Paris Day 6

Well the day started off by getting skinned at Le Benjamin.  We didn't order our Petit de Jeuner properly and the a la carte addition was punative.  Oh well c'est Paris.  From there we wandered around as the shops and bistros were opening up.  Found the rest of the treasures we needed including an additional bag for the overflow.  Came back around the hotel and asked at the desk about where to get Canard Cassoulet.  No clue.  Found a place on Google, La Fontaine du Mars - apparently the Obama's had dined there.  Sadly they were full for the evening.  Found another in the vicinity, Le Violon des Ingres.  First available table 21:45 h, so we took it.  Back out for a stroll along the Seine on a dreary, cold rainy day.  Inquired after soupe a l'oignon granitee and were pointed to the brasserie right across the street from La Britainnique.  Glad we did as we enjoyed a fantastic bowl, restoring our faith in french cooking after our dissapointment from several days ago.  With no further plans for the day, we returned to the hotel and had a relaxing afternoon in the hotel lounge reading.  Later in the evening, we embarked to find Le Violon d'Ingres.  Had decided to use the Metro at least on the way there.  I couldn't figure out how to use the automatic ticket dispenser at Chatelet station, so thankfully the kiosk was open and we got our tickets.  The underground in Paris seemed somehow different from London.  Getting between platforms along very long tunnels, cold and somewhat eerie.  Buskers and beggars abound in the labyrinth.  Trains were a bit crowded, not too bad.  We made our change from Ligne 1 to Ligne 8 at Place de la Concorde station and got to Ecole Militaire.  One Gypsy got on board and begged her way through the crowded train between stations.  We exited from the station and once above ground I was trying to get my phone working to use the map when a street person lunged at Karen, apparently intending only to frighten her.  I'd say it worked.  He wandered off giggling away.  It was an unnerving journey.  From there we found our way to the Eiffel Tower, unfortunately with the low ceiling, we couldn't quite see the top in the lights.  Nevertheless, it was a sight to see.  Found our way to the restaurant and observed that both of the two places we had identified were very close together.  We were a bit early, so sat down at a bistro in between in a petite place for a small glass of wine.  When we stepped into Le Violon, they were able to seat us promptly.  The restaurant was quite a bit bigger than many we have been to in Paris.  Very finely appointed.  By far the best place we have tried, and the Canard Cassoulet c'est fantastique.  This restaurant is the signiture place for Chef Christian Constant - well worth the effort to get there.  Great cuisine and service (one Michelin Star).  Grabbed a taxi back to La Britainnique, rather uneventful and quick.