We slept in Sunday morning (we slept in actually every day!) so since we were nicely rested, we decided to get a lot of sightseeing in. What a fun day it was!
After breakfast, we went to Sacre Coeur on Montmartre to explore the basilica. When we got there they had just started mass. Mike and I decided to have a seat and listen. It was a little confusing as it was in French and Latin. Some parts, like the Gospel reading, were repeated in English. I really liked that aspect. With all the people there to participate along with the hundred or so just walking through, what a great way to share the Gospel. What a great experience!
After Sacre Coeur, we headed to the Louvre to check it out for a bit. There was quite a line to get through security at the pyramid entrance, so we decided some lunch should happen first. Luckily there's a cafe right on property in one wing.
My yummy chocolat chaud...
My cute lunch date...
I never got to this promenade when I went back in high school.
There is so much cool, OLD artwork there, it's just fascinating. We mostly just checked out the Italian painters and the majority of the paintings are all religious- and naked people.
Of course La Jaconde. Where the crowds are just obnoxious and every 5 minutes you hear the pickpocket warning over the loud speaker in about 10 different languages.
After the Louvre, we decided to go ahead and head to the Ile de la Cite to check out Notre Dame. Along the way, we walked across the Pont des Arts. For several years now it has become a trend for couples to leave a lock on the fencing on the bridge and throw the key into the Seine as a symbol of their commitment. I couldn't not do it. :0) I'd brought a lock with me from home, but quickly realized on our walk there, that wasn't necessary. As is common in Paris- people have learned how to benefit from this financially and there are lots of vendors selling deadbolts along the sidewalk.
Trying to find a space. There were locks on locks on locks.
Our lock's (the pink one) final place, near the center of the bridge.
Notre Dame de Paris
I love this place. 2013 marked the 850th year for the cathedral. 850 years!!
One of the rose windows
One of the doorways. Note the guy second from the right holding his head in his hands. (St. Denis)
A statue of Charlemagne.
After walking through Notre Dame, we headed back to our home for the week. Did some major resting, grabbed a snack from the club lounge, and got ready for a late night dinner. We had dinner while cruising the Seine.
One of the many Statue of Liberty replicas in the city.
They took pictures at the beginning and then give you options to purchase. I'm always a sucker for pictures. (Especially since there weren't going to be too many of both of us since we were alone on the trip.) I don't think Mike and I've ever passed up a chance to purchase a picture taken of us at any tourist trap. :0)
It was a LONG, but joyful day.
