After a late night at the opera, I awoke in my Montmarte hotel ready for the day. Interestingly, the hotel is right around the corner from the Moulin Rouge but it feels a world away. Maybe because it’s right next to the famous Montmarte cemetery. Admittedly, when SMS and I went to Moulin Rouge and I realized my future hotel was nearby, I was a little second-guessing staying there solo. But it was great! I recommend, if you’re ever interested: Citadines Montmarte.
Montmarte Walk
No breakfast, but I grabbed some free coffee. Afterwards, I left my bag at the front desk and headed out for a walk.
Montmarte is cute. It’s different than the other, Haussmann developed arrondissements as the streets are narrow, twisty, cobblestoned, and hilly! I saw a few cute streets, the I love you wall, and the photobooth people talk about for a retro strip where there was a long influencer line.
Caudalie Spa
I had booked a noon facial at Caudalie. I was lucky that there was an opening since they booked far in advance. But I had only heard of it as a thing to do three days prior.
The experience was really nice and I do like Caudalie products. I think the final result just made my skin redder for a bit, but not in a cute glowy way. But it was relaxing and the facialist was very sweet. I didn’t buy anything because of my CityPharma extravaganza the day prior, but I’ll review the recommended products list at some point while I’m here.
I walked through a bit of the Montmarte cemetery since the hotel was literally next door. I came upon the gravestone of the woman who invented can-can!
Le Petit Vendome and the Meilleur Sandwich!
I picked up my bag and headed across town to pick up a sandwich for lunch. Sarah Jessica Parker had said this was the best sandwich ever. Now, SJP is kind of on the skinny side to completely trust a sandwich rec but guess what, it’s not just her. Le Petit Vendome has the best sandwich in the world. Their awning says so!
It was a great experience. I had a country ham, cantal cheese, butter sandwich. It was absolutely delicious. I had a glass of Chardonnay with it too, which felt like a great pairing while sitting at the bar of the super busy, kind of crowded but not smothering restaurant.
I ended up getting a sandwich for the road, which I ate for dinner. In case you’re wondering, the sandwich is better fresh because the bread softens a bit from the fillings moisture. But it’s still great both ways.
Trésors de Champagne
I took the train to Reims, champagne capital! It was a short trip, but better than nothing. I went to Trésors de Champagne, that give tasting flights of three. You can either pick three of six from the ordinary list or drink three pre-selected vintage champagnes. I went for the vintage, which is year specific and less common. Then, I went back to my hotel and had my sandwich for dinner.
On my walk, I was blown away by how beautiful Reims is. The buildings are exquisite and they have a few squares that streets radiate out. It was really a surprise to me, since I hadn’t done too much pre-reading. But it’s definitely a place I’d go back to and stay a few days longer!
Beautiful! I love the French cemeteries, they are so different to what we have here. Looks like your neighbors were quiet at least. 😉 I hadn’t thought about it, but you’re right, that neighborhood is different, with its cobbled, twisty streets. That sandwich looks amazing.
The sandwich was pretty epic.
I would be interested in knowing what skin care products you bought! I had heard that you can get really good stuff at the drug stores there, but I was overwhelmed and I don’t speak or read French, so I chickened out. Perhaps next time with some guidance (from you…)
I took pictures and I have a running list of blog posts I want to write post-trip. But there are attendants EVERYWHERE in that store who are multi-lingual and can give really good tips. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but the Dutch lady elbowed her way into my life and now my skin might thank her for it although my wallet does not 🙂 She recommended a product from a French company Cible that has good write-ups. She also said she thought Dr. Barbor was over-priced for what you get, which I want to look into. Dr. B was a brand a nurse at work told me about.