Paris Streets and the River Seine

There are 36 bridges in Paris, many historic. Very romantic! Nice strolls at the edge. Wonderful at sunup and sundown.

L'Arc

de

Triomphe



The streets of Paris are narrow. Often several come together at odd angles with a fountain, a statue or monument in the center.



We went to Paris taking the TGV (fast) train from Luxembourg to Paris. We got around the city by subway. This photo was taken on the subway going over the river by the Eiffel tower on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

Paris: Sacre Coeur

I had heard of this church with white domes and the best view of Paris, but had never been there. Arriving near sunset, I was not dissapointed. Once again, crowds lined the lawn and in the church.

Double click on the panorama to get a sense of the view.

This was our last night here. Goodbye Paris.

Paris: The Louvre

The Louvre is beautiful and imposing from the outside before you even go in.

Beautiful and old. It is massive, covering blocks along the Seine River.

One enters through a glass pyramid down a spiral staircase.


We arrived around the opening and rushed toward the line heading to the Mona Lisa, the most famous piece. We were rewarded to stand 3 feet away and marvel at this only existing portrait of Michaelangelo. Still one asks... what's the fuss when there are thousands of other beautiful works here, too?



The Victory of Samothrace statue is wondrous. See the papparazzi-like photographers?

Even the ceilings are stunning.

Beautiful paintings. Thousands upon thousands. We became bleary eyed and left earlier than we expected.

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home_flash.jsp?bmLocale=en

Paris : The Pantheon

I had heard of the Pantheon but never been there. It is a landmark in Paris with huge columns and a dome. After our time at Notre Dame we were wandering. Bob wondered what was under that dome down the street.

The Pantheon. A huge ediface built for the glory of French Patriots who have contributed to the world. Mme Cure. Voltaire. Victor Hugo.

Wandering inside were were awed at the immense glory. Definately worth a visit!

Voltaire's grave in the crypt under the building.

As we left we were surprised to see the Eiffel Tower at the end of the road. In downtown old Paris, everything runs together.

Paris: Notre Dame and St. Severin

Notre Dame, the most famous church in Paris, has an interesting history. Joan of Arc was tried there. Victor Hugo wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." We appreciated a saying posted in the church : "J'ai une eglise dans ma vie!" "I have a church in my life!"

The enormous sight-seeing crowds made the visit a bit uncomfortable. Still we're glad we saw it.

There is such interesting detail to Notre Dame. Gargoyles, saints, stained glass...

http://www.cathedraledeparis.com/EN/0.asp

We left Notre Dame and explored the surrounding region. Bookstalls line the Seine river. Many books sold are old classic literature. It was fascinating.

We stumbled onto the church of St. Severin. Very few people were in there, unlike Notre Dame. We enjoyed the beautiful lines of the columns.

After taking this photo I engaged in a long conversation with this dear French woman. Her heart had a hunger for God and righteousness. I held hands and prayed for her as we parted. As I talked with a couple people in France, I sensed a strong desire for spiritual things.

Paris: Napoleon's Tomb

Les Invalides is a network of museums dedicated to war and those who served. The buildings date back to as early as 1704 and have trained soldiers and treated injured ones. The dome of the church is a famous landmark overlooking the city.

Napoleon's tomb is in the Dome Church. It has layers of tin, lead, mohogany ebony and oak.

There was a WW I & II museum. We got a kick out of the French military helmet with a rooster!

We also enjoyed the EXTENSIVE display of Mideavil armor and weapons.

http://www.invalides.org/pages/anglais/menu_ang.html