" Je vais faire du lèche-vitrines "

If there's one thing I like to do,
besides eat the local cuisine, see the glorious sights
and wondrous architectures of each city.
the side trip would be to do some window-shopping.





and here we were along the 6th arronsiddement of Boulevard St. Germain,
while passing time on the way back to the hotel.





I was literally beginning to get bored by all the walking
as my feet was getting tired already.
It was already passed 10 in the evening and the option
of taking the metro seemed like
a good idea at that time, but then,
considering our safety, plus not being familiar with it.
we took the former instead.



Even when the shops are closed during the night.
The window displays would light up and direct your attention to their merchandise.
I reckon this side of the boulevard sells high end furniture and antiques.
Now me, I like looking at these sorts, as an ex- Interior Design graduate. ^0^
sadly, I didn't got the chance to use my degree.
I can't stop my 'oohs and aahs' whenever there's a cute chair, a vintage chest
or even Starck inspired lamps and chairs.





Suddenly, my agonizing feet seem to be up and going again. ^0^







and anytime this year,
when I do own this white fluffy chaise and this comfy sofa or
this minimalist kitchen motif, I'll let you know. ^0^



and this has got to be my fave,
I love the how the linens are nautical inspired.
Not sure if this is a day bed or a sofa for the little ones.



how about you? found any favorites? ^0^
happy weekend everyone!

* where was this *
Boulevard St. Germain
6th arrondissment
Paris

" Pont des Arts "

this has got to be one of the nicest bridge in Paris, next to Pont AlexandreIII
in my opinion that is. ^0^



In fact, I couldn't say that one peaceful walk would suffice my
contentment.
Just on the very last day of our trip,
we decided to head there again, but this time earlier,
making it all the way to the Louvre museum and it was worth it.







another name for Pont des Arts is Paserelle des Arts.
The promise of love, hundreds of chain locks, some were quite rusty,
others were really one of a kind.
(good,if you can count all of them!)
It must have been here for sometime,
and then, would 'magically' disappear for awhile,
and then would return again. ^-^
I was tempted to left one as a remembrance, but they say, it has to be shared with a special someone. hmmm... perhaps, another time. ^0^





the sky was brimming in blue and the cold wind was cheerful,
not too many tourists around, plus, you get to see morning joggers
and locals walking their pets
despite the cold.



This wooden footbridge that is across the Institut,
where you can catch the beauty of La Seine from the River Gauche (left bank)
and River Droite (right bank), was the first bridge to be made of Iron.



* where was this *
Pont Des Arts
6th arrondissement
Paris

" M.Chat et son graffiti "

I couldn't remember if this building was part of
Ecole Nationale Supèrieure des beaux arts.
( yes, it's a very long name). ^0^
It goes along Quai Malaquais and Rue Bonaparte along the sixth arrondissement.
What drew my interest, apart from the two sculptured busts,
was this cute graffiti artwork made by
Monsieur Chat

Here's a closer look to it.


* where was this *
Rue Bonaparte
6th arrondissement
Paris

" of gables and roofs "

somewhere in the roofs of Paris.

* where was this *
6th arrondissement
Paris

" along the sixth "

the setting:
La Centrale.

the street:
Rue des Canettes

the highlight:
a very nice "street art" in between them.

* where was this *
Rue des Canettes
6th arrondissement
Paris

" Hotel Louis II "

Most of the hotel rooms in Europe are relatively small and dated compared to Asian countries.
and one can't help how just how uber small it sometimes seems.

Our room was facing the street, a café and a bar.
It was literally just outside the elevator, so that was convenient for us.
But once inside, the space was just small, small and small,
there's no other way to describe it! ^-^
We're 2 petite girls with 2 suitcases and 2 backpacks
and it was already hard to move about.

The wooden beams on the ceiling.


Flat screen tv and nature inspired walls.


The room was full of gilded mirrors,
i think it was a trick to make it look larger,
obviously, not helping. ^0^


that's me in my p.j;s!
Bon Matin! ^0^



The restroom was pristine,
but the beds were a disappointment...
you can almost here it squeak here and there, and clearly,
the mattress hasn't been changed for err... 15 years?! or more?!
During winter, they would automatically switched the air-con to warmer temperature.
and of course, we're not used to it,
I felt like the room was suffocating me.
Thanks to the nice balcony, we then had to slightly ajar the windows at night
and let the cool air get in.






But overall, they have the friendliest staffs,
who made us feel welcome,
and a friendly housekeeper.
when I say " a ", that's because i think they only have one,
and it's a nice afro chap, who speaks slang french. ^0^

so, who am I to complain right?!

* where was this *
Rue St. Sulpice
6th arrondissement
Paris

" Hotel Louis II "

This is going to be my first official review of Hotel Louis II,
the place where we stayed that is right along Rue St. Sulpice.


( concierge )

I was a bit skeptical about making this reservation at first,
as some of the reviews made by Trip Advisor were just so-so.
But we decided anyway, since our first two choices were already fully booked.

We decided to take the RER train and alight at the Luxembourg station which was
the nearest exit and as the hotel website said, 'just a few minutes away ',
while browsing the google map, it should take you 10 minutes thereabouts.

Okay, if we both haven't got a luggage that weighs about 10 kilos ++.
then, this would've been easy,
but, because we were stubborn enough to pay extra and take the airport shuttle instead,
I kid you not, the walk was très terrible and grueling ! ^0^

By the time we reached the hotel,
we were both catching for our breath,
the concierge, quickly smiled, as if silently lol inside,
saw the look on our face, and told us,
have a seat and take a breathe first. ^0^

The interiors was what lured us to book this quaint hotel.
of course, the price doesn't come cheap either. ^0^
What we really like was that it's in the heart of Latin Quarter,
along the 6th arrondissement,
the metro, the HOHO, and its lovely neighborhood, which proved to be relatively safe,
esp. if you wish to wander at night.


(interiors)

Because most of the structures in Europe are dated,
expect the rooms to sometimes seem like out of proportion.
some of them are inter-connected, like this.


(on the way to housekeeping)


(stairs heading to another room)

I totally forgot to ask if there was an elevator when we booked so,
I was shocked when I saw its dizzying spiral staircase.
Thankfully, they have one, but it will only take you "forever" to get to your room!
Mind you, very antique elevator! ^0^




(close up look)







Wait! i'm not done yet,
will share with you how our room looks like.
and the verdict of course! ^0^
next post...

* where was this *
Rue St. Sulpice
6th arrondissement
Paris

" Au coin du la rue "

At the heart of St. Germain blvd is this tiny passageway called
Rue St. André-des-Arts,
a busy cobblestone street lined with crepe stands, gifts shops.
a few greek restos and art house cinema.




This nice passage has been here since 1776.



It is also where you'd find the oldest café in town called Le Procope,



This narrow alley would've skipped our sight if it weren't for Peter {Peter's Paris},
who showed us around the area and gave us a bit of its history.



My night photos weren't that telling though,
and regret that I only took a few night shots.



If you want to know more,
you can also check this out,
the only two links which I found to be very helpful. ^0^

* from Peter's Paris post.

* from Soundlandscapes , which shares an audio clip of its environs.

* where was this *
Rue st. andré-des-arts
St. Germain
6th arrondissement
Paris

" c'est partout "

trash picking dans le matin. ( in the morning )
i hope this lone guy finds what he's scavenging for.



* where was this *
6th arrondissement
boulevard St. Germain- Paris

" Misty Paris "

~when it was December,
oh! the cold weather.

* where was this *
6th arrondissement-
Boulevard St. Germain

" Flâner ou non "

When it comes to accessibility, Paris is friendly.
It has Metro stops, public buses, even Hop-on and Hop-Off buses.

If you're not in a rush to see all of Paris in an hour, then I suggest it's best to "wander" around.

The neighborhood along the Latin Quartier side, that is St. Germain des Prés is one of nicest walks I've had.

take a pause at either Cafe de Flore or the famous Les Deux Magots,
the two cafés are always battling neck to neck though,
mais, pas faire de exagér, ( not exaggerating ) both are "always" filled with people
surtout les tourists,(especially tourists)
but once inside, it is as if, you were back in the nostalgic days.
It also used to be where famous writers used to hang out.


* where was this *
6th arrondissement
St. Germain des Prés- Paris