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From Paris
Bonjour! It has been a whirlwind few days in Paris- I have gotten a lot done. I bought a 4 day museum pass which I have been using a great deal. Today I visited Versailles, which I have always wanted to do. What impressed me the most is the extensive grounds full of gardens, farm animals, fountains and statues. It goes on forever and it sure feels like I walked it all lol. The palace itself has amazing painted ceilings, chandeliers and history. It was a splendid visit. I found myself focusing on Marie Antoinette's story, as I have now been to her home, the cell where they kept her, her place of execution and where she rests now)
Speaking of walking, I have never climbed so many staircases in my life. On and on they go. In the metro, sacre coeur, l'arc du triumph, Notre Dame etc.. Doing the Notre Dame tour, hanging out with gargoyles in the towers, was one of my favorites. Absolutely beautiful church (especially the outside).
As Delaine recommended, I went to Saint Chappelle known for it's stained glass. Even though she warned me, I was unimpressed until I realized I missed the small/ hard to see staircase. Going upstairs into the main chapel took my breathe away. Luckily it was a sunny day. Truly lovely.
Other places I visited include Sacre Coeur, pere lachaise (graveyard where I saw the graves of Chopin, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde), basilica of st- Denis (many tombs of kings... And Marie Antoinette), chateau de Vincennes, place de concorde and of course the louvre & the eiffel tower. The tower was so busy I couldn't even go to the very top so I'm going again at night. The light show is amazing btw!
Now- Onto food. Thus far the meals have been pretty basic crepes, rooster or steak with frites (yum) however the dessert.. Wow. Well one dessert. Macaroons. I bought 5 mini ones at laduree. And they were gone extremely fast. Basically a soft cookie shell with scrumptious filling. My favs were salted caramel and passion fruit & chocolate. The place was recommended in my Let's Go tour book and I'm so glad I stumbled upon it.
I'm staying at a second hostel. Both are working out well, so that's good. Monmartre isn't the best place to stay- the neighborhood is sort of touristy and far from centre but i'm taking the metro everywhere so it's fine.
There are a few more things I want to see like the catacombs and museum pompidou in the next day or so, then off to Bordeaux. Did someone say wine tour?! :) I found out the hard way that Eurail pass seats fill up fast so I had to buy a (1st class) ticket to Bordeaux sigh. Oh well at least I'm still on time with my itinerary.
That's all for now!
Love to all. Miss you guys!
Ranelle
- comments
Delaine I'm so glad you loved Sainte Chapelle!! I can't wait to go back. :)