Buttes Chaumont parc is one of my favorite Paris parcs and it was pretty busy on a cool Saturday morning. There were many runners circling the hills and there was an open air fitness exercise going full swing. One little old lady had a vicious looking sword that she was slashing and poking around. Everyone steered well clear of her. Families with small kids and dogs were out in numbers taking advantage of the exercise opportunities. I have found most Paris parcs to be interesting to walk through. There are few boring open flat spaces but the paths wind around giving interesting views after the next bush while the trees provide many useful visual breaks.
The viaduct was closed for renovation (known as the pont du suicides) but the suspension bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel allowed access to the overlook. It was cloudy so we did not bother to go up to see the usual view across to Sacre Coeur which we have seen every year any way.
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| This picture shows the parc under construction - Eiffel's suspension bridge looks to be completed but the railway tracks are still in place to move heavy, bulky materials. The Petit Ceinture line actually runs through the parc. |
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| There were a great number of gulls and ducks on the lake but they all steered clear of this heron which was pretending to preen itself |
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| These kids were co-operating. The sticks were used to bring soggy leaves from the stream to make a pile ready for the machines to take over. |
Lunch was at the Napoleon III which was alright with a two course menu.
After lunch we walked back to Jaures and followed the canal a little way until we could break away to the Gare de l'Est. The Alsace Christmas Market on the forecourt was in full swing - it is the last day today. I found some duck foie gras which will go well on Christmas Day.
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| New Train |
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| The Gare de l'Est is a very spacious station, much more comfortable than the others |
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| Christmas decoration |
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Pedaling like mad to charge their cell phones
The no. 30 bus back to Villiers was surprisingly not full (for a Saturday afternoon). Rue Magenta is always interesting with the large number of formal, mostly tacky, clothes available.
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| Back at Villiers Mary finally scored a Brioche Feuitee (honey brioche - on left). Wonder what we will have for supper? |
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