Covered Passageways displays

Everything is displayed so beautifully in France, but perhaps nothing as lovingly as food. Here are some of the lovely displays from the covered passageways:

This little house was from a store of miniatures....tiny houses with electricity, if you can believe it.

Some more raunchy books than one usually sees displayed:

Here are some mouth-watering food displays:

This is my last blog entry for this trip. Can't wait to go back! Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
A Bientot.

Where I have been so far
Paris
Madrid
Toledo
Barcelona
Marseille
Avignon
St. Remy
Nimes
Arles
Isle sur la Sorgue
Toulouse
Sarlat
Domme
Montignac/Lascaux
Carcasonne
Aix en Province
Vaison la Romaine
Pont du Gard
Les Baux
Glanum
Paris (again)

Paris off the Beaten Path

These days I find I am more interested in the parts of Paris that are off the beaten path. I am happy to leave Place de l'Opera for quieter places.
On the way to the Marmottan Manet museum I explored a lovely residential area and discovered a gorgeous huge park at the La Muette metro stop. More my cup of tea these days.
My friend from Avignon was in town and we went to see as many of the covered passageways in Paris as we could find. These are pedestrianized shopping arcades, mostly 19th century, and mostly in the 2nd arrondissement. All have interesting architecture, but they range in spirit from haute elegant to somewhat shabby today. They are filled with quirky shops and inviting restaurants.
We started at the Bourse, which is the French stock exchange, and were captivated by the architecture of the area. A totally Parisian area that tourists seem to miss (thankfully).
The oldest arcade we found was dated 1761 and the last two pictures are of a thoroughly modern passageway, recently built.

Les Baux de Province

Do you realize that Jesus was actually born in Province. Really?  Some Provincals  believe that. Which makes it easier to understand that one of the Baux kings was part of the coterie of three kings who visited the baby Jesus. Yes, the Baux trace their lineage waaay back. They were a fighting family who at one time controlled all of Province.
Today you can visit what remains of their castle more than a thousand feet up a craggy, windswept mountain. It's a difficult climb and a treacherous descent, but once there you can view all the old siege  armaments.