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Paris jour un

Paris - J'adore Paris! A seriously stunning city with the WOW factor; so rich in culture and history and surprisingly easy to navigate. The people are very friendly and helpful, speak perfect English and don't mind how badly you pronounce French as long as you have a go!! I still haven't had a chance to see everything and visit all the attractions, but I'll be back there in 3 weeks time so whatever is left off this blog will be on the next one. I have fallen in love with this city in just a few days so make no apologies for waxing lyrical below.

Arc de Triomphe - This is the first building I saw and therefore it had the biggest impact on me (in particular when I learned the history behind it); I distinctly remember having a huge intake of breath when I saw it. Aesthetically beautiful even without seeing the sculptures up close, it stands magnificent overlooking the Champs-Elysees and visible all the way to the Place de la Concorde. It is a stunning piece of architecture which seemed to have an almost tangible sense of victorious pride and honour. It was originally built on Napoleon's orders to celebrate France's war victories and an artificial hill was created leading up to the Arc to create more of a visual impressive impact. French law decrees that nothing can be built up the Champs Elysee Avenue so the view between the Arc and the Place de la Concorde is not diminished. All victory parades begin and end here.The Arc itself contains beautiful and intricate workmanship on the ceilings and the names of the celebrated fallen are carved into the stone, as well as the names of famous war victories. The tomb of an unknown soldier from WWI is honoured in the centre and is surrounded by flowers and a permanent flame. Apparently a parade honours this at 6 pm every day, but I didn't get time to see this. You can actually climb the Arc which costs 8 euros and you get to it by going under the subway to cross to the other side (to avoid the mad traffic on the roundabout) and the entrance to the museum is in the middle. The museum contains historical artefacts, video coverage of warfare, a model of the Arc and a gift shop. Keep climbing the stairs to get to the top. Be warned, you will be knackered! But the view is worth it with a 360 view of the 13 Parisian avenues.

Musee de Louvre - There is no doubt that the Musee de Louvre is a stunning building; with all the artefacts stored in the former Louvre palace and the enchanting pyramid entrance (with two mini pyramids either side) going underground in what could be considered a modern twist on the Egyptian artefacts on display. Arguably it is a piece of art in itself.I think though that the grounds are the best part of the museum, but then I am not an art lover and for an art lover it could be considered a cathedral to the arts with over 35,000 pieces of works. It's really easy to get around and see everything, lots of people there to help you if you feel lost and there are written guides in several languages.There are also audio headphones available in multiple languages to give you a guided tour as you walk around the museum.I didn't have as much time to spend there as I would like, so after briefly reviewing the Sully area, I headed for the area containing Ms Mona Lisa herself.There are lots of directions towards this piece as it is so popular - you have to go through several rooms to get to it, but to be honest, I was a little disappointed in the picture.It is dwarfed by the other paintings within the room, particularly a depiction of The Last Supper on the opposite wall and it is cordoned off by barriers with guards next to it and surrounded by a knot of people 5 deep - you have to push your way through.It didn't do anything for me and I didn't even think her 'smile' looked as much of a smile as is made out to be.I can't imagine her knowing a secret we don't know as is often speculated upon. The other pieces of art in that section are quite stunning and although I'm not an art lover I could really appreciate the work involved and the ideals of the paintings.I would go back and I'd like to have a chance to take my time and use the headphones to explain things (maybe this would change my views) and I would recommend it, but don't be too surprised if when you see the Mona Lisa you think to yourself, "is that it?".

Paris jour deux

Sacre Coeur - This is a beautiful white basillica located in the artists quarter of Paris, Montmarte. If you go via the Metro the nearest stop is Anvers. There are many steps to climb to reach the top, but there is also a train lift that will take you there for 1.50 euro. The view from the top is apparently the best in Paris, although Paris does not look quite as attractive on a cloudy and rainy day! Joan of Arc on a horse in battle is one of the major golden statues on the outside of the basillica. Sunday mass was taking place when I went into the church and so silence had to be adhered to and no photographs were allowed which is such a shame as the paintings and statues are beautiful, one in particular with Jesus flanked by angels in a Heavenly painted landscape. You are able to light candles for your loved ones, a contribution is gently requested. All around the basillica are individual sections containing the figures of various saints. I was amazed to see so many people touch and kiss the statues with reverence and it made me feel a little ashamed. I am a lapsed Catholic and have not been to mass in many years, only to church for Christenings, funerals and marriages and I felt an unusual yearning to be part of the mass and as devoted as these people obviously were. Before I left I took some holy water and made the sign of the cross and was surprised at how emotional that made me feel, as if I had 'returned' from somewhere and I did feel a spiritual connection. Psychosomatic? Perhaps, but I don't think so. You are able to visit the crypt in the church for a fee of 5 euros but the idea did not tempt me. Amongst the many tomb stones lies a box containing the heart of the builder of the church. Unfortunately the route to the top contains a number of touts trying to sell their pitiful wares (yes pitiful, pieces of green and black string to be precise!!) and they will accost you - I found the best way to get past them was by speaking in French as they all assumed I was English and spoke in English and they couldn't speak French. The church lights up at night which is a stunning sight. Well worth a visit.

Montmatre (artists quarter) - You can find all the artists at top of Sacre Coeur in a side street to the left. There are lots of lovely French cafes dotted around a square containing artists with tourists milling around. They sell art and draw caricatures and there are also more serious portrait takers who draw very accurate pictures of their subjects. The atmosphere is one of happy merriment and I felt very at ease here and was able to speak more French with confidence! Everyone was friendly and although some of the artists would come over to try and sell you a picture, once you said no they were ok with that and didn't harass you. Yes ok, it was touristy, but I still feel that this was a little piece of the 'real' Paris. Also went past the (in)famous Moulin Rouge with the red windmill on the outside. Looks better lit up at night obviously. Found myself humming 'Lady Marmalade' in my head as I stood outside ;o).

French Revolution Classic Walk - There are so many tours of Paris you can take, walking, cycling, boating, bus tours etc that it's hard to pick which one to choose. I've done a bit of all except the cycling - the walking around was exercise enough for me. I really wanted to do a classic walk tour called the Da Vinci Code Walk, but I already had things booked when it was taking place so I had to content myself with the only walk available to me in the limited time I had, which was the French Revolution Walk. This cost 12 euros for a two hour condensed talk and walk. Our guide knew his stuff and we met him at the metro station behind Les Invalides where he gave us a brief background to the causes of the French Revolution. We moved on to Les Invalides, Assemblee Nationale, Place de la Concorde (site of the guillotine), Musee du Louvre and Pont Neuf. The Bastille no longer exists but we were able to walk on the bridge that contained the bricks of the same, as the bastille was taken apart brick by brick. At each stop we were give quite fascinating information, both gory and sad, about the revolution and how the effects still reverbarate in the France of today. Impressive little history lesson and a fun way of seeing the sights. Highly recommended.

Paris jour trois et quatre

Paris is beautiful by day and stunning by night. On a night tour I see the gorgeous Eiffel Tower glowing blue and then on the hour blinking white. The Arc de Triomphe is majestically bathed in an orange glow, but my favourite night viewing is the Champs Elysee with the gorgeous 'rubies and diamonds' heading up the hill to the Arc de Triomphe

It's eye candy for the eyes and chicken soup for the soul - just makes the world feel beautiful and I don't care if that sounds corny! Paris is my favourite city, surely no other could beat it.

The next day we tour Paris again by daylight starting off at Notre Dame. Another stunning building, hard to believe that this was almost demolished. Apparantly if you stand in front of Notre Dame at a certain point you are in the centre of Paris. Mass was taking place when we went in. Everything sounds so much nicer in French. Finally climbed the Eiffel Tower which was well worth it. View is fab.

After a meal at Les Noces de Jeanettes, we headed to Nouvelle Eve to see cabaret and the Can Can. Had a fabulous time, enjoyed the cabaret and loved the Can Can. The free half bottle of champagne helped everything flow nicely :o).

Au revoir mon ami