Greetings from the land of snooty waiters! It has been a few weeks since I last wrote on the blog. Pardonnez-moi. My apologies. The first half of our trip, and two full weeks, have just gone by. 

Paris, London: two fascinating European cities.
Blending the old and the new, traditions and quirkiness, effortlessly.
Embracing stereotypes, defying them.
London, Paris: two favorite ladies of mine. I miss you already.
Paris, I once called you home, and have visited at least once a year since I left,
but I still know you.



From my hotel window on Place Dauphine,
Ile de la Cité


Paris, how I love watching your people.
People say they are morose. Peut-être. Maybe. But some things will never change.
They still walk, bike, and enjoy their city.
In the evening, they still go home carrying a warm baguette (or two.)
In short, they still have their priorities straight.


Seen by the Promenade Plantée (Paris’ High Line walk:)
“This space is reserved for walking.
Joggers are tolerated as long as they do not disturb walkers…”

London, you have changed a lot.
Queen Victoria may not recognize you.
So modern, yet so traditional.
So predictable, yet so eccentric.
You keep surprising us.
London, you rule!

The hip and lively Southbank
Europe’s tallest building, the Shard, dominates the London skyline
Elegant Chelsea…
The crazy world of Camden Markets, North London 
Watching the world go by through the window of an ice cream parlor,
Notting Hill

In London and in Paris,
There have been precious moments,
spent with relatives and friends.
I did my best, but I still could not see everyone on my list.
L’année prochaine, c’est promis. Next year, I promise.

A grandmother, and her grandsons
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

For the next two weeks,
our most excellent European adventure continues.
For now, Junior and I have relocated to the French Riviera.
La Côte d’Azur, and its ruling queen, Nice.
My family’s roots are firmly planted by la Grande Bleue (the Mediterranean sea.)

We have to climb six flights of old, steep stairs,
to reach the “Crow’s Nest,”
our apartment in the heart of the Old Town.
But the view and small terrace are worth it.

Getting acquainted with la Baie des Anges (the Bay of Angels…) 
A home with a view…


I will be back in a few days with more stories…

In the meantime,
keep visiting the French Girl in Seattle‘s page on Facebook,
for daily photos and updates.
Thank you for all your comments and emails over the last few weeks.

Have a fun, warm, and safe rest of July!
Off to pour another glass of chilled rosé wine… A votre santé! 


A bientôt,
French Girl in Seattle

Text and photos by French Girl in Seattle.

Please do not use without permission.

 

Véronique - France with Véro
Véronique of France with Véro

Véronique of France with Véro

Vero shares her homeland weekly on social media with virtual tours, photo essays, live events and other publications at France with Vero. Learn more.

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40 Comments

  1. Dianne on July 14, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Two beautiful ladies … Paris and London …I love them both. Thank you for sharing these wonderful snippet, they have put a smile on my face. Merci Beaucoup.

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:15 pm

      You’re welcome Dianne. I am so glad you enjoyed hearing about these beautiful European ladies and genuine grandes dames…

  2. Castles Crowns and Cottages on July 14, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    VÉRONIQUE! BIENVENUE MON AMIE!OK….I love Paris, no matter what her reputation. London? I do not know her, but I know I could grow to embrace her history and people, for blogging has introduced me to the world. Your people, your family….oh what charm. To see you again ma belle is so wonderful as I sit in my garden, pretending to be in France as I listen to my fountain sing like the way Marcel Pagnol describes in his, Le Château de ma Mère. I pretend to be in Provence as my husband and I eat un civet au poulet au vin blanc, laced with thyme from my garden.Thank you for posting and keeping us updated; enjoy your stay with your lovely family!Bisous, Anita

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:17 pm

      Chère Anita. Très heureuse de t’avoir fait rêver et voyager pendant quelques minutes. Ton jardin m’a l’air tout à fait accueillant. Quant à ton menu du soir: Miam! On en mangerait… Bon été à toi. J’espère que tu profites bien de ton cours de poésie. A bientôt!

  3. La Table De Nana on July 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Je savais que.. it was your mom:)

    Great sharp ..fun shots!
    Good for you~
    Love the joggers quote!

    C’est beau! Le tout!!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:12 pm

      Merci beaucoup Nana. I prepared this post on July 14, sitting on my terrace in Nice, and waiting for the fireworks to start… A bientôt.

  4. miss b on July 14, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    Wonderful photos of two amazing cities and many familiar sights – as you know from my blog, I was recently in Paris and earlier this year London. What a lovely view from your hotel on Place Dauphine and the jogging sign made me smile. Looking forward to more stories! We too have been drinking rosé here in our garden – enjoying glorious sunshine – real summer weather in the UK – what a treat! Santé et Bonnes Vacances!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:14 pm

      Bonjour miss b. I need to go back to your blog (and others) and catch up on my reading. Wifi connections can be hard to find here, as you know, and time has not always been on my side, but I will get there. I knew that sign would be a hit. Only in France… 🙂

  5. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns on July 14, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Oh this sounds lovely. I hope that you have a fabulous time with your family and friends!

    Be safe, Elizabeth

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:16 pm

      Chère Elizabeth. It has been a wonderful summer so far, even though I have not been able to keep up with my blogging as much as I was hoping… C’est la vie…

  6. Liene on July 14, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    And happy 14 juillet to you! Viva la France!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:18 pm

      Merci beaucoup Liene. The fireworks show in Nice last night was shot directly from the water, above the Bay of Angels. It was beautiful! Hope summer is going well for you on the East Coast.

  7. helen tilston on July 14, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Hello Veronique

    Lovely to see you are back home and enjoying all that France is offering. Your accommodation in Nice sounds marvelous. I love the image of your sons and their grandmother. Continued joy as you explore and retrace your steps

    Helen xx

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:20 pm

      Merci Helen. The best part about this trip is that we get to spend time with family (and even, on occasion,) with friends. Another wonderful perk is to be able to explore old and new places and to return to fabulous cities. How I love cities! Hope Florida is treating you well. Nice felt a little bit like Florida yesterday: It was so hot and humid– but no bugs! 🙂

  8. Sarah on July 14, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Oh, what a wonderful post, my friend. I’ve vicariously traveled along with you…..your words and images make me smile. How I long to return to Paris for another visit, and La Côte d’Azur…….I’m a touch envious! Think of me as you wander the Monday antique market. ‘-)
    ~ Sarah

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:22 pm

      Dearest Sarah. Merci for your generous comment. I will, indeed, think of you later on this morning as I peruse the wares at the cours Saleya. I will not be able to buy anything, as our bags are heavy enough right now, but looking has never hurt anyone 🙂 I hope Texas is not too hot (but fear it probably is…) A bientôt.

  9. Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder on July 14, 2013 at 9:37 pm

    Dearest Véronique,
    What a lovely post… Those bikers made me feel almost at home. The Netherlands has so many bikes and it such a usual sight but not here in the USA.
    Enjoy your time together. Junior is growing up and he looks very happy so you have passed down your passion-genes for La France!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:25 pm

      Dearest Mariette. Thank you for stopping by. Junior is, indeed, growing up fast. He is as tall as I am, and will be taller before the end of the year. He is a good traveler, very interested in France and the French culture. He will start studying French for the first time in the fall and seems excited about it. He knows he needs to be able to read and write it as well as he speaks it to become truly bilingual one day. A bientôt, dear friend. Say “Howdy!” to Georgia for me.

  10. Palomasea on July 14, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Vive La France aujourd’hui et toujours!! Beautiful photos, chere Veronique…so glad you are having a magical holiday!
    A dear friend of mine is heading to Nice next week….you lucky ladies!! 🙂
    Enjoy!
    xoxo,
    – irina

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:27 pm

      Merci Irina. Your friend is a lucky lady indeed. She will be very hot here, in Nice, for a few days. That is for sure. But I would never complain. I will take the heat of the Mediterranean coast any day, over life in the Northern latitudes… It is so beautiful here, by the Big Blue! 🙂

  11. Splendid Market on July 14, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    Oh, enjoy your stay. I love the update and hope to see more. Merry Bastille Day! Love the sign protecting those who promenade!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 14, 2013 at 11:30 pm

      Well, you certainly know this area pretty well by now, don’t you? Had dinner at la Tavola, Cours Saleya, last night. I don’t like pizza much, but the wood-fired oven pizza they make here is simply to good to pass. Ah, that thin crust! Hope summer is treating you well, wherever you may be.

  12. Craig on July 15, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Great to read your news Veronique and hear how wonderful your holiday has been so far. And now you are in your beloved Nice – life is good for you. I look forward to reading much more.By the way, I especially like the view from your Paris hotel room.

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 15, 2013 at 9:51 am

      Bonjour Craig. Just saw your post about old Boris feeling like a youngster again in the warm weather. So happy for him, and for you!Yes, i am happy to be back in my beloved Nice. When I saw my friend Mary earlier, I involuntarily said: “Je suis rentrée samedi soir,” instead of “Je suis arrivée samedi soir.” — Un lapsus révélateur, as the French say… A bientôt!

  13. Jackie and Joel Smith on July 15, 2013 at 5:25 am

    You are missing some wonderful sun and blue skies in the Seattle area, but certainly see that you are having the same on your travels. Continue having a wonderful trip!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 15, 2013 at 9:47 am

      But of course I am, Jackie. Seattle is always at her best when I am away… Nice has outdone herself. It is very HOT here, but I am not complaining. I will have Nice in any weather, for better and for worse. That is what true love is 🙂

  14. Sandy at You May Be Wandering on July 15, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Oh wow, Veronique…what an amazing vacation you are having!!! Thank you for sharing…I love your photos!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 15, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Merci Sandy. I am very lucky, and I know it. I will look back on this trip next winter, and the photos and memories will help me pull through until spring returns…

  15. playingwithscarves on July 15, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Coucou ma chère Véronique,
    De retour après une éternité – passée à développer ma ligne de foulards en soie made in France bien sûr…
    Toujours le même plaisir à lire tes blogs et à voir tes superbes photos. quel bonheur que cette bouffée de France (sous le soleil. Wow!). Tu me donnes envie de prendre un billet pour la France tout de suite 😉
    Savoure ton séjour. Et rapporte nous quelques photos sympas du marché de Nice.
    Bisous d’une revenante,
    Anne

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 17, 2013 at 2:28 am

      Merci de passer me dire Bonjour, Anne. Quel plaisir d’avoir de tes nouvelles… Félicitations pour le lancemement de ta collection. Les carrés Hermès n’ont qu’à bien se tenir! Je passe au marché Saleya tous les matins car notre appar’ est à deux pas. Toujours un plaisir. J’essaye d’y arriver avant les foules estivales, et je m’installe en terrasse pour prendre le petit déjeuner, mon panier rempli de produits frais à mes pieds. Bon été à toi et toute ta petite famille!

    • playingwithscarves on July 17, 2013 at 10:09 am

      Donne moi ton adresse… J’arrive!
      Allez, savoure autant que tu peux. Fais le plein de bons produits du marché et surtout de soleil et reviens nous en super forme.
      Bizzz

  16. Connie on July 15, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I’ve always found French waiters to be quite flirtatious, not rude at all. Love the affiche du jogging!!!! So French in so many ways! Have a lovely vacation.

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 17, 2013 at 2:29 am

      The waiter pictured here was definitely flirtatious! I asked him if I could take a photo of him and he asked me to wait so he could grab his “canotier” (straw hat,) inside! 🙂 A bientôt, Connie.

  17. Malyss on July 17, 2013 at 12:13 am

    Effectivement, la Parisienne en vélo… :o)
    Là, dans tes photos, je me ressource en regardant Londres, que c’est beau sous le ciel bleu !
    Le reste , Paris, Nice c’est la routine.. :o))(joke)
    Quel plaisir de pouvoir te dire “A demain! “
    Bisous!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 17, 2013 at 2:34 am

      Eh oui, c’est difficile d’éviter la routine pour les photos à Nice ou à Paris– quoique… Je suis assez fière de la photo avec le message à l’attention des joggers! 🙂 Only in France… Moi aussi, je suis ravie de pouvoir te dire: “A demain!”

  18. Michel on July 17, 2013 at 6:49 am

    Bonjour Veronique. Looks like you are having a good time and good weather at least from the pictures. Enjoy Nice, it should be hot.

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 18, 2013 at 3:03 am

      Excellent weather, and so, so hot, Michel! This morning is a bit wee overcast and everyone breathed a sigh of relief 🙂 Such is life in Nice… Enjoying every precious minute of my time here. Hope summer is going well for you as well…

  19. Pamela RG on July 20, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    Wow, you visited my two favourite cities in Europe. Next time, I will spend more time in Notting Hill, London. I love Chelsea in London. The townhouses there are so pretty and super expensive. So I just daydream! Paris is another enchanting City. Lots to discover and eat! Again, amazing photos Veronique.

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 20, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      Thank you Pamela. I used to go to London quite often when I still lived in Europe. I love it even more now. London has turned into such an amazing, modern city. It is serious competition for Paris. I am glad I get to go to both capitals and enjoy them. How I love those big cities. Come back soon…

  20. Catherine Urbanski on August 8, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Love your vacation pics. We just returned from three weeks divided between Paris and Theoule-sur-Mer! *sigh*…cannot wait to get back next summer!

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