Started a busy day with a motor tour of Paris. Our guide Nicholas, who was also our guide for Versailles, provided us with a fantastic tour, and information, as well as the history,of many of the key spots in Paris.
Paris is divided by the Seine, either the Left Bank (rive gauche) and the Right Bank (rive droit). The term left and right in politics comes from here. The left bank is made up of more working class, bohemian, artist, and students, where as the right bank was more the aristocracy, and the wealthy. Derive what you want from that!
Made our way to the Arch de Triumph, commissioned by Napoleon to honor all his victories. Up the Champs-Elysées, with its stores and restaurants, and eventually to the Paris military Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb.
Made our way by many more highlights including Nôtre Dame, the Sorbonne, Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the former Paris prison where Marie Antoinette stayed until she met the guillotine, finally arriving at the park connected to the Eiffel Tower.
Back to the hotel for a quick rest, and it was off to Versailles. Took the bus for the short trip to Versailles, which is also a charming town as well. Grabbed a lunch of French onion soup, escargot, and of course wine, before meeting to begin the tour.
After security, we began our tour of the palace. Louis XlV built this amazing place, as he did not really like Paris ( most of the Kings live in the palace that is now the Louvre). Once you see all the opulence ( including completely changing the decor and furniture twice a year), it is understandable that there was a revolution!
Saw drawing rooms, reception halls, both the king’s and Marie Antoinette’s bedroom, but the most magnificent is undoubtedly the Hall of Mirrors. Breathtaking!
After our tour, we were able to visit the gardens on our own. Truly beautiful. So very well maintained with their beautiful mazes of flowers, bushes, and trees. Not to mention the fountains that were timed and synchronized to music! There were many other fountains, statues, and several large reflecting pools as well. Just not enough time to really see and do it all!
Returned to Paris for about an hour before we met for the tour to Montmartre. When we got on the bus, there was a slight drizzle, but by the time we arrived to head up to Sacré-Coeur, the skies had cleared, and we were treated to blue sky around the cathedral, and of course the spectacular view of Paris. Unbelievable!
After a quick visit to the church and taking in the views, we walked around this area which is famous for its artistic community. We even passed the spot were Picasso had his studio at one time.
Following some time for shopping in the cute stores, we made our way to the cafe for dinner. Had a lovely dinner, complete with wine and piano playing.
We all needed to walk off the dinner and wine, so Edo, our guide tonight as well as our tour manager, took us on the side streets of Montmartre to meet our tour bus.
Our evening ended with a small tour of the lights of Paris, including a drive by the beautiful Paris Opera House. Magnificent.
Returned to the hotel, all very tired, as it has been a jam packed day! Tomorrow brings our trip to the Champagne district, with a tasting, and on to Dijon for the night.