Day 4: Tour Eiffel and the Left Bank

Another wonderful day. Another day closer to the end of this fabulous vacation. I started off this day with my usual cafe creme and reading time at a local cafe. After I was properly caffeinated, I took the metro over to the Eiffel Tower area. Before visiting Paris for the first time, I think that seeing the ET in person would be underwhelming - that is not at all the case. It really is such a beautiful monument! And the area around it is so beautiful as you can see from these photos!

After walking around the ET area, I made my way up to the Trocadero area which also had wonderful views of the ET. I found someone to take my picture!

After that, I went to find a patisserie that allegedly has some of the best macarons in Paris. I have to agree. These were so delicious, I think they are the best I have has so far. The cream one is vanilla and the brown one is caramel with a brown butter filling. The caramel one was TO DIE FOR. I would actually say these are better than Laduree's, which is probably the most famous macaron shop. 

After that I took the metro back to the St. Germaine area as I wanted to wander around some of the areas we went to on the walking tour. I had worked up an appetite at this point so the first order of business was finding a place for lunch.  I saw a waiter deliver a roasted chicken plate to a guest and was totally sold on the place. It tasted even better than it looked! It was such a simple meal but done so well!!

After lunch, I wandered around the St. Germaine area. The stores have started to decorate for the holidays and there were definitely lots of shoppers out and about!

One of my favorite things to do while traveling in Europe is check out their food markets. I really appreciate their approach to shopping and cooking as they tend to buy less on each shopping trip but shop more often. I know that is not practical for everyone but I think its a great approach to cooking. This market was small, but still had a nice selection of seafood, cheese and other items like foie gras - which I personally do not like AT ALL.  And I can say that because I have in fact tried it!

After the market, I kept wandering around the neighborhood, marveling at its beauty. I wonder if the people who live there appreciate it? I just love all the little details from the terraces with window boxes to the beautiful street lights!

After all that walking, I took a break, had some tea and did more reading.  I had an early dinner and then went to mass at Notre Dame and went to a Christmas concert at St. Chapelle, which is a famous church known for its stained glass windows. I have been to a concert here before so was glad I was able to go to another on this trip. The setting is beautiful. My only complaint is that the building is not heated. Burr! But it was still a fun experience and the music was beautiful!!

Tomorrow is my last full day in Paris. I fly out Monday but will spend most of the day traveling. I plan to take a walking tour of the Montmartre area and walk around the Marais area, but don't have much planned besides that. I know I will have no trouble filling my day, though!