On Friday, our last day in Paris before we all headed out, we had a tour scheduled again. Because the tours started across from Le Carrousel, we were all able to meet up with our favorite waiter again. Hugs! This time, there was a photographic record of my hug. So there, Vickie Smith!

We were heading to Giverny first, the small village in Normandy, in northern France, where Monet had his house and gardens. Stunning. Just stunning. So many photos to share. And, they don’t need captions.

The inside of Monet’s house was as beautiful as the outside. (I did take the “Fresh Eggs” photo for my sister and niece.)

Monet’s studio

Monet’s bedroom

View from Monet’s bedroom

Dining room

Kitchen

Once we left the house and the gift shop, we had a short time to wander the streets of Giverny. Naturally, I found a cat of Giverny.

Kaye

Giverny was almost as colorful as Monet’s property. It’s too bad we didn’t have a little bit more time there. But, we headed to Fourges in Normandy for lunch, a pleasant, quiet place.

Look at that sky!

It’s good that we had the break at Fourges. Then, there are a few photos of Normandy on our way to the over-the-top Versailles. Like Kaye with Shakespeare & Co., I wouldn’t have felt as if I’d done enough if I hadn’t seen Versailles. But, once is enough. Giverny on the other hand, is worth another trip.

It’s a little obvious when we arrived at Versailles. Crowded. Gaudy. Over-the-top excessive. It’s no wonder the peasants revolted.

We spent our last night in Paris wandering around in our neighborhood, and eating at a neighborhood cafe. Really? We spent our last night together in friendship and laughter.

Can you believe the size of those meringues?

Vickie and Kaye

On Saturday morning, Kaye and I headed to the airport while Vickie and Lisa headed to the train station to go to Amsterdam. And, our cars came so quickly we barely had time for hugs. For me, the trip was all about the people I went with, and the food we shared. Sharing meals and laughter brings people together. I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent with Kaye Wilkinson Barley, Vickie Smith and Lisa Aiken Butler. As Kaye continues to say, “We’ll always have Paris.”

And, if you want to see some stunning photos, check out Kaye’s blog at www.meanderingsandmuses.com.