March in France

We just got back from a short but fantastic trip in France and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! We started our journey in Paris, went to the Agriculture Show at Porte de Versailles, then rented a car and drove around Brittany and Normandy. Along the way, we enjoyed beautiful scenery, delicious local cuisine, and a moment of silence at Omaha beach. Given the time of the year, we’ve encountered a wide spectrum of weathers – from rain to high wind, from cloudy overcast sky to amazing rainbow at sea, and finally balmy spring days in Paris.

17349883_1146147802180871_1684535176221237040_o.jpg

First of all, I would like to say that France has definitely changed since I was there 4 years ago. There were presence of armed guards and heightened security everywhere – bag checks at key landmarks, museums, cathedrals, even major department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché or Le Grande Epicerie. 

17389238_1146166548845663_7537172986918263874_o.jpg

On the bright side, tap water is now an option in most restaurants all over France. There are recycling bins in residential areas. And we were even able to get a doggy bag packed for us at this local favorite bistro.

17265066_1146175582178093_1438482911338759424_n

Back in Paris, the international food scene is blooming. We’ve had ramen at two different restaurants. One in our neighborhood, the other in the opera district. They are the best food options when you are pressed for time.

We also had a wonderful meal upon arrival at this Japanese restaurant.

On our way back to the airport yesterday, we found out that our terminal was shutdown due to an unattended luggage. Fortunately it re-opened moments later and we were able to make it to our flight.

FullSizeRender.jpg

And even if we couldn’t, I wouldn’t mind coming back in town and spending one more day chilling out at the beautiful Luxembourg Garden.

17342694_1143796205749364_5416589361432986813_n.jpg

Until next time…

40 thoughts on “March in France”

  2. The Jardin de Luxembourg looks as lovely as ever, so pretty in the spring! The increased security presence was something that struck me when I moved back to France; the Charlie Hebdo attack happened while I was in France on my year abroad but nothing really seemed to change in the immediate aftermath, whereas now soldiers patrol stations and other key monuments and bag checks are everywhere.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      2. Thank you so much! I haven’t been to Sardinia, had plans about it that got postponed. Was thinking of doing both Sardinia and Corsica. Have fun planning. I am looking forward to read about it in your blog 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Absolutely beautiful! Glad you experienced bright, sunny weather in Paris; on the contrary, the weather in Normandy (where I actually live right now) isn’t half as great as that in Paris! From the photos I saw, I take it that you went to Honfleur, too? Gorgeous place!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Oh I am soooo jealous! I love Paris! We are going on a cruise through the british isles in August and I am already signed up for a day trip to Paris, can’t wait and your great photos make me very excited about the trip! Thanks for sharing these!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Your descriptions of the places in France make us want to return soon, I think I’ll book a Viking River Cruise and leave in two weeks….just kiddin. We’ve planned to go a year ago. I’m glad you enjoyed France. We can’t wait to go back, if just for a little while. Happy travels, Wayne Wendel

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Beautiful photos of France in March. Where did you take the second photo, the one with the pink and white blossoms? (Petit Palais, perhaps?)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment