Paris, France
October 15 - 20, 2014
We had a great time in Paris. It almost felt like the camino because everyday we walked 13 to 20+ km! We also rode buses and trains to get back and forth from site to site. We have been doing some traveling. I am thinking by the time we return home, we will have walked another camino. These are some of the places we in Paris.
Versailles
An amazing castle that was beautiful from top to bottom, both inside and the outside gardens. The tapestries, the artwork and the chandeliers were amazing. Everything was decorated and so ornate. King Louis and Marie Antionette, lived a charmed life, but every moment of their day was spent following a royal protocol. Manners and proper etiquette were mandatory in their presence. It started from the time they awoke until they went to bed. Even when they dined in the evening (every night at 10:00pm), friends were invited to watch them dine. Not share in the meal, just watch. But sadly, their life had a tragic ending during the Revolution.
Catacombs
Paris was running out of burial space. Map to make room for more remains, the dead were exhumed and the bones were housed in walls and roofs around the cemetery. Soon those were filled, and they built tunnels underground and the catacombs became a bone depository for the remains. The bones are arranged "artistically" and the wall of bones outline the tunnels. Today in Paris, these ossuaries hold the remains of six million people. For some reason the underground cemetery became a tourist attraction.
Champs-Élysées
Great place for shopping, except pretty expensive. I was glad they had a Gap with decent prices. Lee also did some shopping.
Eiffel Tower
Celebrated Lee's 70th birthday at the top along with a picnic lunch which included wine. Fun!
Boat Tour on he Seinne
We did this boat tour at night on an open top boat. Yea, Paris is more beautiful in at night in lights.
Notre Dame Cathedral
There were thousands of visitors throughout the cathedral and the park. Wanted to visit the Holocaust Monument, but it was closed due to a restoration project. I was even the victim of a pickpocket. The only thing that I was carrying was my hotel key card. She was called out by a spectator and returned the card. There were warning signs everywhere we went. They also make announcements at the train and bus stations warning visitors.
Picnic on the Seinne
I packed a lunch, but we also picked up a homemade crepe stuffed with cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes. Yum! Also, visited a wine store to pick up a bottle of Bordeaux. Nothing like a picnic in Paris. Bon Appetit!
Invalides Military Museum
This museum previewed artifacts from as far back at the 1200's. The amours of those day were not simplistic. They were substantial, but also every weapon or garment worn by the soldiers were so decorative. Then they previewed uniforms and artillery through WWII. The grand finale was viewing Napoleon's tomb. He was a small man in statue, but it was a huge tomb! Very interesting museum.
Dining at French Restaurant - Boullion Chartier Restaurant
It was delicious. Lee picked this restaurant. We had salad, shrimp steak and spaghetti. Yum!
Cathedral Sacré-Coeur
This is my favorite cathedral in Paris. Much smaller than Notre Dame, but has a more spiritual atmosphere. We visited during mass, and the music and service was so beautiful. The entire area was filled with people and there was hardly any walking room. Also, has an amazing view of Paris.
Montmartre Art District
Paris great place to visit to watch local artist create great works of art for reasonable prices. They also will do caricatures or portraits if requested. Also, it is a great to sit at a sidewalk cafe for lunch or just your fav beverage. The trees throughout this area were turning so it made for a more beautiful visit.
Sidewalk Cafe for Dessert
This was one of my request. The last time we were here, it was too cold to dine outside. But this trip , the weather was amazing. So our last adventure, was having dessert at a sidewalk cafe. We had chocolate cake with almond ice cream. What a way to end a perfect Paris visit!
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