Stop #1. Tour Eiffel
The Eiffel Tour of course! It needs no further explanation, this tower is the symbol of Paris!
Stop #2. Musee d'Orsay
This museum houses an extensive art collection including Art Nouveau, sculpture, painting before 1870, Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Naturalism and Symbolism.
Stop #3. St. Germain des Pres
St. Germain des Pres is said to be the oldest church in Paris, originating in 542 A.D. I would have really liked to see it.. But I got lost. Eh.. Can't win 'em all. But I will say happily that while I was looking I came across a reproduction of Josephine Baker for 1,50 Euro which I of course had to buy. Josephine Baker IS Paris as far as I'm concerned..
Stop #4. Notre Dame (MUST SEE!)
The most beautiful place I've ever seen. Hands down. And FREE! (which is my favorite word). No other building is associated with the history of Paris as Notre Dame. It stands majestically on the Ile de la Cite, an island in the middle of the Seine river.
I was very moved by Notre Dame. I have been increasingly interested in Catholicism and find it intersesting how many representations of the Virgin Mary with child were present here. I can't wait to post more the pictures I took here.. It is truly an incredible sight. This church is also available for prayer and confessions.. about 2 Euros a pop. Apparently God ain't FREE.
Stop #5. Jardin des Plantes
I was a little disappointed by it to say the least.. Not gonna lie. This botanical garden was established in 1626 originally as a royal medicinal herb garden. Not so sure what's been happening since then but a great deal of the plants were dead! Call me spoiled after traveling to tropical locations such as Ghana, Brazil and Puerto Rico.. And seeing REAL exotic plants.. I was just expecting a little more. Perhaps next trip I would like to visit the zoo here but if not I would say:
1. Skip it.
2. Don't do it and said you did.
3. Do it just to say you did.
Stop #6. Hotel de Ville
I can't say too much about this place because by this time I was starving and became a little distracted by the shopping. This is a great area with lots of shops and places to eat but also quite busy. Marion tells me this is the place to be.. and they have live music and tango in the evenings. Hotel de Ville is the home of the city council and the square was once the main site for hangings, burnings and other executions.
Stop #7. The Louvre.
I didn't reach the Louvre until around 7:00 pm so I unfortunately was not able to go in.. But will have to spend at LEAST a few days at this place next trip because this place is GIGANTIC. I think it is literally the size of Harlem. The Louvre museum contains one of the most important art collections in the world including the Mona Lisa.
Stop #8. Champs Elysees - Arc de Triomphe
And finally back to Champs Elysses which is where I started and where my hotel is. I think the Arc is absolutely beautiful.. The first site I saw in Paris.. And it is a great deal larger than I originally imagined.
And finally after all of that I am in desperate need for a hot bubble bath and a glass of wine.. an integral part of today's tour. You never really appreciate a bath until you can't have one! I love Paris a whole lot more than I thought I would. My time is quickly coming to an end. So much to see and so little time.. Until tomorrow, Au Revoir!
-- Post From My iPhone
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