Louvre, Catacombs, Montmarte

Wednesday 28th May

The Louvre - what can I say! An outstanding collection of art, artefacts and sculptures.

When we arrived and saw the queue we thought we would be waiting for hours, but it only took about 75 minutes. Sam had time to grab something to eat, while I waited in line and crowd watched. 

We must have seen at least 4 separate Asian weddings, complete entourage, photographers, make up artists in tow, having their photos in front of the pyramid and at other iconic locations around the city. I guess if you can , why wouldn't you?

The queue it was behind us for twice this distance too.

The Pyramid inside and out!

We headed for the Mona Lisa first to tick that off.  It was like being in the mosh pit at a concert. The little Asian ladies were the worst jostling for a spot. Got a great view of her. Those eyes. It did wow me, but was stunned that it was so small.

We could have spent the whole day looking about. It is a bit of a maze. Loved the Greek sculptures and the collection of Egyptian artefacts. Incredible!

Next we tackled the Metro.  There is a metro stop about every 500 metres across the city and it's a flat rate of 1 euro 70 for each trip. There are discounts for multiple trips. Great service.

We headed for the Paris Catacombs. More queues! Luckily we made the cut off before it closed.

Under Paris is a labyrinth of tunnels, from when stone was quarried for the buildings around Paris.

The trip took us through 2 kilometres of the tunnels. There are 150 kms of tunnels in all. Eight hundred metres of ossuary - where some of the bones of between 6 - 7 million people lay. These were transferred from cemeteries from around Paris in 1780 - 1880. 

Rather eerie down there, The bones were dumped initially, but later rearranged .

We walked back to our apartment through Luxembourg Gardens and Palace. Gorgeous spot. Lots of areas for sitting and contemplating the day. Unfortunately a bit wet, but imagine it would be lovely on a sunny day with a bottle of red and cheese!

Next a quick change and off to Montmarte to explore. A visit to Basilique du Sacre Coeur. This church sits on the highest point in Paris. With stunning views over the city. Stunning.

There are gorgeous cobblestone streets and restaurants. Place de Terte especially gorgeous. Many artists displaying their wares and offering portraits.

 

Another huge day! Finished off with delicious crepes with sugar and lemon! To die for!

Big Birthday in Paris

Tuesday 27th May

Well the day has finally arrived! 

First sleep in!  We wake up to hear banging, thinking someone is rude so early in the morning to find it was 10am! Annoyed that we'd wasted a few hours.

So much to see in this city. Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, but get the iconic photos on the way.

We then head to Invalides Museum. Was originally built for hospital rehabilitation by Npoleon for his wounded soldiers. Now houses an incredible collection of war history - right up Sam's alley! The displays were fantastic. We then visited the dome part of the building, where Napoleon's tomb is.

The room is beautiful - painted ceilings and gold everywhere. 

Rush back to hotel after walking miles and get ready to head our for my birthday treat.

Dinner cruise on the Seine, trip up the Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge. The tour guide says we can expect to be home about 2am, so lucky we had that sleep in after all.

What an amazing night.  Not so bad to be 50 after all especially when celebrating in Paris!

Paris!

Last morning in London. A quick visit to Carnaby Street - made famous by the Beatles  for fashion.

Gorgeous shops and lovely old pubs.

Super fast walk back to the hotel to check out and head to St Pancras Station to catch the Eurostar to Paris! The train travels at 300kph, so everything just whizzes by.

Seemed we were in the tunnel for only about ten minutes and then emerged to beautiful French countryside, scattered with little villages, all with their own church. 

Arrived at Paris Gare du Nord, hopped into a taxi - Sam went to jump into the front seat of taxi , grabbed at the door handle and realised he was going to hop into the driver's seat. We both got the giggles!

Our apartment is in a gorgeous little street, surrounded by little cafés and boutiques in Marais. Have passed a chocolaterie, patisserie and crepe shoppe - all minutes from our door. Definitely trying them out.  The delicatessens are stocked with huge ranges of cheeses, salamis, olives, pestos - you name it. Delicious!

Our room is upstairs through the wooden door .

Strolled through the streets and across St Phillippe bridge to Notre Dame Cathedral. Just a 10 minute walk from the apartment. Wow! Amazing stonework. 

So much to see and so many beautiful statues, buildings. So much history.  Walked to Sorbonne University and up to the Panthenon. Unfortunately under repair, but incredible piece of architecture.

St Michel's Statue

Sorbonne

Panthenon

Tummy's rumbling, time to tackle a restaurant menu. No French really between us, but we manage to work things out. Then the lovely waiter says would you like an English menu! 

Sam of course has duck - a breast (36D he reckons) with a Roquefort sauce and I have skirt steak with green pepper sauce. The potatoes are amazing. Thinly sliced and deep fried - real homemade crisps.

All went well with a glass or two of Bordeaux Red wine. 

Wandered home back over the bridge of love. Covered in padlocks! Thousands of them. A lovely wee man was on the bridge playing his piano accordion . A lovely night in Paris.

Big day tomorrow. Back to apartment with a bottle of Beaujolais and a semi-early night!