It has become a bit of a ritual for me to have a haman whilst I am in Paris. This is a Turkish steam bath, gomage (scrub down and ex foliate) and massage., mint tea is included. I have wrote about the process before here is the link.
The price has gone up to 47 euro for a 10 minute massage, a 20 minute massage was more.expensve.
There are no instructions, so by trail and error I have figured out the system. Last time I waited an hour for a massage, as you go in order of the “List” at the reception so I met three friends when they opened at 1000h so we could be first in the queue. As it was we were the only ones there and we had the place to ourselves. Photography is not allowed so here are some pictures from their website.
So duly scrubed and pummelled into relaxation and bonded with my freinds, we stayed for a delicious lunch in the tea rooms. In hindsight it would have been cheaper to buy the package that included a lunch, but you live and learn.
I had a delicious tagine of lamb and prunes st 15.50euro. Highly recommended.
Very interesting tree growing in the restaurant
…and highly entertaining birds having a bath. How do they know to wait till people have finished eating till they swoop to pick at the crumbs?
After lunch,( or dinner as we say in local parts) my friends and I parted company and I sat for a while in the nearbye Jardins de Plantes. in the September sun, admiring the last vestiges of the summer flowers , feeling relaxed and content.
I read my book for a while, then, as I was in the south part of the laft bank I decided to go explore an area I have never seen beofe but often heard of Buttes aux Cailles in the 13th arrondissement. So I jumped on a velib and set off. Throughout this whole trip I only used three metro tickets. Love the velib system.
From the Corvisart metro station on line 6, I took the steps to the south of the station up to rue des Cinq Diamantes ( what a lovely name) I turned right and this street took me to rue de la Buttes aux Cailles.
I wandered around for a while. Being Monday the area was quiet, but I could see how quiant it was. Probably Montmartre was like this before it became commercialised by tourism.
Some interesting street art.
I sat in the local neighbourhood park and watched the children play.
… and had a cup of tea at a freindly local cafe.
…and people watched!
The area is a haven in the midst of high rise housing.
Finally I velibed back to Richard Lenoir for a shower before my last dinner at Jeanne, at 42 Rue Jean Pierre Timbauld. I am not a foodie and rarely recommend places, but this little bistro has consistently served me good food.
I am not sure if I have unsophisticated taste but occasionally , when I eat in expensive restaurants I wonder what all the fuss is about. The food may be good but it s rarely outstanding and when I return it is never the same. Or maybe reputation makes my expectations too high. Or maybe I am incapeable of apprecaiting good food.
The only restaurant I would return to in Paris was Relais de l’Isle, which sadly closed down this year.
The cool pea and mint soup I had as a starter was a welcome burst of flavour on a hot night. This was followed by a tender chicken dish ( which they have a list of sources for their meat) and a delicious custard type pudding. The formula was 27 euro, and the service is great……a bargain
Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the meal! LOL!
Love Denise.
11 sleeps to Boston trip!
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I enjoyed your photos of the Buttes aux Cailles area Denise. David and I had a wander roound here in July and really liked the different architecture, and quiet streets of a midweek morning when there was hardly anyone around. I believe it livens up later on when all the bars and restaurants open, but we just enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
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Hi Janet, I satisfied my curiosity, and it was handy for a decent bike ride, but I would not go out of my way to go there…but of course I didn't know that till I saw for myself. ha ha!… I am sure it is a place where the locals go for a good night out as there were lots of bars and cafes around and the people in the bar were very friendly.
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Hi Denise, Out and About in Paris and I were here in the rain (April) Looks better on a clear day with and unobstructed view from an umbrella! I am thinking of returning to visit the honey making shop and a few others this trip. We also went on a Monday so no shops were open. Loved the street art then and want to see what's new on the walls.As for your Boston countdown, I hope you have a wonderful visit to my hometown. Will hope for great weather. Boston is much like Paris with varied architecture, old and new and easily negotiated on trolley, subway and best yet on foot!!Nancy
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Hi Nancy, not long for your Paris countdown either! I really like streetart and see it all over Paris especailly in Belleville.Love Denise
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