A Day of Rest, Mostly

Neither Tim nor I was feeling 100% this morning. Tim was beat, and I was also tired, but we did finally make it to breakfast by 10:30 am. The hotel had a lovely setup for breakfast. The table was set with a basket of wonderful pastries, croissants, and breads, and then other options, such as fruit cups, yogurt, meats, and cheeses were presented to us on trays. The café au lait was delicious. We could have ordered eggs or other items, but Tim and I were satisfied with just what was offered.

Breakfast at Hotel Tamise

We went back to room for a while but left so housekeeping could tidy our room. This morning, we walked along the Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most luxurious and fashionable streets in the world thanks to the presence of virtually every major global fashion house. 

We ended up at the Place Vendôme, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris and a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture. At the center of the square is the Vendôme Column, with a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte at its top.

Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme has long been a symbol of luxury and glamour, and it has become somewhat of an epicenter for fine jewelry. The buildings flanking the square house such renowned boutiques as Repossi, Piaget, Boucheron, and Chaumet. The Ritz hotel occupies the buildings on the west side. Tim loves looking at watches, and he had a great time window-shopping.

Neoclassical Buildings Line the Place Vendôme

Tim Thought It Was a Great Place to Window Shop for Watches

One of the shops on the square is Louis Vuitton's Paris flagship atelier, and its façade was covered with dozens of convex mirrors and flowers. I later learned that this French fashion brand has redecorated some of its stores all over the world to celebrate its collection with Yayoi Kusama, the “Princess of Polka Dots.” I also remembered seeing two other Louis Vuitton stores covered with colorful dots, as well as a colossal sculpture of the artist.

The Louis Vuitton Store on Place Vendôme

Other Louis Vuitton Stores in Paris

Tim and I returned to our hotel and napped all afternoon. We finally went out for dinner at Chez Flottes, a brasserie recommended by hotel. I didn’t realize that we needed a reservation, but we were able to be seated at the bar.

I wanted something simple and ordered Aubergine Rôtie Gratinée au Vieux Rodez and Tomate. Based on the description, I assumed that the dish would be similar to eggplant parmesan. When the server set the plate in front of me, I was shocked. It was a whole eggplant stuffed with tomato sauce and cheese. It was quite the sight! The eggplant was very good, but I could only finish a small portion of it.

Dinner at Chez Flottes