Paris When it Sizzles

Disclaimer:  I liked that title and thought it would be appropriate for a mid-July visit but it has been, in fact, cool and breezy, hovering around seventy degrees most days. But "Paris when it's balmy" just didn't work.

On Saturday, July 14th we bid farewell to John at the Nice Airport as he reluctantly headed home to Florida and the rest of us boarded our plane for Paris. By eleven in the morning we were in our taxi heading for our boutique (a euphemism for tiny, cheap two-star) hotel in the non-touristy Fourteenth Arrondissement.  We were already missing our friend, who was a great companion and conversationalist over the past week. John, can't wait to tell you what we're cooking up for next year!

After checking into our hotel, we went across the street to Cafe Rendezvous (seriously) for lunch. Hamburgers are becoming trendy here and those who ordered them gave the French version two thumbs up. I had onion soup that was exceptional. We then wandered around a bit and made plans to meet later for a little exploring before heading back to our rooms.  This was the first time we'd been truly separated in ten days. No communal kitchen or shared living room.

View from our Hotel Room - Hotel du Lion, 14th Arr. Paris

Night view from hotel room

Looking far right from hotel room, Paris

For my travel friends, a few words about the hotel:

We stayed at the Hotel Du Lions on Ave General LeClerc in the Fourteenth. Of course the rooms are small and there's a flight of steps to walk before reaching the lobby, but it's very clean and comfortable and staffed by very friendly people.  Only 33 rooms and once you reach the lobby they have the typical tiny elevator so no worries about winding staircases to a garrett.  Good metro stop directly in front (RER B from CDG), good neighborhood bistros and patisseries and a MickeyD's next door for cold coke with ice. I'll definitely look for an apartment in this area next time I'm in town. 

Consider this recommendation my Tip of the Day:  Ask for Ishmael.