We drove from Yssingeaux to Paris, because Becky and Sarah had rented a car. It took about 6 hours, but we drove through wine country so it was a beautiful drive. In addition, the car is amazingly efficient, so we barley had to get any gas at all. As we drove into Paris, we suddenly got a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, dominating the Parisian skyline, and it took our breath away.
Our hotel was in the rue Cler area, in the 7th arrondissement, and we were quite near the Eiffel Tower-here is the picture out our bedroom window!
As soon as we checked into our hotel, we stopped outside at the café next door and had lunch. I had a croque monsieur, a glass of amazing Bordeaux, and a delicious café with a stick of valhrona. Tres magnifique!
After lunch, we made our way over to the Eiffel Tower and took many pictures. Lots. It is actually very impressive in person. I’ve seen so many pictures of it, I did not expect to be wowed, but it was really amazing to be there in person.
Then we took a scenic bus tour through Paris to St. Chapelle and Notre Dame. I also had seen many photos of St. Chapelle, but none of those photos do it justice. There is nothing like the feeling of standing in such a small, but tall space, totally surrounded by incredible stained glass. It is like living inside a jewel box, and I did not want to leave. I wish I could come of with words to describe it, but I am at a loss.
We strolled through the left bank, along the booksellers on the Seine, took in the Parisian tourist crowd.
Notre Dame was packed with tourists, but we got in quickly. The recorded music they were playing was beautiful, and probably my favorite part of Norte Dame. Solemn and soaring, the choral music transported me from the jostling of hundreds of tourists, to a serene and worshipful place. It is crazy that such an amazing landmark was created for worship, and while there is not vibrant faith in France anymore, the place still holds power.
Becky and I went to dinner with some friends of hers, who work for a major chef in Paris, so it was an amazing dinner hearing all about what he is getting to do, and Parisian kitchens, etc. Then we made it back to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and 1 o’clock and do its shimmery dance. It was beautiful. Paris was lovely in the night, light up by streetlights and highlighted by the rain.
No comments:
Post a Comment