730 days: City of Love

Monday morning I caught the train up to Paris. Feeling better from my sickness I was looking forward to seeing Todd who had made a last minute trip to meet me in Paris for a few days. I arrived in the afternoon to more hot weather, and meet Todd at our hotel. We headed out in the afternoon from our hotel in the north west towards the city. Walking down to the Republic district we grabbed a bite to eat, before continuing our stroll down to the main centre. Stopping outside the Hotel de Ville, one of the many large historic buildings. Then walked along to the Place de Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris. It is a beautiful little park with four large corner fountains surrounded by impressive old apartments. It was packed with people in the hot weather making the most of their evening after work. After relaxing in the park we went in search of some dinner, a yummy salad at a local restaurant. The heat of the day had burnt off and we headed over to the Isle Staint Louis, and then across the bridge to the Ile de la Citie, the two islands in the middle of the river Seine. We enjoyed the last of the day in the beautiful garden behind the Note Dame with is blossoming roses growing up behind the incredible church.

Tuesday I dragged Todd out to the Musee d'Orsay for a bit of culture. After waiting in the que in the hot sun, it was a relief to be in the cool of the building. The museum in housed in an old railway station, a beautiful building with increadible light to show off its sculptures and paintings. After our bit of culture we found some yummy lunch at an overpriced cafe, and then wandered down to the Hotel des Invalides. An impressive building built as a hospital for the solider's in the 1600's. Then it was time to get out of the heat and have a break, so we found a nice spot under the shady trees of the park to relax for a bit. In the evening we went up to Montmarte to see the Sacre Cour. A stunning white domed church set on the hill with an amazing view across the city. Then had a lovely traditional french dinner at a local brazziarie.

The following day Todd headed back to London, and after saying goodbye I went into town to check out the shopping! Firstly went to the Galleries Lafayette, a massive fancy shopping centre with a beautiful dome cealing. After my legs had had enough shopping I relaxed in Les Tuileries gardens next to the Lourve for a picnic lunch. Then I headed out in search of some of Paris's beautiful churches. Found St Eugistines in Les Hales, with its beautiful stain glass windows. And then down to the Notre Dame, which has a magnificent interior. Then lastly wandered past St Severn an old gothic church, with brightly coloured modern stained glass.

For my last day in Paris I was looking forward to a Day trip to Versailles.