Window Shopping Paris Style. . . . . . . .

Delicacies . . . . . . . . . and so much more, seen through the windows of Paris.

Heading south from Paris. . . . . .

Returning from Normandy - which was such a great part of this trip - we had
 another full day in Paris. We chose to join the early morning walking tour which
 was so enjoyable, and included Notre Dame and many more points of interest.
 In the afternoon we took a coach to Versailles - a new place for me as somehow
 I never was able to squeeze it in to any of my former Paris visits. More on the
 palace and its gardens in another post when I have more time.

Saturday we said goodbye to Avalon Tapestry II on the Seine River - it was a great

 cruise and we were sad to leave such a wonderful crew. Views of the Tour Eiffel
 accompanied us as we headed to the Gare de Lyon and TGV - the train which
 moved us along at 185 mph towards the south of France.

More later from our second riverboat, Avalon Poetry II.

Today we awoke to this sunrise on the River Saone.

Writing this as we approach Lyon. Noontime arrival, lunch, and then a
 jaunt around the city this afternoon.
  A busy and exciting trip, many beautiful places viewed, one little rain shower
 only so far, but perhaps a couple of rainy days ahead.
I hope my friends are safe in the USA, especially those of you in 
South and North Carolina where the rains have been so extreme.

Vincent in Auvers-sur-Oise. . . . . . . . .

Well I made it. Yesterday - another place I've dreamed of visiting for a long time -

Auvers-sur-Oise, a beautiful little French village, not far from Paris,

where Vincent painted so many beautiful canvasses in the last 70 days 

of his life.

I'll be sharing more of the story later - and lots of photos taken in the village

on yet another glorious sunny day.

Today we are back in Paris - this morning we did an escorted walking tour

 titled 'Heart of Paris'. The sun was shining yet again - we have been so 

fortunate with the weather - an entire week without a drop of rain, no dreary

skies, and very comfortable temperatures in the mid to high 60's.

Tomorrow we're off to Dijon by train and will join our second ship in the evening.

Must just say how absolutely amazing this cruise company has been - everything 

has been perfect so far and we hope it will continue as we reach Provence.

All I'm really concerned about is the weather at home - thank goodness my 

wonderful neighbors have secured my outdoor furniture etc. just in case 

the encroaching hurricane decides to pay North Carolina a visit.

 Fingers are crossed. Stay safe if you are on the east coast.