Paris Guide^©
Mel & Judith Croner

Retrace your steps along the quais to l'Hôtel de Ville. Turn right into the plaza of the l'Hôtel de Ville, and, with the l'Hôtel de Ville on your right, walk to rue de Rivoli, the next street in front of you. For the handyman (handy woman?), cross the rue de Rivoli to the large department store, BHV Rivoli. Go downstairs. It's one of the largest hardware stores in France.

Place des Vosges. As you exit BHV Rivoli onto rue de Rivoli, turn left and continue to rue de Turenne where you turn left. Continue on rue de Turenne and turn right on rue de Francs Bourgeois to the Place des Vosges. This is one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in all of Paris. Have lunch or coffee or a drink at one of the cafes bordering the square. Victor Hugo's apartment is located at one corner of the square. It is open for viewing. L'Amboisie, a small, very expensive, Michelin three star restaurant also is located on this square.

At the other end of the Place des Vosges, turn left and head toward either/both of Hôtel Carnavalet (the Museum of Paris) and/or l'Hôtel Salé (Picasso Museum). A walk of about 5-minutes. On your way back, walk to the St. Paul Métro stop to see La Maison Européen de la Photographie. The street behind the Métro entrance, toward the river, is rue Miron. With the Métro entrance at your back walk about one-half block to your right, then turn right onto rue de Fourcy. Opened in 1995, this beautifully restored building was l'Hôtel Hénault de Cantobre, the home of a French general. The Centre houses an excellent permanent collection of photography, has a high tech library, and regularly presents special exhibitions and screens films. It is located at 5-7, rue Fourcy, 4e. Métro: St. Paul. At the St. Paul Métro, with rue de Rivoli at your back, walk to rue François-Muron, turn right, then turn left on rue Fourcy. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays.

Send your suggestions to: mel@croner.biz