Jim and Paula's 2009 Trip to France

The Opéra is very large, very grand, and very old. You would not, however, call it "The Grand Old Opera." It has been a palace, an opera house, and the seat of government from 1940 to 1944. Not much is said about that these days.

It shows a mixed bag of light opera and musicals.

About half the downtown area is off limits to cars.
About every other street is pedistrian only. Some of these are called "passages". Some are on the map.

A do it yourself laundry in downtown Vichy. Almost the only do it yourself laundry in downtown Vichy. There is a staff person on duty and people bring their laundry to have it done. Only the lowest classes, like us, do their laundry themselves.

A little ways up one of the streets from Place Victor Hugo. Doesn't Paula look French in this picture?

A very old 2CV camionette