An evening in Paris

Pond with irises

Who could have expected this!

I booked into a hotel near Gare de Lyon in Paris for one night as I was catching the train to Barcelona from that station.

Gare de Lyon is about 1km walk from Bastille in the It is a little further away from Notre Dame so less frequented by tourists. When I arrived I asked the hotel reception to suggests as to  where to walk and where to eat dinner. And how lucky was I.

He pointed out the viaduct, an old railway line at the height of the treetops which has been converted into a garden and walking track of about 5km. Steps and a lift go to the top from the main cross streets. At 6 pm it had workers going home, joggers, babies being pushed and strolling couples.

It is lined with mature trees, and wild gardens with signs about looking for butterflies. There was a stick home for bees and wasps and a compost heap, a pool lined with irises. I could see the tops of the plane trees on the street and the decorations on the adjoining buildings at close quarters. It was sunny while the street below was in shade and much cooler.

Nests for bees and wasps

Compost

Path goes between the buildings

Street below

The next morning I walked along the line at street level. The spaces underneath are being used by artisans with workshops making everything from violins to umbrellas.

Thence to dinner to recommended restaurant, Maguey Restaurant The helpful waiter explained that there was not a menu but a concept. Diners chose 2 from the 4 concepts, fluffy, intrepid, enthusiastic and capricious. The dishes were provided accordingly. I was asked what I did not eat. I could order individual entrée, main and desert or the 3. Wine could be provided to match each course.

So I stayed. A wonderful dinner followed.

Salmon, zucchini puree with radish flowers

Pork, ginger bread, pepper puree with carrot and papaye

Granache with gin and rhubarb sorbet

A chance booking at a lower price hotel in an area convenient to the train and what a memorable evening I had.

Any guesses at which of the 4 concepts I chose?