Twosome Tuesday

 

A place to embrace.

 

Mimosa Monday

 Winner - World Championship Egg Mayonnaise 2026

 

Above: each one a dainty mouthful 

  

***

 

Soon after learning that Mathieu Renucci, passionate chef-patron who revived the historic 1921 bistro Au Rêve in Montmartre, and co-creator Yves Séné had recently won the 7th edition of the Championnat du Monde de l'Œuf Mayonnaise - World Egg Mayonnaise (sometimes mistaken as Oeuf Mimosa, the less-fussy French cousin of the American deviled egg that features sieved yolk "petals" on top) Championship - I knew I had to try it. This quirky contest is run by the Association de Sauvegarde de l'Œuf Mayonnaise (ASOM), a group whose noble (and slightly tongue-in-cheek) mission is to safeguard this endangered French entrée classic that has, sadly, been quietly disappearing from bistro menus. 

 

At just 9 euros, three modest snowy halves arrived on a plate cloaked in a silky house-made mayo, each concealing a medallion of leeks vinaigrette beneath, each crowned with a haughty "hat," a tiny crouton perched at a jaunty angle. As applause erupted from adjacent tables, it was one of those perfect, light-hearted Parisian moments that felt like a scene from a movie. And while the portion was small, we had to admit it was big on flavor. When we looked up, more of the prize-winning oeufs had arrived and everyone was eagerly sampling from each other’s plates. A prix well-deserved. - BPJ

 

Au Rêve

89 rue Caulaincourt 75018

 

Sunny Sunday

 

 

The sun has cast a shadow through a sign on the window of a closed café:

 

"Championnat du Monde du l'Oeuf Mayonnaise 2026"

 World Championship Eggs Mayonnaise 2026

 

Tomorrow:

The eggs that put a small Montmartre café-bistro on the map

 

 

Sit-down Saturday

 Sketches for sale at Place du Tertre.

Floral Friday

It's springtime in Paris.

 

Thoughtful Thursday

 

A good time for a good book. 

 

Walking Wednesday

 A beautiful walk through atmospheric back streets of the Left Bank.

 

Table Tuesday

Optimistic despite still-chilly weather.

 

Meringue Monday

 

Giant almond meringues light up a pátisserie window.

Street-side Sunday

 

Coffee croissants and color on a Paris market street.

*** 

At Maison Jeffrey Cagnes (73 rue Montorgueil) re-imagined viennoiseries and pastries join the street chaos: a must-try Paris-Brest, standout chocolate tarts, éclairs, and a Black Forest gâteau w/its playful "red hat" (and yes that beret really was that bright). - BPJ

 

Scenic Saturday

 

When the ATMs have better views than your hotel.

Floral Friday

Old-fashioned charm on a Marais morning. 

Throwback Thursday

 

Memories of Provence in summer.

 

Above: Bandol's morning market w/its cafés on the port

 

*** 

 

3 hours (or less) from Paris

 

Paris - Marseille

(around 24 trains per day) 

 From Paris: high-speed TGV from Gare de Lyon; then TER regional train Marseille to Bandol

 

Woof Wednesday

 

 

Spotted on the Left Bank.

Treeful Tuesday

 Arches and a sunny terrace in the Jardin du Palais-Royal.

 

Montmartre Monday

 A portrait artist perched above a bustling café scene below.

 

Sit-down Saturday

Dogs with friends.

Floral Friday

 

 

Pink today. Gone tomorrow.

 

Still time to see magnificent magnolia trees in bloom in Paris parks and squares, but not for long.

Thespian Thursday

Caught in the act.

 

A masked actor hands out leaflets at a metro entrance in Montmartre.

 

Théâtre Funambule

53 rue des Saules 75018 

  

Below: from Le Bal des Voleurs

A comedy (in French)

  

                                                 photo image: Le Funambule

 

 

***

 

 Montmartre is dotted with intimate theaters (typically under 100-150 seats) with an authentic, off-the-main-drag charm often featuring contemporary plays, comedy, and emerging companies and playwrights. These small neighborhood venues tucked away in some of the most picturesque and upscale parts of the butte - near the Moulin de la Galette, on leafy squares... - make for delightful evenings that usually end somewhere nearby for drinks or even a late dinner and lively discussion. For the latest shows, tickets, or any changes, be sure to check official sites. - BPJ

 

Window Wednesday

 This shop, renowned for its brioches aux pralines roses, stocks a variety of original gift ideas.

 

Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Pralus

9 rue des Petits Carreaux 75002 

 

Table Tuesday

 

 

Grab a blanket and claim a chair.

 

Above: lunchtime on lively market street rue Montorgueil

Mocha Monday

 

 

Paris runs on coffee... One espresso at a time.

  

Sit-down Saturday

 Shopping and stopping for lunch in the Passage Vivienne.

 

Floral Friday

 

Pink takes over at the Jardin du Palais-Royal... One magnolia at a time.

 

***

Heralds of spring:

Every year the Jardin du Palais-Royal, a short walk from the Musée du Louvre, surprises with a vibrant display of Asian magnolia trees, easily (and often) mistaken for cherry blossoms. Introduced in 1992 at the request of then-Culture Minister Jack Lang, they’re fairly new arrivals: sixteen deciduous trees that bloom dramatically in early spring, as seen this year, around March 6. Plumpish buds begin to appear on bare branches before any leaves, and at their peak create a striking contrast against the Buren columns, green lawns and surrounding architecture. But the spectacle is fleeting. Lasting just one to two weeks before the petals are scattered to the winds like pink confetti, photographers, locals, and visitors flock there from early til late, phones / cameras in hand, eager for an iconic Parisian moment that blends beauty, nature and casual city life. - BPJ 

 Jardin du Palais-Royal

 Hours: 8 AM til 8 PM every day

 

Throwback Thursday

 

Today's throwback is to Le Train Bleu, the elegant restaurant overlooking the tracks inside the Gare de Lyon, from where trains still depart daily for the sun-drenched South of France. If the gastronomy doesn't lure you in (be sure to order their tableside-prepped Crêpes Suzette flambéed with Grand Marnier for dessert), the breathtaking decor certainly will: 41 monumental paintings by renowned Belle Époque artists adorn the walls and soaring ceilings, depicting tempting Côte d'Azur destinations to whet the appetite for travel. - BPJ