Paris

We rented an apartment in 2nd Arrondissement in the midst of a lively Parisian neighbourhood

Interior decor was gleefully Parisian.

I love Paris Metro’s convenience and affordability, though Jeannette found the trains/stations a bit unkempt. Sentier Metro station was 3 minutes away, and the whole Paris was ours to see.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Station

Seine River

We climbed 704 steps to the Second level (115m)

Looking down from 1st Level

View from the Second Level

After the tough climb, we were happy to ride the elevator to the top (275m).

Katy insisted on coming back for night view of the Eiffel, Tim and I were happy to oblige.

Arc de Triumph, also mark the start of Champs Elysses

The famous roundabout was dazzling and traffic an organized chaos.

Looking down at Champs Elysees

Churches and Museums

Our day 2 started with meeting Ken and Elenor from Vancouver who happened to be on their own Pan European trip as well.

We met in front of Notre Dame and had lunch together.

Ken and Elenor parted for the Louvre, we stayed behind to explore Notre Dame.

Notre Dame

Construction of this venerable cathedral started in 1100’s and lasted over 200 years.

Climbing the Tower of Notre Dame was the Highlight in Paris for me.

Iconic Paris view, more intimate than Eiffel’s

Energized by French Gothic Roof line

The spooky gargoyles serve as water spouts and medieval Catholic symbolism for evil.

Sainte-Chapelle

The Chapel was built by Louis IX to house his collection of Christian Relics

Lower level of Sainte-Chapel – the Royal Chapel

Upper Level of the Chapel

It was the place of Worship for King Louis and his successors

Musee d’Orsee

The building is a retrofitted train station

It exhibits mostly French art from mid 1800’s to early 1900’s, and has a significant Van Gogh collection who spent 2 years in Paris.

Along with many Monet, Degas (above), Cezanne and Renoir

It’s my favorite art museum of the trip.

View from the Museum’s Balcony – Sacre-Coeur Basilica sitting on top Montmartre Hill

Louvre

We were told that it was a down year for Paris tourism largely due to terrorist threats. Lines into Louvre, Eiffel and Versailles were much shorter than usual.