Paris

Bonjour!  I have just returned to Rome from Paris for the long weekend!  Berlusconi declared this past thursday a national holiday in Italy to celebrate its 150 years as a unified nation.  So Ellis, Marissa, Virginia and I headed to Paris.

We got there late thursday night (the metro from the airport into the city was having a few problems so it was veeeerry slow).  But we finally arrived at the apartment that we rented for the weekend around 10:00pm.  The apartment was in an excellent location.  It was just one street over from the Eiffel Tower!  We couldnt believe how close we were to the tower.  We hadnt eaten dinner yet, so we stopped in a french bistro on our street.  It turned out to be delicious!  I had a croque monsieur sandwich, which is basically two pieces of fresh baked bread with melted ham and cheese inside and then more melted cheese on top.  Yummy!

Friday we headed out to Versailles to see the palace.  I could not believe how huge it was!!!! Not only was the main Chateau itself so large, but the gardens, grounds and other smaller living areas within the palace gates were also very extensive!  It wasnt raining so we were able to walk around and see most of the palace grounds.  The hall of mirrors was beautiful and the whole place was so luxurious and extravagant.  We could have spent all day there, but we had to get back into the city to meet up with Claire and Elizabeth who were joining us from Nantes.

Palace

Hall of Mirrors

Queen's Bed

King's Bed

Gardens

Friday night Claire and Elizabeth took us to eat at a fun little Fondue restaurant that they found in Paris and loved.  We ended up loving it too!  They serve you wine out of baby bottles! hahaha.  We also had lots of bread dipped in the fondue cheese and steak.  Again, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great.

Saturday was the big tour day.  We started out at the Notre Dame.  Inside was very dark, but peaceful and felt very medieval.  The stained glass windows were also huge and beautiful.  I was looking out for Quasimodo the whole time we were in there, but I never spotted him. 

Front of Notre Dame

Inside Notre Dame

Side of Notre Dame

Next stop was the Louvre.  We went inside to see Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.  I thought it was going to be a lot bigger than it actually was, but it was still impressive with the eyes that seem to be following you.  We saw lots of other impressive works as well by famous artists like Monet and the Winged Victory.  I did not realize that the Louvre museum is actually in an old palace.  I think I like the palace itself just as much as the museum.

Outside the Louvre

From the Louvre, we walked straight down the Avenue des Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way, we stopped to have a suger and butter crepe before strolling through the famous Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysees.  We then climbed all the way to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.  The spiral staircase was very narrow and seemed never-ending, but we finally made it to the top! Phew!  The best view of Paris can be seen from the top of the Arc de Triomphe! 

Arc de Triomphe

View from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Last stop of the day was the Eiffel Tower, of course.  I never expected it to be quite so huge either!  I think it was the most beautiful at night when it was completely lit and sparkling!  By this point we were all exhausted, so we crossed the street and went back to the apartment to get ready for dinner.  We ate french onion soup and french fries!  Then had a glass of champagne to celebrate Claire's 21st birthday.  What a great memory to have of your 21st birthday....spending the weekend with your friends in Paris!  Paris is a beautiful city and I am adding it to my list of places to visit again!