Paris II

2016-09-03

On Saturday morning I get a late start to the day despite going to bed at 21:30 the night before. I figure out how to catch the tram and metro instead of the commuter train today to the city centre as it is more convenient for getting where I want.

The first stop of the day is Notre Dame but the train I catch drops me off at Pont Marie so I walk across the bridge over the Seine River to Ile Saint-Louis.

Siene River

Ile Saint-Louis

This is the quintessential Paris shown in movies with beautiful narrow apartment lined streets. You really cannot find a bad view in this part of the city.

After walking the short distance across the island I cross over a bridge to Ile de la Cite.

Buildings on Ile de la Cite

The skyline from the eastern side of Ile de la Cite is dominated by Notre Dame (of Quasimoto fame not the Fighting Irish.)

Notre Dame (Rear)

The path I took approaches Notre Dame from the east where you have a good view of the flying buttresses used to support the upper extents of the building as it grew taller than originally planned. I then walked around the north where you can view the sculpted tympana.

Notre Dame Tympanum

The main entrance is on the west side of the building and a huge lineup has formed for a tour of the building. I decide it is best not to wait in the line lest I burst in to flames upon crossing the threshold of the church and walk around the building to take some photographs of the church and the grounds.

Notre Dame (Front)

Charlemagne Statue at Notre Dame

After Notre Dame I decide I will walk to Luxembourg Palace but get delayed walking around Ile de la Cite.

The Palais de la Cite (where the royal family resided from the 6th to the 14 century) includes the Palais de Justice (courts), and the Concierge (the fortress where Marie Antoinette was held) is also located on the island. Unfortunately no cake was available.

Palais de Justice

Concierge

From Ile de la Cite I walked through the Latin Quarter to Luxembourg Palace and viewed the gardens there.

Luxembourg Palace Across Pond

Luxembourg Palace and Garden

The gardens are 25 hectares and the palace now contains the French senate.

Lion Statue at Luxembourg Palace

After walking around the gardens I went to the Pantheon, then walked back to Pont Marie along the Seine. Once back at Pont Marie I stopped at the Shoah Memorial, a tribute to all those involved in protecting the Jewish population of France.

Pantheon

By then my feet were sore so I retired to my hotel room.