EuropeFrance

Last stop is the City Of Lights – Paris

By October 5, 2014 No Comments

Arc de Triomphe Notre Dame gargoylesWith the Mona Lisa Château de Versailles hall of mirrors

Paris has been written about by people more poetic than I, so instead I figured I would tell you about each site I visited in three full days I spent in this amazing city, which is not nearly enough time in this city of romance. I do recommend getting the Paris Pass for your time, because it will save you time and money.

Eiffel Tower – What can I say about this amazing feat of engineering? It is the symbol of the city, was the tallest structure in the world at one time, and was built for the 1889 World’s Fair. There are three levels you can visit with shops at the first two. I posted a great photo on Monday.

Arc de Triomphe – This famous arc was built in the very beginning of the 1800’s and was to celebrate Napoleon’s victories. The carvings on it are outstanding and you can climb to the top for a great view, but there is not much to see inside. The 1st photo is of me and my buddy Hank in from of the Arc.

Musée d’Orsay – Art gallery housed in a former railway station. Works by the great artists of the 19th century (1848-1914) including Monet’s, Renoir, and van Gogh. In fact I saw the original of the Van Gogh I had hanging in my bedroom before I bought the boat.

Notre Dame Cathedral – This church was the darkest and gloomiest church I saw on my trip and it fit perfectly as my image as the site of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I was with another friend and his family and we climbed the bell towers all the way to the top, just as Quasimodo did in the novel. The second photo is of some of the impressive gargoyles.

Sainte Chapelle – This church is near Notre Dame and has some exquisite stained glass.

The Louvre – One of the finest art museums in the world and the home of the Mona Lisa, which my friend’s 2nd daughter was so excited to see (3rd photo). I did not realize just how big it would be. You could spend days looking at all the art. Lucky for me my friend was with me, because he made us see Venus de Milo and I would have been disappointed if I missed her.

Catacombs – My favorite thing to do, which I wrote about on Friday.

Château de Versailles – This was the palace of the French Monarchy and is over the top in size and pomp. No wonder the French people revolted in 1789. The 4th photo is of my favorite room called the Room of Mirrors.

Church of Sacre Coeur – The area of Montmatre (the site of the execution of the bishop who brought Christianity to the city and was known as “Mountain of Martyrs” before it got shortened) is the highest part of the city and is known for the artist community there.

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