Sunday last was a special day in many countries in Europe, including France. "La Journee de la patrimoine" is a kind of heritage day, when they open up many public buildings for viewing by the public. Some of the ones offered this year: a tapestry weaving company in operation since the 14th century, the dining cars of the Orient Express, Radio France (for the first time and very popular), and of course the prize of all prizes, Jacque Chirac's digs, the Elysee Palace.
So, being nothing if not ambitious, we headed for Chirac's place. It's like touring the White House, not 24 Sussex Drive. We arrived a tad late at 11:45. The line-up was already of unimaginable length and not moving. It snaked all the way out onto the Place de la Concorde. A women at work claims she waited 6 hours. Needless to say, we didn't bother.
So what to do on a beautiful autumnal day, cool, crisp and sunny? Alexander decided that moules et frites was the only way to salvage the situation. So off we set across the Place de la Concorde, through the Jardins des Tuileries (old tile works), over the Seine and down onto Boulevard Saint Germain where I knew there was a Leons of Brussels -- a chain restaurant specializing in mussels, Belgian beer and Belgian waffles. Sure beats McDo's as chain restaurants go.
Here are some photos I took along the way. Just to share a pleasant meander with you all. Cat took a few at the end (you can tell because for once I'm in one).
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