Day 7: Paris
The art, architecture, shopping (don’t worry if your heart flutters at the mention of shopping in Paris, its perfectly natural) cafés, wine and bakeries all seem to effortlessly exude romance. A feeling that stems from the cultural attitude that life comes first and work comes second. With over 40 days of vacation a year, it leads the world in paid time off (CNBC, "Which Country Gets the Most Vacation Days") Today, although busy, enjoy your surroundings, leisurely meals and when asked if you want coffee and desert respond with an emphatic, “Yes!”
Begin the day with a laidback breakfast. If it is nearby, or on the way to Notre Dame, try the Rue Cler again. Café du Marche (38 Rue Cler75007 7ème arr.) provides a reasonably priced meal with truly French ambiance. Servers tend to speak both French and English and can provide you with an English menu. As always, you are greatly encouraged to at least make an effort to address the servers in French. Try the “jambon et fromage” omlet (ham and cheese) and both “jus d’orange et un café” (fresh orange juice and black coffee).
After breakfast, make your way to Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris.
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris:Made famous by writer Victor Hugo in the “Hunchback of Notre Dame,”the book was not only a literary masterpiece but, it brought attention to gothic architecture in an effort to preserve it (History.com "Day in History"). Notre Dame was built over a period of 200 years, commissioned in 1160 by Bishop Maurice de Sully and survived both world wars.
The flying buttresses, iconic rose window, and the sheer size of the cathedral will get the camera shutters clicking, just remember to put the camera down for a time to enjoy the sights first hand. Using your Paris Museum Pass head to the towers for a breathtaking (literally!) climb and view of the Îll de la Cité, the heart of Paris, ancient and modern. It is 387 steps to the top of the South Tower, and there is no elevator service. On you way up, you will see the evolution of within Notre Dame dating from the 13th Century to the 19th Century. You will also have the opportunity to see the gargoyles up close (Notre Dame).
After observing Paris from above, its time to descend the stairs of Notre Dame and experience darkness in the Archéological Crypts du Parvis Notre-Dame.
Crypte archéologique du Parvis Notre-Dame:The Crypte is accessible with your Paris Museum Pass (are you a believer in the museum pass yet?) at the far end of the plaza of Notre Dame, near the police station. The Île de la Citéis the historical seat of Paris, an important port and a location of military significance. The centuries of change can be observed within the ruins. Visitors are transported to another era, filled with courtesans, roman baths, evidence of unending war and continuous cultural evolution. When you are done exploring the crypte, head over to Le Louvre (luh Luve-rah).
If weather permits, take a quick break to grab a bite to eat. Outside of the Le Louvre is a Paul, a European chain of French lunch fare. This location has outdoor café tables with a view of the palace and gardens that are impressive on their own. Often local school children can be seen playing games, especially soccer on the garden lawns.
Le Louvre:Use your pass to enter on the left side (when facing the pyramid) of the palace in an entry that is somewhat hidden. Closed on Tuesdays, the Louvre is possibly the most beautiful museum in Paris. It was formerly a Château, home to Kings and Queens. The building was started in 1190 and has been continuously remodeled and is still being worked on today. Without a monarchy, the building was not being used. Then, French President Jacques Chirac began using it as a national museum of art in 1996.
The Louvre holds some of history’s most famed pieces of art including the portrait ofMona Lisa, which is a much smaller in person that one would originally think. The elite collection also houses another famous piece of art, also of much debate, commonly known as Venus de Milo. Because the statue is missing her arms, scholars continue to be befuddled by the statue. They are unsure if it is Aphrodite, the sea goddess Amphitrite, or perhaps the bow wielding Artemis or amphora holding Danaid (Collection and Louvre History). Plan for at least a half-day here, returning to see the remaining collection on day 8.
After a long day, it’s time for a Parisian dinner, enjoy your full meal, wine and desert. Relax and people watch. It is after all, the Parisian way.
Interested in learning French for an upcoming trip? Visit your local Alliance Française, which provide classes tailored to teach the language for travel or conversational use. For more information visit the main website here. For Alliance Française San Francisco travel French class visit here, and for East Bay visit the Berkeley site here.
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