Gess Where Travels

As we continued to explore Paris with our guide, I realized what I have been missing - it is a beautiful city, the metro has been easy and the people have been friendly and helpful.

Notre Dame is definitely a gem that could take an entire day to learn about! The reconstruction of the building has made it lighter inside as everything was totally cleaned. As with everything else, it is packed - entrance is free.

It is equally impressive from the outside and even at a distance.

We did a short tour to the Left Bank and a short exploration of the Latin Quarter.

Then it was back over one of the 37 bridges to return to the island, explore the flower market and visit Saint Chapelle. It is the private church of the king. Many of the stained glass have been replaced as they were damaged during the war. The spiral staircase is not for the faint of heart but the climb is with it.

Paris from the water during a river cruise.

Apparently the weather was beautiful in April but May has been less than a beautiful spring when it comes to Paris. It continues to be cool and wet. Arriving mid morning, we dumped our bags at a very quaint and definitely Parisian Hotel and headed off to explore the Marais area. So many of the 16th and 17th century buildings look alike but the ornate facades and beautiful balconies also set them apart. Beautiful green spots in the middle of the neighborhood are amazing.

Elevator for 2?

Crcr

As we walked down a street full of perfume shops, I explained to our guide about scent free laws in many places - she was shocked and thought this would be a major hardship for any Parisian woman.

Churches, macrons, beautiful fruit and vegetable shops and interesting buildings had us in awe for some time.

3 euros a macron

Notice the bird houses. They also build larger ones with food for pigeons. Why? The food contains something to prevent them from reproducing / it must work as you don’t see masses of pigeons in the squares!

But the real awe came later in the day with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, 100 years after the French Revolution, for a world’s fair, it truly is a magnificent structure. The views from the second level were amazing but the 80 second ride up to the summit presented an even more expansive view of the light colored buildings, massive amounts of green space, wide streets and interesting street lay out.

A funicular ride up to the second level

A different view with the Olympic rings

The trip to Versailles was an experience. The grounds and palace really can’t be described by words or pictures. The crowds were unbelievable.

The gardens are amazing with fountains everywhere and music playing as you pass by. No flowers yet as it is simply too cold but apparently French gardens do not have a lot of flowers. The grounds have 40 gardeners while the entire palace employs 900 people.

The train exit

Bling everywhere

Inside the palace is even more impressive if you can work your way past the crowds and the selfie poses! I can’t keep all the kings straight so just enjoy the pictures which truly don’t really give you the grandeur that is there in real life.

The model of the complex

Day 2 was finished with an hour ride in 1980’s Citroen cars. They are so small they can weave in and out of traffic. With only an hour and rush hour traffic we were limited to the classic sights with a stop in front of the Eiffel Tower for a picture.