* LIVE from the Rotterdam - 30 day Passage to Spain and Western Europe - Mar. 30th*

[kazu]

Feeling refreshed, we were on our way to do a bunch more walking to see the church, St. Germain des Pres. It's the oldest church in Paris, dating back to 515 BC. Construction continued until the 5th century.

 

It is currently under some renovations but it was still enjoyable and the area around it is very nice with some entertainment provided.

 

 

 

 

 

The outside of the church

 

 

 

 

And the area..

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The church is quite dark because of the reno's and things being covered, but it was truly beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

More of the church....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

 

The size of the organ was huge!

 

 

 

We had a bit of fun outside afterwards...

 

 

And proceeded to walk a different path to head back and enjoy some scenery.

 

We crossed this bridge...

 

 

 

And were struck by the padlocks on it. similar to what we have seen in Venice where lovers lock up their love.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

We decided we had burned enough calories walking and feeling a tad famished, we decided to stop for a late lunch.

 

 

Fixed menu seemed like a good deal.

 

 

So we went with that.

 

 

 

 

 

The food was good, but the restaurant didn't have the escargots and didn't tell me until after the order was placed. They also "accidentally" overcharged us with a more expensive wine. Kazu always checks a bill and we got it fixed.

 

We continued our scenic walk when the police car parade began. They don't fool around in Paris. Van after van loaded with police officers in full attire and fully loaded were going down the street. We went in the opposite direction and decided to head back to our hotel until we could determine what was going on.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Having successfully explored Saint Germain, Latin Quarter and even some of Montmarte, the next day was going to be a museum & "sight" day.

 

Our first stop was the Musee d'Orsay.

 

But since we were close to the Louvre, we chose to walk there first to try to check things out.

 

The entrance to the Tulerie Gardens:

 

 

The enormous Louvre Museum:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, of course the famous Pyramid which is the main entrance to the Louvre

 

 

 

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[kazu]

We have opted for a fixed entry time to the Louvre to avoid the staggering lineups (yes, there will still be lineups for "fixed time entry" and will be doing the Louvre on our last day in Paris.

 

It's so close to our hotel that we thought that would make the last day easy. I was to find out later that I was VERY wrong.

 

After walking for a bit.

 

 

We arrived at the Musee d'Orsay.

 

 

 

 

I didn't take a lot of pics inside. I might have misread the signs but it looked like we shouldn't take pics? I'll check later to see if DH did get some.

 

There was one spot where I didn't see the sign, so I grabbed this pic of this lovely painting.

 

 

And the beautiful clock that you see outside. This is from the inside.

 

 

 

 

Talk about a lineup!!! WOW!!!

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The museum is beautiful and while worth the entry and the wait to get in.

 

After we had finished the museum our next objective was the Eiffel Tower.

 

 

 

And a walk as far as we could take it in this arrondissement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

 

 

 

We realized we weren't going to be able to walk all the way back (about 4 miles) after all the other walking so we succumbed and got a cab to bring us home.

 

 

 

But, once we were home we decided we were hungry. LOL. We headed out

 

 

 

And found this spot.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Something about the place "called to me" and the prices seemed reasonable. We discovered a lot of locals were here.

 

finally, I got my escargots.

 

 

DH ordered sardines.

 

What we didn't expect was that they would be served in a can!!!

 

 

They were different than what you get in the grocery store and DH said they were good so as long as we were both happy.

 

Satisfied and feeling a tad weary we headed back to the hotel.

 

 

 

After all, I had some laundry to do.

 

It turned out that the washer dryer was going to be a thorn in my side.

 

 

 

 

Washing was fine, but I couldn't get the clothes dry, nor the door open. Reception helped me with the door open scenario.

 

OK, in case any of you have one of these gadgets in Europe. You have to let the machine cool down around 15 minutes before you can open the door.

 

Secondly, there is no real spin cycle in the washer like we are used to. So, if you go from washing to drying, your clothes will never get dry.

 

Once you have done the washing, put it on spin for a couple of times and the clothes will get dry. It will take a few times, but they will get dry.

 

Kazu was really befuddled and frustrated for a bit,but she did get the job done!

 

Back with more a bit later.

 

 

 

 

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[NMLady]

Thank you so much for all the Paris photos and explanations. Although we spent time at Notre Dame, at the Eiffel Tower and at the Louvre and Montmartre, Sacre Couer as well as a few other sights when we were there for a few days, we did not see the beautiful churches you've pictured so I'm glad to see your photos.

[kazu]

Thank you so much for all the Paris photos and explanations. Although we spent time at Notre Dame, at the Eiffel Tower and at the Louvre and Montmartre, Sacre Couer as well as a few other sights when we were there for a few days, we did not see the beautiful churches you've pictured so I'm glad to see your photos.

 

 

 

Thank you.

 

We saw a lot by walking with the advice of our guide we had for Versailles.

 

With our time in Paris coming to an end all too quickly, we had decided to do the Louvre and Palais Royal on our last day.

 

Our hotel was very close (literally next to the Palais Royal) so I thought this would make for an easy last day. I would find out I was wrong.

 

We had a timed visit to the Louvre so we headed to enjoy the Palais Royal first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The building is put to use now with offices and the Consulate there as well.

 

The grounds are really beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, beautiful roses everywhere

 

 

 

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[kazu]

 

 

 

 

 

Even a tulip tree!!

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Le Petit Canon du Palais Royal:

 

 

A really lovely, peaceful place. A great start to our day and, after enjoying it a bit more..

 

 

 

 

We bid adieu and headed over to the Louvre

 

 

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[kazu]

The Louvre is huge. I knew it was big but really, it is enormous.

 

Exploring it means a lot of steps, a lot of stairs and a lot of walking. Now, you know why I made a mistake thinking this would be an "easy" day for our last day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The halls are endless and carry on forever. It's impossible to see everything in the Louvre, but DH and made good use of our time and saw about 2/3 surprisingly.

 

By the time we were done our legs were aching from climbing stairs and walking.

 

 

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[kazu]

I took too many pictures here as the art is truly wondrous.

 

So many collections, so much history, it is truly fabulous and a jewel.

 

Of course, DH and I had to fight the crowds to see the Mona Lisa. it's a very small painting and a real fight to get a pic.

 

 

There was so much art it nearly overwhelms the senses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

There is art here dating back centuries, from all different civilizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The Louvre is a beautiful building. And it's architecture is an art form unto itself.

 

 

 

 

 

Art is everywhere.

 

 

 

Truly magnificent. Worth every step.

 

DH and I were pretty much worn out at the end. We soaked in a bit more of the ambience once we got outside and then headed to our "home" for a break, grateful that it was just a few steps away.

 

Back later with the end and then the Rotterdam art tour.

 

 

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Catching up on all your wonderful pictures and tours.

[FLAMINGONC]

Thank you, thank you. I have followed your blog for the past month and have enjoyed every post and photo. Brings back our memories from 3 years ago in Paris. We had our 16 year old granddaughter with us. The Rotterdam - we will be boarding on July 15 this year, looking forward to our trip. Again, thank you for a wonderful review of many great places.

[ski ww]

Great pictures. The pictures of the Louvre reminds me of the Heritage.

Allan

[kazu]

Great pictures. The pictures of the Louvre reminds me of the Heritage.

Allan

 

 

Thanks Allan. The Louvre is bigger than the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. (I think you mean the Hermitage?)

[kazu]

Catching up on all your wonderful pictures and tours.

 

Thank you, thank you. I have followed your blog for the past month and have enjoyed every post and photo. Brings back our memories from 3 years ago in Paris. We had our 16 year old granddaughter with us. The Rotterdam - we will be boarding on July 15 this year, looking forward to our trip. Again, thank you for a wonderful review of many great places.

 

Thank you for the kind words :)

 

FLAMINGONC, I hope you enjoy the Rotterdam as much as we did.