The Sorbonne

Hello - while we've been down to the left bank a few times, we never checked out the Sorbonne (Paris's historic University). We decided to do that today. While at it, we recognized a few places from previous visits. I guess that is a sign of being here for a while. The university was really not much to see - one long building with a main entrance area (I couldn't even find the bookstore to buy a t-shirt!).

Since we were in the neighborhood, we swung over to Luxembourg Garden again. This time we explored some of the perimeter. We found many people and young families lounging in on the grass (only one area open for sitting - have to stay off the grass in others). We also found basketball games, tennis, pony rides, a children's play area, and chess matches. It is a pretty eclectic park, considering you usually only think of the lovely flower gardens and statues.

We stopped at a shop on our return along rue Bonaparte and picked up some nice linen items for wedding presents. Debbie now wants to return for ourselves also. The summer sales are drawing to a close, and we did get a good deal on these (for Paris!). I like this street, there were lots of shops and such, but not such a big boulevard as most.

We returned to our apartment with a walk along the Paris Beach. Every year, they close the street along the right bank of the Seine and set up beach houses, chairs, and various food and drink tents. For the next month, this will be the Paris Beach. They even bring in sand. It was a bit busy an warm - I think we need to find a shady spot to just watch the action. There are people in beach clothes having picnics in the chairs. Pretty interesting. We also scoped some spots to watch the Tour de France riders enter the city tomorrow. We know where we will go - we'll have to see if we'll actually be able to see anything!

We also stopped today at a bar for lunch in Place Dauphine (Le Bar du Caveau). Years ago we went there with the girls when we came to Paris. That day was hot and we arrived too late for any food. I also recall needing to go get cash as they didn't take any plastic. This time, we made a point of arriving earlier. It was not so hot, we got food, and I still had to pay cash! I like the ambiance of the place (dark wood beam rafters), the French bar food (cheeses, croquet Madam, eggs and open face sandwiches), and the area is quite peaceful and calm. It's hard to believe that Notre Dame is on the same islands.