Today was designated as Francois’ day to do whatever he wished. I have been lucky to make so many appealing choices throughout our visit but Francois because of commitments has had precious few.
There were a few things on his wish list for today but of prime importance was to visit the place where is father Jacques’ ashes were scattered a few years ago.
So we began the day at our favourite local (and very authentic) boulangerie (interestingly named `Boulangerie de Papa`) for a café au lait and fresh croissant (you have to get up really early to be able to snag one of their unbelievably delicious almond croissants and unfortunately we were too late, again).
At this time of day they also have freshly made sandwiches (our choice was smoked ham, cheese and tomato on the most perfect French bread). I had purchased two mini bottles of Bollinger a few days ago in preparation for today so we headed off toward the Isle Saint-Louis for our picnic.
Isle Saint-Louis is a place where Jacques spent a good deal of his life and where his ashes were scattered at a special place along the River Seine.
Here, there is a beautiful tree – very unique in shape where Francois and his brothers said goodbye to their father. It`s artistic form is somehow in keeping with what little I know of the person he was – artistically talented, a man with excellent taste, a man who appreciated fine things.
It`s also a popular spot for people to come to sit and talk – a very peaceful setting – so we came early enough to have it to ourselves for a while.
While we were here a few years ago – it was late winter / early spring and the tree was bare of leaves - there was a dove perched in the tree during our visit. Today there was a dove perched in the tree (couldn`t possibly have been the same dove but with all the pigeons around why just one dove in this particular tree again).
It flew down to the river edge....
....flew back to the tree, stayed just long enough for Francois to get pictures then flew away.
We sat quietly for a while longer, ate some lunch, drank some Champagne.
It was all good.
