.

We had 'Escargots' ( Snails ) for our Entree, and 'Canard' ( Duck ) for our Main course.

It was then followed by a decadent 'Creme Brulee', accompanied by great wines chosen by Jean-Claude.

They were playing great Music. We drove around 'Montmatre', with Jean-Claude pointing out exquisite houses and jardins, perched majestically above Paris.

The charming little Streets and Steps, we had a wonderful night in the Artists Quarters of Paris.

Au Revoir from Paris

Heather xx

Paris Enchante

Paris ..... it captures your Heart, your Senses, your everything. There is just something about it that touches your Soul !

I was fortunate to share another dinner for my Birthday, Coral my friend from Auckland took Christian and I out for Dinner last night.

We went to "Deux Magot" for Champagne drinks and then we went on to "Gaya", a Famous and fabulous Seafood restaurant on 'Rue de Bac.

It was great, the food was very Delicious. I had the 'Sea Bass with Truffles'. It was Divine !

The service was impeccable and very attentive.

They are Masters of Service the French, then afterwards we strolled down one of our favourite and very vibrant parts of St Germain, "Rue de Buci" ... J'adore !

Next day I met Coral at "Cafe de Flore" for Brunch. I just Love the ambiance there, it's always so busy and buzzy. Afterwards we strolled down 'Rue de Varenne' to the "Rodin Musee".

It was so enchanting wandering around the Gardens in the Sun, looking at the wonderful Statue of Rodins "The Thinker". The Mansion the Museum was housed in was magnificent, the statues are timeless.

Such a beautiful Sunday afternoon strolling down the charming Parisian streets and delving into the little shops. We walked down 'Rue de Varenne' on to 'Rue de Bac', and stopped in a gorgeous little shop called "Lou Lou's", which we chuckled at ( because my Scottie dog's name is 'Lou Lou' ).

I walked Coral back to the Hotel at 'Rue de Universite', collected her Luggage and headed off to the Metro on Boulevard St Germain.

We stopped off for one last glass of Wine, bade Coral "Au Revoir" and meandered back in the delicious Sun to 17 Rue St Sulpice.

Abientot from an enchant'e Paris

Heather xx

Heathers Bon Anniversiere Vol. 2

So elegant and classy, on the corner of the "Saint Honore Fauborg", the "1728" is set in the recovered Reception rooms of the 18th Century Mansion where "La Fayette" lived, a place consecrated to delicacies and sweet meals where fine Arts, Paintings, Sculptures and Music are in accordance to each other.

Classical music was playing, the service impeccable. A 5 Star Restaurant, very classy and very expensive, but it is wonderful to go to such a place for a special occasion.

The food was amazing, we started with 'Salmon Eggs', and then went through the amazing Menu.

The Desserts were presented divinely, Christian's eyes were out on Stalks ! Jean-Marc organized the exquisite Wines to complement each Dish, and Jean-Claude recommended different Dishes, as he is a Food critic Extraordinaire.

I just cherished the whole evening in Paris, with People I adored.

The setting in the "Pompadour Room" where we Dined, was Divine.

I thought I had Died and gone to 'French Heaven'.

Bon nuit from a very tired Birthday Girl

Heather from Paris xx

Heathers Bon Anniversiere Vol. 1

It was my Birthday on the 5th of Febuary, and I was so Fortunate to spend it in my favouite city 'Paris'.

We started off with Champagne at "Hotel Costes". I love that place, the ambiance and the music of course ! ( we sell all the 'Hotel Costes' CD's at "French" ). I love them, what a great night.

The DJ was compiling the most amazing music, I had to ask him if that is the next compilation for 'Hotel Costes' No. 13, but he said he was just mixing it. I just loved it, the people are so chic and elegant.

Then we headed off to this amazing Restaurant that Jean-Claude had booked. He knew I wanted something Special, and it was, it blew all my Expectations.

It was like walking into an exclusive Chateau, the Restaurant is called "1728" which is the Year the Mansion was Built and it is at No. 8 Rue D'anjou.

Monuments de Paris

The 'Eiffel Tower' is a Parisian Landmark, it is truly an amazing icon and it dominates the Landscape.

The view at night is mesmerising, it was all Lit up for New Years Eve and truly in it's Glory, it was Magnificent.

Another amazing and spectacular Monument is 'Napolean's Tomb' at the Invalides Armee Musee.

The moment you walk inside you can feel an eerie sense.

The Gilding on the Dome was spectacular. They used 55,000 Gold Leaf Sheets to regild it, the effect is truly regal.

Inside the Tomb, the Altar is extremely ornate and heavily gilded, the Ceiling was a Delight to the eye, Angels and Cherubs abounded, a really worth while Monument to see when in Paris.

Au Revoir

Heather xx

Cafes en Paris

Paris, it's Cafes and Bars, make it so Special.

One of the favourite past times of the French is to be Seated at a table with a good view of the Street so they can watch people walking past. Observing is a famous french favourite, so of course when in Paris .....

Some of the famous Cafes are that little bit more expensive, but worth while to view the exclusive Cliental.

We had an enjoyable glass of Champagne at "Cafe Marley" ( after an afternoon observing the Treasures of the "Louvre" ), Cafe Marley is owned by the 'Costes Brothers', as in "Hotel Costes", so it is very Chic and very expensive.

Pleasant Interior, great Music and Professional service. All the little Bars and Cafes are all special and places we frequent whilst living in Paris

Au revoir Heather x

Chiens De Paris - Vol. 2

I must admit the first 2 Dogs on this Blog are imports from Killearn ( Buchanan Country ) Scotland.

The Scottish Terrier called 'Archie' and the West Highland Terrier called 'Penny' were adorable, but of course I am Biased as Archie is the same Breed as my Adorable 'Lou Lou' who is being absolutely spoiled by her Auntie 'Ruth' in Christchurch. I Miss her so Much !

So I had a Definite Affinity with Archie ! They belonged to the Owners of the Pub "The Black Bull" where we had Drinks beside their Roaring Fire. They were adorable.

The other little Parisian dogs were just as Delightful.

The little French Bulldog sitting patiently in his Carry Bag on the Metro and the little Cairn Terrier waiting so patiently for his owner outside his Restaurant. Dear little Souls.

We saw 'Oliver Martinez' in Rue de Buci with his large dog ; both of them looked Gorgeous !

The darling little Wire Haired Terrier with it's owner in "Tacshen" did a little Dance for us, and the gorgeous little Maltese cradled safely in her Mother's arms outside "Les Deux Magot" in St Germain. There was even a Large dog ( Bear ) in a Taxidermist window in Rue de Bac .

We even saw in Pere Lachaise ( the Famous Cemetary ) a Statue of a Loved Son and his Dog.

I think that says it all !

Bon nuit from Paris

Heather X