Day 8 in Paris

Composition Aux Deux Perroquets, 1935-1939, Fernand Léger at the Centre George Pompidou

Random thoughts/ideas on how to spend a hot summer day in Paris:

-Even though walking for an hour and a half to reach your destination in temperatures over 30 degrees C may seem somewhat crazy (don’t worry, Mom took the Metro) it does allow for a glimpse into Parisian life not yet encountered. The fashion is pared down yet still ultra stylish, people seem relaxed, the streets are far less busy and café life, on the shady side of the street, thrives. You may also encounter, on a deserted side street the strains of violin music wafting from an open widow high above your head. Magic.

-By midday it is advisable to seek out somewhere cool and perhaps cultural. A first time visit to the Centre Pompidou is a wonderful way to spend 3 or 4 hours in air-conditioned surroundings. Check out the Musée National d’Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe. The collection is housed over two floors and covers major 20th century movements from Pop Art to Surrealism to Cubism. An amazing and inspiring array of paintings, sculpture, photographs, furniture and mixed media pieces. Plus outstanding views of Paris from the sixth level. Be warned, it is hot up there.

-Maybe you feel like having lunch at the Musée so that you don’t have to look for a place in the hot city streets below? Be forewarned that if you happen to decide to eat lunch at Georges, the hipster eatery on the top of the Centre Pompidou with its sweeping views and tall vases filled with roses and pricey fusion dishes, that the waiters may be somewhat surly and as hot as you are. In fact, they may tell you that they are unable to be polite to you or smile because “it is 45 degrees in here and I am too hot to smile at you…okay?!”. Try not to take this personally or feel somewhat sad about this over the next few hours. Also, try not to think about the hundred euros you just dropped to get treated so poorly.

-Having ice cream is an absolute must on any hot day in Paris. (Actually we have been eating ice cream even when it is not hot when we are not scarfing down macarons, croissants, éclaires, tarte aux framboises, canneles or kouignettes). Initially it might seem like a good idea to head down to Berthillon on the L’île Saint Louis for a cone but being that the temperature is now hitting a sweaty 35 degrees you may want to settle for an Amorino gelato with the dual flavours of framboise and citron. Refreshing and delicious.

-After a bit of shopping in the Marais with your dear, sweet Mom who is starting to droop like a little flower out of water, you may want to find the nearest Metro station, stopping to pick up a couple of Perriers on the way, and head back to your lovely, cool apartment where you can pour yourself a glass of chilled wine, go through your trove of pictures from your day, put your feet up and start planning Day 9 of your trip.