Wednesday 4 May - Bill returns to Canada and lunch at Aux Isles Marquises

We took Bill to the ticket barrier for the RER and pointed him in the direction for platform 43 where the trains for CDG leave.

We then validated our Eurail Passes and strolled around Gare du Nord.

I have always thought the Thalys TGVs are the most attractive-looking but have never ridden in one.

There's always something of interest.  I think this was built 1958-1963 and operates on 25kv AC

From there we wandered down towards Place de la Republique but happened to look back as we were leaving the Gare du Nord.  It has been cleaned and is magnificent.

The light was just right and it is breathtaking.

We decided to make our way over to Montparnesse to visit our favorite restaurant in Paris, Aux Isles Marquises.  We were met at the door by Madame who instantly recognized us, we heard her talking to the waiter referring to us as "Les Canadiens".  The last time we were here was New year's Eve 2 1/2 years ago.  Her husband has not lost his touch in the kitchen.  The meal was faultless.

Coupe de champagne

Amuse gueules

Crabmeat with hazelnut oil and salad/quail with redcurrants, nuts and salad

Rascasse (fish) with saffron, wild rice/kidneys in a port sauce with potatoes, small broad beans and pea pods

Brouilly (beaujolais)

Rhubarb tart with strawberry sauce

Coffee

On the way back to the apartment I took a picture of the chocolate egg in the window of the patisserie Lenotre.  It only cost 390 euros or about $550.00.

After supper we went for a short walk down to Batignoles Park.  Delightful.  Parents with children and others sitting on the benches enjoying the evening warmth and watching the water birds.  In one place a climbing rose, in full bloom, has grown at least three metres up a tree.  There is one area reserved for petanque.

Petanque is now in full swing