nos visiteurs

This weekend, Mama and Chris were in town! Their journey was somewhat delayed by the snow and chaos in the UK (none here, thank goodness) but they got here safe and sound in time for a quick stop at our flat (dropping off some treats, the most exciting being a tin of homemade oat biscuits (MY FAVE)), before moving on to supper at Chez Janou.

The highlight of our delicious and garlic-laden meal at this bistrot specialising in Southern French cooking was the excellent pudding menu. I had riz au lait, Mama had clafoutis, Chris was given an obscenely generous amount of cheese and Patrick had a perfect chocolate mousse, which was delivered in an enormous tureen and left on the table until he was finished (he only had two helpings!).

On Saturday we met up for a hearty and leisurely American brunch in St Germain, followed not long afterwards by an ice-cream (there's always room!). Sunday rolled around quickly (with sunshine!) and so today we explored the Marché Bastille, had churros for breakfast, and made our way to the Promenade Plantée, a lovely raised park-like walkway built on an unused C19th viaduct (and the inspiration for the High Line in New York).

Dodging joggers on the Promenade Plantée

Finally, we  walked all the way back to the Île de la Cité and hopped on a boat and enjoyed a sedate tour of the Seine - one of our favourite things to do! It's such a refreshing way to see the city, and I love seeing the many bridges up close.

Boat views!

Thank you Mama and Chris! Safe travels home tomorrow. On Monday, Patrick and I will be embarking upon our final three weeks of French classes, starting with another two tests (written and oral), in order to determine which class we'll be in this time around. Wish us luck!