I wanted to visit Paris, because well, it's Paris. I was hoping to be utterly disappointed in every aspect because of the constant buzz about the famous city; however, I was even more fascinated than I would have ever expected and am officially the biggest fan of the gorgeous city. I took more pictures in my two days in Paris than I have in any trip I've been on, and I think what I loved so much about Paris is simply the feeling of being there. Every place I went I wanted to stay and enjoy for hours. I could have laid in the gardens at Versailles for days and stared at the glistening Eiffel tower all night til I went silly in the head. It really is an amazing city - surprisingly relaxing and homey compared to the cosmopolitan London.
I took the Eurostar Thursday morning and was in Paris by 11, got metro tickets, and headed straight to Notre Dame. It's one of those venues you have to see in person, unbelievable. Of course the line to get in was streets down the road, but I was perfectly content taking 30+ pictures at its grandeur.
Next stop, the Lourve and how gorgeous!!! When I finally went into the Lourve after walking around a little the worst part of my day began. I didn't get there until around 1 and I find myself to be a very patient person, even more so with all of the traveling I've done, but there was so many people I couldn't even enjoy the art. It took me 34 minutes to get into the room where the Mona Lisa is...enough said. Anywho I did see some incredible works and once again could have easily spent about a week in there and not seen it all - incredible place though.
I then walked down the widest street in Paris, Avenue de Champs Elysees, which is basically a very very large "lovers lane" lined with cafes and people enjoying the 65 and sunny Thursday. I could have strolled for hours - so enjoyable. At the end of this spectacular walk you'll find the Arc de Triomphe = HUGE!
And of course, you can't leave Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. I learned that it was built in 1889 (same year Clemson was founded and 100 years til I came into the world) in honor of the French Revolution and has been repainted 18 times each of which takes 15 months. It really is a beautiful and unique sight. Our last night in Paris we got crepes off the street with nutella inside and ice cream on top and sat under the Eiffel tower - perfect ending to a perfect weekend. Of course it's tourist central and everyone says you have to go to the top, but I couldn't have been happier sitting on the grass with my crepe, talking with friends, and just taking it all in. Plus, who wants to stand in line for 4 hours and spend more of your parents money if you don't have to? However, we did come up with an alternative.
We went to one of my now favorite areas of Paris called Montmartre where the Sacre Coeur is. Sacre Coeur means "Sacred Heart" and is a famous white church in Paris and lies on the highest, largest hill in Paris, which outside of the Eiffel Tower is the highest point in Paris. Once we got to the top you could see the city for miles. Plus it was covered with locals selling paintings and performing which I always enjoy.
VERSAILLES....need I say more? Some of the greatest monarchs of the time lived here including Marie Antoinette. At the time of her stay at Versailles when poverty and famine was at its highest and the people had no bread to eat, Marie famously responded, "Well let them eat cake." I now can see how her head got soooo big, the place is immaculate. In this picture, the palace at Versailles is to my back and facing ahead is the Grand Canal. We dangled our feet in the water, fed the suns, and soaked up some rays and walked for hours along the estate. It couldn't have been a more enjoyable day.
On top of all of these incredible sights and views I took in lets not forget the cheese, wine, and many many crepes consumed as well - such a wonderful place and yes, J'aime Paris.
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