"A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of LIFE." Thomas Jefferson
Paris is one of a kind. Everyone knows it the world over.
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| Gargoyle! |
Ernest Hemingway wrote of it in "A Moveable Feast". It has attracted the very rich, the very powerful, the very loved, the very poor and the very aspiring. It is more than a city, it is a lovely woman, whose soul still breathes in the city.
Enjoying our ride into Paris from Meaux after the morning traffic we soon finding our apartment on the Ile Saint-Louis. At the heart of Paris, the island is perfectly situated for us to explore the greater city, but still feel almost as if we are in a small village. I have booked us into a two bedroom apartment on the fourth story of an old noble house. (We're probably in the servants quarters, but who cares!) There are no lifts, just a long, long way up creaky wooden spiral stairs. Perfect way to wear out the excess sugar energy from the Creperie around the corner!
The apartment is just ideal! But no sooner do we settle in, than Liana is hounding us to go out again. We are so very, very close to her final pick of the trip:
Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris!
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| The interior of Notre Dame |
As we cross over the foot bridge from our island to the Ils de la Cite, where Notre Dame sits, we start hitting the touristy crowds no surprise as it is one of the most iconic pieces of Gothic architecture in all of Europe. Started in 1163 and finished in 1345 it stands at the heart of Paris, and must be one of the most famous churches in the world. Flying buttresses (external braces) support the soaring nave, while gargoyles grin down at the unsuspecting tourists below. Kings have been crowned here, Monarchs married here, Saints have been canonize here (Joan of Arc for one!) and even an Emperor was crowned here, Napoleon of course. So very much history to pass through one church.
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| My big girl contemplates faith |
Inside we mull around with the masses of tourists, but are not disappointed. The three giant Rose Windows are a highlight for Liana and myself for sure. Giant round stained glass windows that pay homage to Christianity filter unearthly light into the giant interior, making you look up, as if to heaven, for inspiration. For a world that was supposedly steeped in the "Dark Ages" they were able to create something that is universally uplifting, even to a new age girl like me living in the 21st century. That doesn't seem too "dark" to me....
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| Paris by river |
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| Liam's dream destination |
The square outside is crowded so we huff off on a bit of a hike around, entering several other beautiful churches, before returning to the river Seine for riverboat tour of Paris. It seems a bit touristy, but we have little hot feet, and all of old Paris is along the river anyway, so why not? Sometimes it's good to be a tourist!
The city unfolds around us as we pass under bridge after bridge. Paris has over 30 bridges over the Seine and the variety is beautiful. From the ornate and gaudy Pont Alexandre III (a gift from the Tsar of Russia) down to the Pont Neuf, or bridge nine, the oldest bridge in Paris, dating back to the late 1500's and the time of Henry IV, whose statue stands looking over the bridge. Some bridges are covered in locks and lockets which are left by lovers who hope that by locking their love to the bridges in Paris it will cement their bond for all eternity.
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| Up, up, up we go! |
After all the touring around Randall took the girls back to our apartment for a late afternoon siesta, while Liam and I took the chance to fulfill one of his dreams - climb the Iron Lady of Paris.... The Eiffel Tower.
Built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World Fair, the giant lattice work frame has become an iconic feature of the Parisian vista. Although not always beloved of the Parisians it has continued to wow visitors for years.
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| Looking down at the queue for the elevators to the top! |
To the top by stairs, we both say! As we race up the stairs together we look down and laugh at the long line of tourists waiting nearly two hours to take the elevator! How lucky we are to have the use of our legs, and if feels good to be going up at a fast pace. While the little girls are troopers when it comes to traveling, little legs can only go so fast.
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| At the top! |
Even if it is the most visited paid attraction in the world, with over 220 million having visited it, the view from the top is worth the trek. All of Paris is at our feet, and it is beautiful. And of course we have to take a picture of the sign that points out to us that Aotearoa, our home, is 18,542 kilometers away! That will be a long plane flight home...
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| Food shopping on the Ile St Louis |
Back on the Ile Saint-Louis, I make my way around the little local stores to collect what we will need for breakfast. It's one of the many things Parisians have gotten right. They still keep it simple. Fresh baked bread from the bakery, cheese from the cheese maker. Forget the big chain, mass produced stuff. Quality of life is important, and quality of food directly leads to a good quality of life....
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| So many lovers have left locks on the bridge to seal their love... |
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| Notre Dame de Paris, with a lock covered bridge |
It's been a fun day in the city of lights. We have more time to explore it and I am so looking forward to it!
Bon Nuit from Paris.
