Day 1: Early on September 18th, this morning shot was taken moments after my first view of this most famous Parisian monument. Since it was a short walk from the hotel, this was the first must-see landmark. Not being a great fan of heights, I only went up to the second level---not the very top which also had a longer wait. Views from level 2 were just fine with me! Although I did not really have a sense yet of what I was looking at in the City skyline, other than the Sacre Coeur, which stands out blazing white in any Paris skyline shot.
| Looking Up from Level 2 | View from Level 2 | Taken from the street |
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Day
2: The next famous landmark we visited was the Pere Lachaise cemetary,
a large city cemetary on the western edge of Paris. The interesting
thing about the most famous grave, that of Jim Morrison, is that
a map was not needed. All one has to do is follow the crowd, as
there is a steady stream of people coming to this cemetary just
for him. Other well-known Parisians buried there are Chopin, Piaf,
Moliere. This cemetary is quite large and it was a mistake not
to purchase a map at the entrance. One of the nicest things happened
while we were resting on a bench, reviewing the Metro map. An
older gentleman stopped and asked if he could help us...he gave
us some great directions on the fastest stops to take and really
made us feel welcomed into his country. Not all the French are
rude and annoyed at tourists. Thank you, Monsier! | Gorgeous Trees | Me in front of JM grave | Street signs near entrance |
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Also we spent time
at Center Pompidou, the modern art museum of Paris. Saw some VERY
interesting art, some of which I would have preferred not to have
seen. One particular exhibit that would make Robert Mapplethorpe
appear conservative by American standards. But there was a huge
collection of Picasso and Matisse on the second floor, and a famous
touristy restaurant on the top floor --- Georges. Did not eat
there but enjoyed the same view from that floor. 
Day
3: A short 30 minute train ride on the RER took us to Versailles,
the famous home for the Kings of France, from Louis 13th through
the 16th. Louis the 13th was also known as the Sun God and his
idea was to house his court within the same palace, thus Versailles
was born. There is actually a town called Versailles, which is
small but quaint. The Metro/RER train stop leaves you about a
10 minute walk to the palace, which one can see from a long distance.
All cobblestones - wear comfortable shoes for there is a lot to
walk!!! I can still feel how sore my feet were after spending
half the day there. The audiotour was a good investment - the
tickets we bought at the Metro counter included it which really
helps when viewing all the rooms. The gardens are unbelievable
and although September was not the best time to see them, I definitely
could imagine the flowers in full bloom and the fountains gushing
forth their artistic cascades of water. This photo is of Neptune,
which is fairly close to the palace itself. There are hundreds
of statues throughout the palace and gardens. I bought two books
at the gift shop which detailed the rooms and the gardens. The
little train ride from the palace to Marie Antoinette"s cottage
- Le Petit Trianon - was worth it (do not try to walk this far...it
is at least 1/2 hour from the palace). Very interesting to actually
walk through the little home that Louis the 16th gave to Marie
because "she liked flowers so much." See these photos
taken from that day:| Le Petit Trianon | Marie Antoinette Trellis | Statue in garden |
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Day 5: The Jardin
de Luxembourg, as lovely in person as it seems in this photo.
This was delightful and a welcome resting place for sore feet!
This was my first time in the Left Bank area, other than the Eiffel
Tower, and from here we walked to the Montparnasse area. We were
specifically looking for La Coupole, an art deco restaurant that
was recommended to us by friends. We ate there our last night
in Paris and it was divine. Had the lobster of course, but the
service was great and we had fun talking with the waiters and
the artists who are there drawing the patrons. Our artist had
just started working there and was attending a Paris art school
- she was from Canada and enjoyed talking with North Americans.
| Venus de Milo | Arc de Triomphe | Jardin de Tuileries |
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| Notre Dame | View from Les Bateau Mouches | Views from the top |
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| Sacre Coeur | View from the top | Sacre Coeur close up |
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