Fall Euro Trip Part 5 ~Paris~

The city of lights, eh? We didn't realize that they meant tail lights! We received quite a grand bienvenue, on the A-3. We were stuck in traffic for almost an hour, but since traffic and delays had become the status quo for this trip, we made the best of it; talking, laughing, and planning all the way to the hotel. We went out for a nice light sushi dinner before dragged our butts to bed. Although it had only been three days since Landstuhl and my eye surgery, it seemed like weeks had past since we had spent a day NOT ferociously touring.
We rose the next morning with a grand plan of attack, to conquer the greatest sights in Paris, all in a single day! My mental check list in tow, and my handy dandy tourist map constantly in a flutter, we set out for Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur. After 21 stops on the Metro and quite a bit of debate on the topic of exactly where we were, we came around a corner to the sound of bells. The bells of the Sacré Coeur to be exact. They were beautiful, and it was also nice to finally have a land mark to navigate by. After listening for a few seconds, we continued on our way up to get some better shots of the church.




Seeing as it was Sunday morning, mass was in sessions, so no photographs were allowed inside. We reverently wandered around inside listening to the service in French, and watching the Catholics do their dance of worship.
While a top the Montmartre were able to take in a view of the tower through the "morning mist" or more likely smog. We visited the Cimetière de Montmartre, where many famous artist are buried. I was very excited when we stumbled upon the Moulin Rouge on our way to the metro! I knew that somewhere on Montmartre but had forgotten to look it up, so fate and Brad's awesome sense of direction let us right to it. After a little cancan we headed back to the metro and back to the heart of the city!
From every angle the Cathedral of Notre Dame is absolutely amazing.
The ambiance inside is unmistakable and completely humbling. The candles cast an eerie glow on the stone walls, and make the cavernous interior feel all the more engulfing. One can't help but feel God's power and presence within these walls.
I was once again amazed at the aptitude of my little point and shoot Samsung Camera. It really did an awesome job of capturing the true colors of the glass and the stone.
We left the cathedral and walked along the river Seine and took in the city as strolled. Paris has been described as beauty built into a city, and I for one, agree.
Our stroll brought us to the foreboding walls of Le Louvre, we walked into the court yard just to take a look at the famed lines and of course snap a few pictures of the architecture. We planned to visit the Louvre first thing in the morning the next day so that we could beat the rush. For now we would be moving on toward our next highlight, La Tour Eiffel.
No matter the angle, nor distance afar the Eiffel Tower has an unmistakable draw! We snapped shots from just about every where in the city, and just couldn't get enough. For the sake of time and our legs we decided to skip waiting in line to climb to the top.
With our goal close at hand we dialed in and buckled down on our path to the Arch de Triumph! We made the climb ,since it was considerably shorter than the one at the tower, and from there we took in the expansive views of the city. With our mission to see it all basically complete we made our way back toward the Eiffel tower to find a little cafe to camp out in until dusk turned to dark, so we could see the tower at night. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and each others company in a little cafe just a few blocks from the peace monument at the end of the Champ de Mars. Once the sky had turned from gray to royal blue, we strolled through the chilly night back toward the tower.
On par with the rest this trip, the view did not disappoint. We wandered around the champs for about 30 min waiting to capture the spectacular sparkles that only happen at the top of the hour for 5 min. It was well worth it! Even though it was only 8pm we were all toured out! So back on the metro, and back to the hotel we went, to rest up for our day at the Louvre, and our drive back to Landstuhl.


One good nights sleep was not enough to ease to ache of "Paris touring feet", but despite the protests of our feet, we set out bright and early so we could beat the lines at the Louvre.
We approached the museum from metro entrance, which apparently is the key! We waited in line for a little while, but that was only due to the museum opening on a delayed schedule. Once the doors were open we were in and gazing upon the Mona Lisa in only a matter of minutes.
The massive collection was quite daunting, but we wandered around and never found our eyes wanting.
Of all the sections that we wandered through, I particularly enjoyed the Egyptian art.


Although the collection is the main event, the Architecture of the museum is an exhibit all its own. The pyramid has been a point of controversy with the French since its completion in 1989. Many people feel is modern style in juxtaposition with the surrounding architecture throws the balance and elegance of the court yard on it head. I myself find that the pairing creates a interesting tension just like any good art piece should.
The immense maze of galleries were almost a challenge to escape from once we could walk and enjoy no more.

With our Paris check list complete, my last eye appointment in Landstuhl set our course back to Germany. The blue skies were a nice send of as we headed back to misty Germany.