We covered some ground today! It's warmed a tiny bit and the wind has calmed, so I started the day with a run. What a treat to see the quiet streets on an early Sunday morning. I tried to chase down the pompiers for a picture! They were headed somewhere in a hurry, mostly small apparatus.
After breakfast (just granola and fruit at home today) we set out toward le Jardin du Luxembourg and the Pantheon with some wandering around in the 5th Arrondisement. Le Jardin du Luxembourg is a beautiful expansive public space, much enjoyed by tourists and locals, even on this chilly morning. Parisians sit in provided chairs, turning them to face the sun as they read or doze. It's a slow pace here on a Sunday.
Luxembourg Palace was built as the redsidence for Marie de Medici, widow of Henry IV, in 1612, and she established the original gardens. Today the gardens cover about 56 acres and have tennis courts, play structures, gardens, fountains, statuary, and a puppet theater. Circling the Grand Basin in front of the palace are 20 statues of French Queens and other important women through history. The gardens are now owned by the French Senat, and they meet in the palace.
We trekked up Sainte-Genevieve Mountain (more a hill than a mountain) to view the Pantheon. It was originally built as the Church of Sainte-Genevieve (patron saint of Paris), commissioned by King Louis XV. It is now the national mausoleum for notable religious and other figures through French history. Marie Curie was the first woman to be entombed there, actually 60 years after her death.
Our plan for the rest of the day was a river cruise on the Sienne. First we got a quick bite in bakery. It was our first experience with outright rudeness. We moved along quickly!
Early in the day we inquired about my bad Metro card; the attendant assured me it was only his machine and "not to worry!" We got through the turnstiles without incident and rode the Metro to the Right Bank where we enjoyed a lovely sunny (though chilly) cruise along the Sienne. The views of the landmarks and up-close details of bridges were beautiful. We glimpsed Notre-Dame for the first time, repairs well underway!
And as we were returning to dock, we saw wedding pictures and a proposal! ❤️❤️
As we made our way back to the Metro station, we walked around in circles a bit, apt as we were on the Avenue Champs-Elysees, near the circle. Never have we been happier not to be driving than now! We crossed the avenue (several times if I'm honest) and stopped in the center for views up and down from the Luxor Obelisk to l'Arc du Triomphe.
We've been subsisting primarily on bread and cheese thus far. Not complaining! However, we thought it was time for some more protein so we stopped into a bistro near our apartment for burgers. We are not great at ordering in French but most take pity on us and speak English to make all of us more comfortable! We were absolutely worn out by evening... got in a lot of steps! After passing out a couple of times on the couch around 7:30 pm, we gave up and went to bed--gearing up for our first day trip in the morning!
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WOW! that is a lot of steps. Does it include your run?
As always such great pictures. They make me wish to return to Paris. That thought only last a short time tho.
Sleep well. 'See' you tomorrow.
Yep—the 3 mile run that became 5.2 after a couple of wrong turns!
You two are doing a much better job than we did of sampling all the goodies Paris has to offer. If I had gotten into those pastries, I might still be there. Wonder where the beautiful produce is from...I wouldn't think local this early. It is beautiful and makes me want a bowl of strawberries. Carry on,,,we are living vicariously through you:)
I told my friend the only thing saving me from death by pastry is the trouble ordering them! The berries, at least are local! Crisper and not quite as sweet as ours, but delicious.
Wow! That’s a lot of steps! Thanks for all the great pictures. Makes we want to go back to Paris. We seemed a little too rushed when we were there. Can’t wait to see where your trip takes you tomorrow!
We should try it all together!