Red Children?--and Sightseeing in Paris

Within each Arrondissement there are public markets. These may be open just a few hours on certain days and the "locals" know when.  I wanted to see where Parisians shop so I found this one in our arrondissement. It is called the Market of Red Children (Marche des Enfants Rouge).  I learned that it is named so because there was a school there where the kids wore red uniforms. I understand that it is one of the oldest ones in Paris. It's only about 3/4 mile from our apartment so we set out early in the day. Unlike other markets in town, this one is indoors. You have to sort of look for the entrance on Rue de Bretagne or you could walk right by it. The address is 39. 

Inside, you will find a wonderful array of vendors that sell everything from flowers to fish to cheeses.  There are also food vendors that sell ethnic food (Moroccan food has great aroma!) and of course, coffee.  Peg and I took our morning coffee and hot chocolate that was served by an elf-like little woman and watched the local shoppers and vendors.

 e

After this, we went back to the apartment and fell asleep.  I think the jet-lag finally caught up with us and we just really, really needed some sleep.  We didn't wake up until after noon.

Our afternoon was spent doing the obligatory, tourist type things.  You know, the things that you simply must do when in Paris; walk the Champs Elysees, visit the Arc de Triomphe, stand under the Eiffel Tower and go to the Louvre.  We got around town via a Hop On/Off Bus.  This was okay but I'm just not a real great tourist.

Peggy did find a couple of really neat hat stores back in our neighborhood.  They make custom hats for their clients.  If you look closely, you can see one being fitted right now.  You don't find these in Boise, Idaho!

I was also more impressed by the little organic sandwich shoppe we found when we wandered off the Champs Elysees.

We also took an evening river cruise on the Seine and this was very relaxing and enjoyable.  When we were done, we walked the two miles home from the quay down the Rue de Rivoli.  This place was hopping on a Saturday night an d Paris is definitely a place to just 'hang out' on a warm summer's evening.

Arriving home, a hot shower welcomed us. Ahhh...