The Ile St. Louis

In 59 BC, the Romans conquered a small settlement of the Parisii people, in an area known as Leutitia. This was a small island in the middle of the Seine river. Next to it was a small, flood-prone island was of little use to anyone. Over time, the level of the island was raised to get it above the floods, and since the 17th century, the Ile St Louis has been the most desired address in Paris. Now residing at #13 Rue Budé, is Paul & Fred.

The island is a small medieval jewel in the centre of the city. Somehow escaping the cosmetic changes that happened (and made Paris so beautiful) to the rest of Paris, the island remains an unspoiled oasis in the city for those who seek the medieval feel that the entire city once had.

Lots of tourists swarm the island in Paris, home of Notre Dame Cathedral. But far too many overlook its adorable little sister, the quaint Ile Saint Louis just a few steps away.

This small island is like an oasis from the rush of the city. It's almost as if someone dropped a small French village into the center of Paris, as it features markets, bakeries, fromageries and cafés. While much of Paris has modernized over the years, the ile remains romantically frozen in the 17th century. It is remarkably the same as it was centuries ago.

It is lined with adorable boutiques, is home to its own unique ice cream, features historic attractions, and boasts one of Paris' best hotels.

Todays photos show you our local patisserie/boulangerie, fromagerie, marché, and our apartment. Looking at the photo of our apartment, the windows across the front of our unit are on the floor where the last window on the right is a little cut off by the pic. It's a great building with a VERY steep, twisting staircase (no elevator) that tests your fitness to the extreme.

We spent the most of the day at the impressionist Museé D'orsay. We popped into the Louvre for a bite of lunch at the restaurant, then came home for a rest, before heading out to the marché aux fleurs in the afternoon.

I'm blogging a little early (7pm) tonight as we're heading off to the BEST indian restaurant ever, Simla Hill, for our supper tonight. Simla Hiss restaurant is located just off the Champs d'lysee by the George V Hotel.

Another glorious day weather-wise: 75 degrees and sunny (you should see the line ups at ice cream vendors!).

Today's video is from a stroll up the main street on the island, and is just a glimpse of the every day.