Weekend in Paris for Wine Tasting

November 15 - 16

We were in Paris for the weekend, this time for wine tasting at O Chateau. This is one of the few places in Paris that offer tastings in English. We signed up for the Tour De France of wine tasting. We learned about the principle wine regions of France, tasting techniques, and tasted 3 sommelier recommended white wines and 3 red wines.

Quite unexpectedly, we also learned about some of the not-so-pleasant discussions in the French society. When we landed up in Paris that weekend, we were oblivious to the fact that it was the anniversary of the yellow-vest movement. There were protests organized in various parts of Paris.

Here are some pictures and video of everything Manoj and I clicked this weekend (Nov 15 - Nov 16).

   

1. This is the Fontaine de la Victoire. This was on our way from the Chatlet train station to our hotel in Latin Quarter. This fountain had Spinx's facing the four directions spewing water from their mouth. This appears to have been built during the period of Egyptomania in French history. As per wiki, this provided drinking water to people in the neighborhood as well as celebrated many of Napolean's victories.

2. This is Fontaine Saint-Michel. It depicts Saint Michel slaying a dragon. This was built around 1860s and was inspired by fountains created in Rome during the same period.

3. Some of the protest march we captured on our way to wine tasting. At that point it appeared peaceful to us. We later realized that appearances can be deceptive. On our way back, we were at the Des Halles Chatlet and saw damaged scooters and streets vandalised with garbage and litter. There were police everywhere. Unknown to us, this is what happened in Paris Gilets-jaunes-smash-Paris-banks-anniversary-Yellow-Vest-movement.

4. This is a picture of the wine tasting session with Pierre at O Chateau. He has traveled across france and has worked in various wineries. He is a certified sommelier. He appeared very knowledgeable about wines. It was a packed class of about 25 participants. We ordered a platter of French cheese to go with the wines.

6. The next morning I went walking to shopping district. I passed the western facade of Notre Dame. Its unbelievable that this monument was built is 13th century and has withstood the test of time. It is closed to public and is now undergoing repairs of the damages caused by the recent fire.

  

7. This lonely Gothic monument in the middle of the shops on Rue De Rivoli is Saint Jacques Tower. This is the only remaining part of a church destroyed during the French revolution. It's absolutely gorgeous. The picture of the two of us on the bench by this tower was clicked by TushMrin on our first visit to Paris in 2012, seven years ago.

8. The large christmas tree in Westfield Des Halles shopping mall. In the US, we start with the Christmas fanfare after thanksgiving; here its starts early November.

9. Usually, I forget to click pictures of all the wonderful food we eat. Here is one of the meals where I remembered to click. Manoj's Canard du Confit and my Croque Madamme. I look very pleased with my dish.