This was a common sight around several of the main tourist attractions.
Since we didn't go into Notre Dame, we decided to visit a place we had not been before. Just a short distance away is Ste. Chappelle. It was commissioned by Louis IX in 1245. Slender pillars divide the 13th century 50 foot high stained glass windows. It was breathtaking.
After walking back to our room to drop off a couple of purchases, we decided it was time to check out the Metro. It was surprisingly easy, and we rode to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is kind of like the Grand Canyon. You can see pictures of it, and you can describe it, but you just have to see it in person to appreciate the grand scale of it. It is truly magnificent.
Okay, just one more, from across the river.
We decided to walk from there to the Arc de Triomphe, which might not have been the best decision. It was a longer walk than we realized, and some of it was uphill. So, when we got there, we were already tired when we decided to walk up the narrow stairs that led to the top. The view is amazing, so it was worth it.
Looking down on the Champs-Elysees. (Confirmation we have no desire to drive in Paris.)
After coming down from the Arc de Triomphe, we jumped on the Metro and made a stop at the Louvre. It was getting late and that requires more time than we had, so we didn't go in. When we were here before we saw the Mona Lisa, but the place is so huge we barely scratched the surface. It would take more than one day to do it justice.
By the time we walked the rest of the way to our room, we were both pretty wiped out. Paris is a big, spread out place. Walking is great, because there is never a lack of things to see. There are always panhandlers, but some of them are pretty creative. Who can resist chipping in to feed something this cute?
And of course the living statues never fail to get my attention (and a few of my coins).
Today was our last full day in Paris, so we went to Versailles. So did about a million other people! We're grateful to a lady at the information desk, because she advised us to skip the palace and visit the gardens and Marie Antoinette's home first. The line to get in the palace was about a two hour wait, so we took her advice. It was a good decision, because by the time we finished everything else, there was no wait at all. It's an amazing place. The scale of it is beyond belief. I understand why they sell two day passes, because you could easily spend that much time there. It is over the top luxurious and ornate.
I'm thinking of redecorating our bedroom, and modeling it after this.
There is gold everywhere.
Just a little piece of the King's Garden.
And a sample of some of the formal gardens.
We were disappointed that some of the fountains were under repair and not operating, but the musical fountain was a treat.
Just styling' a little in my new Paris chapeau in the garden.
I like to take pictures as much as anyone, but I have to admit I got a little annoyed at how obsessed some people are with taking photos of themselves. It's not enough to take a picture, they have to be in every single picture. Then they trade places and the other person gets a picture. Gr-r-r-r-r! And the selfie sticks! Yikes! We took one selfie. (And it's not that good!!)
Finally, back to the room to pack. Check out the picture of our hotel. Then look at the next picture. We're almost on the roof!
We've had a fabulous time in Paris. We love wandering the streets, seeing all the sights, eating at the sidewalk cafes, and sampling the wonderful pastries, to name a few of our favorites. Someday we should spend a couple of weeks here. We still have a long list of things we'd like to see. We're sorry to leave, but it will be good to get home.
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