image - vicki archer
In life there are some people that you have special relationships with... for a whole variety of reasons... they might be family, they might be friends... it doesn't matter... they are your person and that is all that counts. In my case my niece is my person... more like a sister... so when she was about to celebrate an important birthday, selfishly I wanted her with me. Paris is a long way from Australia for a birthday lunch especially via Avignon but that is what happened. There are plenty of wonderful ways to say 'happy birthday' in Provence... but how could she come all that way to France and not visit Paris? So that's what we did... Paris for lunch...
It was a surprise... My daughter and I made all the arrangements before she arrived in St Rémy... fortunately she had a few days before her birthday to acclimate. She woke up that morning to a very excited pair suggesting she hurry up, get ready because we were going to Paris to do our celebrating... It does sound crazy to travel two and a half hours on a train for a lunch but when you are Australian and in the habit of long haul travel... a couple of hours is a mere bagatelle... besides where better to start a new decade than in Paris...There are many glorious ways to spend a day in Paris... many restaurants, many arrondissements... and so much to do and see... Some days are all about history, some days are full of culture and some are more about discovery but this day was all about pleasure... we were celebrating not sightseeing... we were playing grown ups and ladies who lunch... Champagne, delicious food and... perfume were on our agenda...
A long lunch at the Hotel Costes on the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré kicked off our birthday extravaganza... the decor is fabulous, the food is girly good and the people watching the best... It's not fine dining but the atmosphere is buzzy and the champagne chilled... Ambience was what I was after... relaxed and casual... We wanted to laugh and reminisce... be comfortable and spend time... We did... Location wise... it's a winner. Out the door and you are minutes away from some of the best shopping in Paris... A quick browse in Colette, a candle from Astier de Villatte and steps away from the Palais Royal...Our destination was the Shiseido Serge Lutens boutique and a flacon of 'fleur d'oranger'... a much loved scent for the three of us...
There is something so splendid about being in a beautiful city without rush, without hurrying. Having enough time to luxuriate in the beauty but not enough to feel compelled to race around and over visit... less was more...This day was about being together, making memories and allowing the elegance and grace of Paris to infuse our happiness.... But that doesn't mean we didn't document the day with major landmarks... Who can go home without a shot outside the Louvre or a view of the Eiffel Tower? We managed happy snaps with both... Eiffel Tower key rings even made their way into our handbags...
A quick stop at Le Meurice for more people watching, decor quizzing and birthday toasting before we left for the Gare de Lyon and our train home to Avignon. Upstairs in Le Train Bleu we sank into the comfort of their leather club chairs, made a few further toasts and waited for our train... the end to a pretty fabulous day and one that the three of us will remember for a long time...
The trip home is what will be remembered... We boarded the 'fast train' and in my state of relax I didn't notice a couple of pertinent points. The train was departing from a different track than normal and carriages were not regular TGV style... Could it have been the champagne? We settled into our seats, left the station and chatted about our day... until I heard the chef de bord announce over the loud speaker the words, 'Avignon Centre'... You can see where this is going... By accident, I had booked our returns on the slow train to the wrong station... Instead of a speedy 2h40minutes we would be rocking through the French countryside for five hours something and arriving at a different train station from the one in which I had left our car that morning...
Nothing could have ruined our day and it was pretty funny considering I am always the one who warns friends not to confuse the stations or the trains when booking tickets... We looked at it this way...a longer journey home made our fairy-tale day last even longer...
For your Parisian address book...
Hotel Costes
239 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré
75001 Paris
+33 1 42 44 50 00
Colette
213 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré
75001 Paris
+33 1 55 35 33 90
Astier de Villatte
173 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré
75001 Paris
+33 1 42 60 74 13
Salons du Palais Royale Shiseido
Jardins des Palais Royal
142, Galerie de Valois
75001 Paris
+33 1 47 48 95 89
Le Meurice
228 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
+33 1 44 58 10 10
Le Train Bleu
Garde de Lyon
75012 Paris
+33 1 43 43 09 06
and this is still my favourite Costes music... xv
my daily click HERE
Oh my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This sounds fabulous. Everything about it (perhaps not the journey home) sounds glorious. What a wonderful way to celebrate the start of a new decade. All my favourite places. Happy Birthday Vicki! I, too, will be having a special celebration in Paris soon for the start of a new decade....and it most definitely will be champagne, lunch and a Hermes visit for me!
ReplyDeletewhat a great Bday celebration, especially in view of the fact that your niece travelled all the way from Australia..How fabulous to have such a special person in your life ! what's a few hours more on the train back ?? it will add a funny end to a unique day and, I am sure, to your retelling the story in future years. Listening to the music as I am typing this.
ReplyDeleteyou girls know how to celebrate!
What a fabulous day Vicki, I wish I could fly from Sydney to France to have lunch with you!
ReplyDeleteUtterly fabulous! And perfect that you booked you the wrong train on the way home - it is that kind of thing that makes it a real story!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful,while I was reading your post,I was there with you. lucky niece. I don't think she would ever forget this birthday. I also think it was a bonus getting on the wrong train. Meandering through the French Countryside would be so lovely.
ReplyDeletex jeanetteann
What a great way to celebrate a birthday! It sounds like it was the perfect day, never mind the slow return home!
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid day, and wrapped up with a big laugh. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is in November and I'm very good company! :-) What a fabulous birthday...a dream come true! Lucky ladies!
ReplyDeleteUtter perfection in every way! What a treat...
ReplyDeleteI cannot think of a more spectacular way to spend a special birthday then to be in Paris (that alone is quite fabulous on its own) but to spend the day as you did, in the company of those that you love and cherish, great food, people watching at Le Meurice! Does it get any better?
ReplyDeleteEven that sloooow train ride through the French countryside sounds like perfection!
Sending you the happiest birthday wishes!
No better way to celebrate than a leisurely day à Paris! As you said, the journey home just made a wonderful day last longer and you were in comfy seats after all!
ReplyDeletehttp://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/
... oh yes, you are right ... just something to prolong the fun and beauty of the day .. and something to add memories to the birthday celebration ... the restaurant sounds just my kind of thing and must check it out next time in Paris ... this was a great start to the day, happy and uplifting and life affirming ... tomorrow snow/rain/sleet in NYC, but it's been a mild winter and we can't complain .... best to you, Karen in CT
ReplyDeleteFabulous! It's my Birthday this weekend ... Oh how I would love to spend it in France! Jules x
ReplyDeleteAh, merci for the addresses. Have added those to my notes for the upcoming trip. Enough champagne will make one mellow, even about travel gone awry! I'm looking forward to seeing Gare de Lyon and Le Train Bleu.
ReplyDeleteWhat a FAB anniversaire!
ReplyDeleteI finally braved going into Shiseido Serge Lutens boutique. They could not have been nicer and even gave me a little folder with samples of all their perfs gratis!
Hotel Meurice is wonderful for petit dejeuner.
I've only peeked in at Hotel Costes windows.
Someday...
So wonderful...I am coming to Paris for the very first time this May and I am taking notes from all over your blog! I must eat lunch there now! And buy a candle, and try some fleur d'oranger....but I'll skip the five hour train ride I think...LOL
ReplyDeleteLorraine
I am smiling and am so happy for all of you to have enjoyed each other and your celebration day! I followed each event with great anticipation and had fun with you thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI yearn for another trip to Paris. Reading your posts each day I travel and experience France with you. Thank you Vicki! You are a special person with many gifts.
I love this story!! Sounds like a great time was had by all, and the spirit of adventure in travel kept well alive. Many more very happy birthdays to the 3 of you. And big smiles from Paris reading this..
ReplyDeleteI think Paris for lunch sounds absolutely magical and I can't imagine a better place to spend a birthday! Even the missed train - 5 more hours to enjoy the adventure and each others company. Happy Birthday to your niece! XO
ReplyDeleteDear Auntie Vicki,
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is next February.
XO
Wonderful story !!
ReplyDeleteCan I be your new niece , pretty please.
Karyn
What a beautiful way to celebrate any birthday...gloriously feminine and Parisian. A tale wonderfully shared.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful post, chere Vicki!
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent auntie you are to plan this memorable, amazing celebration!!
Sounds like the most perfect day, I love your description of it all..pure bliss.
And a longer train ride ended up being a blessing indeed!
Somehow riding slowly through the countryside seems very apropos considering the luxuriousness of the day. I have only been on TGV, but I would love to take the regular train now!
xoxo,
- Irina
Well I'd say you did pretty well for that birthday celebration: Hotel Costes, Hotel Meurice and let's not forget the prestigious Train Bleu! You hit quite a few "classics" along the way, Vicki. I like a girl who knows how to celebrate in style. ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteOH MY!What a fun day..............I have to tell you I got a sample of the CLARINS serum and like it much better then the LA MER serum I had been using!THANK YOU!Do you put it on at night as well?I have been using under make up during the day.Do we get a photo of you your daughter and niece?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful event and I can't think of a better way to spend a your special day! Vicki, we are going to Paris (first time) in June and I will make sure to check this spot out! Thank you for all of your lovely posts!
ReplyDeletexx
leslie
I had an aunt like you when I was growing up, she introduced me to wondrous things and made me laugh out loud. These are such special times, Vicki, and you know all of us love reading about your adventures. My son was at school at Parsons so we have had many great times in Paris and the Faubourg St. Honore is one of my favorite places. What a perfectly wonderful day you guys had, topped off by the all-to-human mistake of the wrong train. Too too funny and still great !!! xo's
ReplyDeleteA really beautiful post - written in a way that made me feel I was there. I have a big birthday, and beginning of a new decade coming up this year and hope to be celebrating in Paris this fall. And BTW - I LOVE being stuck on trains.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Vicki....I have a really close relationship with my aunt and she has always been one of the most important people in my life so I totally understand you wanting a special day together.
ReplyDeleteYour description of your Parisian lunch was so wonderful that I am now thinking heading over for the day for my birthday in April :)
And I did smile at your train home story!!! The only time I have ever got on the wrong train was last summer heading for the airport...we did make the flight eventually but only by the skin of our teeth!! :)
Simply.. Perfect. A life-long memory for each of you! Bravo!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the most perfect day, slow train and all..Wonderful story, Vicki! xxoo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, beautiful day! The restaurant sounds absolutely charming. Thanks for sharing these tips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day. No rushing or thinking you need to go here and there to see the sights. Birthday lunch, and some shopping, Perfect !
ReplyDeleteI gasped when I saw the photo.... Fabulous.
cheers, parsnip
Thank you, thank you, Vicki, for another Paris destination! What a birthday to remember for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to your station mix-up as my only experience in Paris was arriving at the train station bound for Avignon, oops, the wrong station and not speaking enough French. The ticket windows were all shut, one after the other, as I stepped to each one begging for information as to how to solve my dilemma. I spotted a blonde kid in shorts and a t-shirt. Looks American, I mused. Tapping him on the shoulder, he turned around, his t-shirt said Balboa Bay Club (Newport Beach, California)...I was from Balboa!!! He explained that his sister was attending the Sorbonne and that he spoke French. He saved that day, an experience that I recall with a smile in my heart knowing a seemingly dire experience can have a shining silver lining. I love recalling those moments of travel that stay in my memory as if they happened yesterday, I store them in my "Iphoto inter-brain library."
xoxo, Chris
Bonjour Vicki
ReplyDeleteAs an Aussie I travelled to Paris for my 40th Birthday and would do it again in a heartbeat. I celebrated my birthday dinner at the Moulin Rouge which had been a lifelong dream.
Be sure to check out my blog and you will see how in love with Paris I am. I wish for the future that I get to explore a lot more of France.
Shell - A Darlings Nest
http://www.adarlingsnest.com/
The "Special" birthday niece will remember that birthday for a lifetime - I envisage her relating the day in detail to her children and grandchildren in years to come!!!
ReplyDeleteThe long journey home was so perfect to reminisce on the day.
The best memories in life are of precious times such as you three enjoyed together in the most beautiful city in the world.
What I especially love is more fabulous addresses for my "2012 France Trip" - thank you Vicki!
Of course my trips up to Paris will centre around my petites-filles. I want to buy them each a beautiful dress to remember their Paris day with Grand-mère!!!
Shane x
You are the best Auntie! OMG so you had to spend wome timw on the TGV and got to the wrong station???? She will have a great story to tell back in Australia!!!!!!!It is part of YOUR FRENCH LIFE! xo thanks for the grins..... Maryanne
ReplyDeleteI said auntie meant Grand Mere....... Whatever........MA;)
ReplyDeleteI want you to set up my next birthday celebration! I will make a point to lunch at this lovely spot on my first trip to Paris, beginning April 20....
ReplyDeleteML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I spent many an incredible day with my Aunt whom I lived with in England for a few years. As a very naive Aussie girl (in my best K-mart gear) she took me shopping Bailey shoes, Harrods, Wolf's for lunch, all with her driver waiting for us....incredible days but most special because I got to know her!
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine you Ladies lunching....Happy Days
ciao lisa x
I am back from Berlin and reading your post makes me want to jump into an airplane again....
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day for you all!
What a wonderful day, Birthday Lunch, Company, City, Train ride, just everything! Your writing is fabulous; I felt I was right there with you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteHello Vicki
ReplyDeleteYour day of celebrating in Paris sounds divine. No doubt the long train journey home allowed to catch up on lots of great memories.
Happy Birthday
Helen xx
When you have had your fill of champagne, nothing else matters.... I'm sure the day is even more memorable for your "mistake".
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way you can craft a tale Vicki!
Ahhh the old slow train to 'Avignon Centre' trick.... Anything to spend more time with the ones you love huh! Sylvia
ReplyDelete*** What a DEEEELIGHTFUL READ!!!! How WONDERFULLY WRITTEN!!! I HONESTLY could picture EVERYTHING you gals were doing, and it sounded like SO... MUCH... FUN!!! (We lived in Europe off n' on for 18years... so, I know it well and it's EASY to imagine what an INCREDIBLY UBER-FAB DAY y'all had, making MEMORIES of a LIFETIME!!!)...
ReplyDeleteThank you SO MUCH for the HAPPY TIME I had as a "fly on the wall" (an INVITED one, no less! Grins!)!!! Terrific fun!!!
Warmest,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
Haha Vicki ..... a little too much Champagne indeed !!!! Actually, I'm sure that it wasn't really a hardship, as I bet you chatted your way through those 5 something hours !! You would only have been talking at home so what's the difference ?!! Did the train serve Champagne ? hehe.
ReplyDeleteYou gave your neice a wonderful day and a birthday to remember. She will always remember it and will go home with some wonderful and lasting memories. XXXX
No surprise that you are doing all this in style Vicki. She is one lucky girl! I have printed out this post, I love it that much! Thank you for adding in all the details of where to go. I am sneaking off to Paris in April..on my own, I am so so excited. It is only right that I should end this journey in Paris via your travel tips as I started the journey two years ago in London with your Rule Britannia post. :) xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a BRILLIANT day! Happy birthday, special niece and all best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI loved the whole Paris adventure from lunch to the long train home! I call these little glitches in travel happy accidents, for they give us two gifts: more time to spend enjoying the ones we love and a memory to share always. xo Gigi
ReplyDeleteThe lamps... be still, my heart. What a beautiful surprise for your niece, Vicki. And a lovely combination of planning and serendipitous moments.
ReplyDeleteI am so enthralled with your beautiful blog and life in France, and especially your sweet generosity to your special niece on her birthday. You are both very blessed to have each other and to experience such an extraordinary adventure together. Being a lover of all things French since childhood after hearing my father's escapades there, I have yet to visit that enchanted land. Dear friends of ours moved to Paris five years ago and have begged us to visit. And even though I work part-time for an international airline and can easily make arrangements yet we have still waited and taken trips elsewhere. Last month I discovered that my paternal great-great grandfather was born in France. Now I am even more enraptured with France and attempting to find more information about our family lines there. So I have begun preparations for our trip there next year. We have a daughter's wedding and remodeling going on this year. Otherwise, I would be leaving tomorrow. But if you are in need of another special niece, my birthday is in October. And I am a serious collector of Serge Lutens bell jars and fragrances! ;) Seriously, I am so excited to have all of your wonderful posts to glean such wonderful information to create our itinerary. Thank you so very much for sharing your life in France on this beautiful blog!
ReplyDelete~ Victoria in Texas
Crumbs, how are you ever going to beat this for your niece's next significant birthday! You've set the bar very high here Vicki. A day full of bubbles, giggles, silliness, familiarity only close rellies can bring & all set with Paris as a back drop. You are the ultimate Events Manager & put our friend Carleen the Co-Ordinator to shame mate!
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Sounds like the most perfect day! Your lucky niece!
ReplyDelete~ Clare x
ooooh how you are killing moi with all these FABuLOUS photos of Paris... this month signals the 20 year mark since I was last in Paris... soooooo SAD!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your photos!