This particular blog is a work in progress. I have been racing after people and their dogs in the metro today (see rear end shot of beagle in a crowd below). I haven't yet seen a poodle, but many other types of dog abound. Photos below are from Marche aux Puce and the right bank of Paris.

The sun finally arrived today, and we went out to the burbs to enjoy it! We visited Musee Nissim de Camondo, an incredibly lavish belle epoque style house left to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, and then wandered over to Musee Jacquemart-Andre for morning tea in decadent surroundings.

We then headed over to the other side of town to visit Musee Rodin, had a late lunch at one of the food market areas of Paris, Rue Cler, then did a quick saunter around Palais Royale, before heading back to the apartment for a res. We then headed out to Montparnasse, to be a true tourist again, and look the lift to level 56 of  the Tour Montparnasse.

I gave my neck a rest on this day, so my camera wasn't with me. Photos below of the cafe at Jacquemart and photos from Tour Montparnasse of  smoggy Paris!

There was a huge thunderstorm last night/early morning in Paris. We had a bit of leak in our ceiling (there are at least 3 storeys above us!) due to the severity. The day arrived rather cooler than yesterday, and I headed out to have an early morning wander and visit a boulangerie.

Having breakfasted on a lovely Parisian croissant and black coffee, I braved the nine to fivers by catching the metro to Madeleine. I had an enjoyable wander around the area visiting Fauchon to buy some macarons and have a quick look at their lovely displays of food, and I then headed to Mache aux Puces with friends.

We had a lovely time meandering the lanes of  the antique markets. Items I was interested in were out of my price range.( My idea was to recoup the initial cost of items by revamping and selling them back home.) I fancied some lovely 1940's light fittings but they were 50 euros too much.

We dined at restaurant Paul Bert, where the meals were more than substantial and we very much recommend this as a place to visit when visiting the Marche aux Puces. (images below.)

After taking quite a few photos, and being rather overwhelmed by all the gorgeous items available (with a few purchases) we then moved on to the Pompidou Centre to see a few paintings from the permanent exhibit 1905 to 1960 as well as visit the Studio of Brancusi.

From Pompidou we made our way over to the left bank and visited St Chapelle, which is an entirely desirable church to visit. The gendarmes flirted with the young american girls, as we went through the security check in the Palais de Justice, before entering La Chapelle. I now realise I am definitely over the hill, as no one flirted with me! C'est la vie! It happens to us all, except those of us who turn to (not to be mentioned) methods of altering the ageing process.

Well, what can I say? I have been researching places to dine, places to visit and, of course when researching Paris, the best patisserie and chocolatier to buy from. Apart from my extensive research – on the internet of course – Le Figaro has recently published their review of which is the best chocolate macaron, and they agree with me! 

Le macaron gagnant  – the winning macaron - is from Jean-Paul Hévin, 231, rue Saint-Honoré, Ier.  Tél.: 01 55 35 35 96.
http://www.lefigaro.fr/sortir-paris/2012/04/27/03013-20120427ARTFIG00728-les-meilleurs-macarons-chocolat-de-paris.php

If you are a chocolate connoiseur, then make sure you visit the Jean-Paul Hévin shop on on Rue Saint-Honoré. Jean-Paul is a highly skilled craftsman, and this shop in particular showcases the ingredient he is reknown for  – chocolate.
http://www.jphevin.com/