Paris has always held a special place in Marla’s and my heart. Even after close to 40 visits, this fabulous city never fails to enchant! We were fortunate to return for a week during the Olympics with our daughter Stacy and family. Watching the excitement of Olympic competition was our main focus but we still enjoyed some explorations, dinners with friends and family, and even a little shopping at one of my favorite places.

I always enjoy crossing the beautiful Pont Neuf birdge, the oldest bridge crossing the Seine.

Colorful barges and boats are docked near the Quai de Conti on the left bank.

Our friend Philippe and his wife Kathy first introduced us to La Closerie des Lilas on Boulevard du Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement for a Russian New Year dinner celebration in 2002. The restaurant opened in 1847 and became very popular with famous writers, artists, muscians, and actors. The likes of Oscar Wilde, Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, James Joyce, and Mick Jagger, all spent time here. It is fun to explore the bar area to see small inscribed brass plagues with many of their names.

Marla and the Girls wait at the entrance of la Closerie des Lilas for others to arrive for dinner.

The maitre d’ took amazing care of us. Marla received a souvenir fan.

We were very happy that Philippe was able to join us.

Lauren loved dipping her bread into the garlic butter of my escargot.

I made a reservation for the dinner show at the famous Moulin Rouge in the 18th arrondissement. I love seeing the famous Moulin Rouge advertising posters from Toulouse-Lautrec and Jules Cheret.

Our table was one table away from center stage. Our last visit was many years ago. I forgot how unique the entertainment is! The dancers were fabulous and beautiful!

We returned to La Closerie des Lilas on another evening for dinner with our Fidelity financial advisor.

We dined outside on the beautiful terrace. Gary and his wife originally met in law school.

Love all the attentive service!

The maitre d’ took us into the “American Bar” to see where many famous people ate and drank over the years..

This was Hemingway’s favorite spot.

We found time for a little shopping. Galeries Lafayette‘s flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann is my favorite department store in Paris. Le Bon Marche’ and Samaritaine are very nice and interesting, but Galeries Lafayette is gorgeous!

This is a close up of one of the floors showing the architectural detail.

The store features a huge range of price points from high-end luxury brand boutiques to moderate priced options. Of course the Girls loved it! Owen bought a cool tee shirt in the men’s department.

Owen and Marla in the Metro.

Stan made a lunch reservation for all of us at Ralph’s (Lauren) on Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th. We’ve walked by it for years, but had never dined there. We ate outside on the terrace which is really very nice! I’m with Vaughan.

They even had special plates designed for the Olympics.

Kate and Lauren loved their burgers!

Stacy found a new luncheon spot for us, “Maison Maison”, outside dining near the Pont Neuf.

On one of our final nights we went to Bouillon-Chartier on Boulevard du Montparnasse in the 6th. With beautiful Art Nouveau interiors from 1896, it features a varied menu with very modest prices.

I like how our waiter writes our order out on the paper table cloth. We were seated in a back room which was very warm and not to our liking. Dine early as there are no reservations. It was packed so people lined up in front.

Marla and I had lunch in a little cafe in the 1st.

This was our view from the cafe…the historical Conciergerie Museum and the beautiful Seine.

We say “au revoir” to Paris with many happy and exciting memories and dreams to return again soon.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used withot permission.