France
Trip Start
Jul 01, 2006
1
11
13
Trip End
Jul 17, 2006
Paris,
Île-de-France,
France
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Since we will be in Paris for another 2 days, we bought a Paris Visite, a regular pass that covers zone 1 through 3. It is half pice for the kids ages 4 to 11. As suggested by our friends, we had a picnic at the gounds of the Eiffel Tower. It was so relaxing. There were lots of people having picnics there too. The observation deck to the top of the Eiffel Tower was close. The second level was the only one open. Even just from there, the view was breathtaking. The fee was 7 euros for adults, half price for DS and DD1
Aboard the TGV
. DD2 was free. Then we walked towards Palais de Chailott. At that time the Eifell Tower was lit up. It was beautiful. We went back to the hotel to rest and plan to come back out for the fireworks. We stopped by a pizza place near our hotel called Pizza Verona. The pizza was good. Back in our hotel room everybody was so tired that nobody wants to go out to see the fireworks. The kids just watch it from the balcony.The following day, we were bright and early. We had breakfast at the hotel. It was buffet and cost E13.00 per adult and the kids eat free. They served scrambled eggs and bacon that the kids love. They also have steam cauliflower, peas with carrots, different kinds of bread with different kinds of spread, cheeses, ham, bologna, fresh fruits, pastries, danish, milk, juices and coffee. We went to the Cathedral of Notre Dame early to avoid long line. It was so early that there was nobody standing in line yet so we walked around the cathedral and admired the Siene River and the view of Notre Dame Cathedral from the east, showing the magnificent chevet with its flying buttresses and pinnacles. The kids were able to play in the plyground. We were second in line to climb the 387 steps up the North Tower. While waiting in line I tooked the girls inside the cathedral. Like most people, we were drawn to the 3 magnificent enormous rose windows. The design was so grand and elaborate that you can't help but stare at it
Cathedral of Notre Dame
. While touring the interior of the cathedral, DD1 asked if there's a famous person burried in there. I told, "Yeah, the hunchback". Not sure if she got that. While we were on the top, we were treated to an air show. It turned out to be France's Bastille Day. (It pays to have a history enthusiast DS). We also saw the parade and got a free pass to the Louvre Museum where we were greeted on top of the stairs, by " The Winged Victory Of Samothrace". We enjoyed lots of artworks by different prominent artists. And no, we haven't cracked down the "Da Vinci's Code". TIP: To avoid a long line at the entrance through the glass pyramid, take the mall entrance where the metro stops. To make our visit to the Louvre Museum interesting, we list down the most famous and recognizable artist and its artwork like the "Mona Lisa" by the Vinci, armless beauty Venus de Milo, Wedding Feast at Cana. Then each kids picked up a map of the museum and started locating the masterpieces. Finding them was such a treat. We also went to the Arc de Triomphe. Surrounding the Arc de Triomphe is a five lane traffic circle. Crossing it is like crossing the race track. TIP: Take the underground entrance.We took the elevator to the rooftop. We were not really impressed especially after going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Then we took the train to see the Palace of Versailes. There are no words to describe this place. It's beyond magnificent.
