I love Paris in the Springtime

One never needs a reason to visit Paris when it is only a 2 hour Eurostar ride away, but the fact that my Dad and Wends were going to be there provided all the incentive I needed to head there after work on Friday. Staying just off the square at Denfert Rochereau, you couldn’t go too far on a Saturday morning without encountering the fresh produce markets. Cheeses, wine, meat and gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetables were being haggled for on all sides, as we found a little café to sit down for a coffee or two.

After my morning caffiene dose and a taste of pain au chocolate, we hopped on a bus and headed north to the markets of Port de Cligioncourt. It was fabulous to watch the Parisian streets go by, with all the gorgeous little balconies and flower boxes filled with red geraniums.

We passed my favourite sights, like the Champs Elysee, la tour Eiffel and had a stroll along the Seine. Hopping off the bus, we headed for Les Invallides to stroll through the courtyeard's and gardens before heading into Napolean's tomb. All rather grand, and I was amazed to see some of the French getting quite emotional about the whole experience. After grabbing a baguette for lunch, we headed for the Musee de Rodin to see 'The Kiss' and 'The Thinker', works which I remember studying in Std. 7 art class. amazing to finally see them in person.

After the Musee de Rodin, we headed back to the hotel for a shower before heading out to the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain. We found a gorgeous little corner restaurant where everyone was queuing. Where the locals are prepared to queue, you know the food must be good, so we followed suit. The next morning, we had a later start before finding another cafe for 'une cafe au lait' before hedaing to the Catacombs. the ancient tunnels, mapping some of the streets of paris underground and the bony graveyards of the ossury were all rather macarbe, but gave one a sense of history. When you see the dates on the pillar markings of 1785 and 1805, it definately puts things in perspective. Mental note, I want to be cremated.