We decided to take advantage of Patrimonie and some of the open buildings so started at Hotel de Sens, constructed in 1475. There were several exhibits for the occasion, one of them with several artisans, working with apprentices and explaining how to do various craft work such as wood inlay.
There is an also an extensive library, which we went through. We then got in line to enter the Hotel de Ville, the city hall of Paris. We were within the first 50 people in line but it didn't move for a very long time and, by the time we entered, there were hundreds waiting. The building, as it now stands, was officially opened in 1882. It was an almost identical reconstruction of the original Renaissance facade which had been completed in 1628 and burned in 1871. The building is filled with lavish reception rooms, the council chambers and the mayors office. It's all very ornate and beautiful and a highlight was getting to see the very large corner office occupied by the mayor, which is not available for viewing during normal tours, but only opened during Patrimonie. As the announcement that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics, there was lots of publicity throughout. We then went over & strolled the Islands and had lunch at one of my favorites, Rose de France in Place Dauphine on the Ile de la Cite. Leas had a salad Caprese and we both had prawns with risotto, which was really creamy and delicious. I had the citron creme brulee for dessert, also delicious. We walked through the flower and bird markets - I think they had birds of every imaginable color for sale. Stopped in front of Notre Dame at Point Zero and walked to the lower level by the Seine to check out a food fair of southwestern food. It was interesting but really crowded and a huge black and ominous cloud was following us so we didn't stay too long. Got ice cream at Berthillon on the Ile Saint Louis and then went back to the apartment. We had dinner at home with ham, cheese, baguettes and pastries (and wine, of course).
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