woodst-wanderers: A day exploring our key sights in Paris

A day out and about in Paris

Today we had a bit later start after such a big day yesterday - we had our usual scrambled eggs made by Dean which were great and then we headed to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Loki checking out how it is all made.......

As we arrived at the cathedral there was a big white tent sent up near it and Karl said that he had seen on the news there was a major boulangerie competition on and so we headed in to have a look. This was amazing, people were rolling, kneading and baking all sorts of delish looking food and of course we had to try lots - mmmm, that should keep us going on our tourist travels. Then it was time to explore the cathedral.

The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris or Notre Dame de Paris (Meaning 'Our Lady of Paris' in French) is a Gothic cathedral which origins date back to the 12th century. Some 300 years after this construction finally came to an end. It is now one of the most prominent cathedrals in France and one of the oldest ones too.

Over its vast history the Cathedral has suffered considerable damage, not least during the French Revolution in 1786. Fortunately it was sympathetically restored - in 1909 Joan of Arc was famously beatified in the Notre Dame Cathedral by Pope Pius X.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is probably best known for its relation to the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, made famous by the numerous cartoons and movies inspired by it. But it is the French Gothic Architecture that remains the biggest draw for visitors from around the world, an unrivaled, perfect example to this day.

Needless to say - this cathedral is very impressive and is so large - the stain glass windows are beautiful and huge

Connor at the famous Notre Dame

This building is huge and intricate

The stained glass window - parts of which date back to the 12 century

From here we headed to a most famous bookstore - Shakespeare and Company, arguably the most famous independent bookstore in the world, occupies a prime piece of real estate facing the Seine in Paris, not far from the Latin Quarter, Place Saint-Michel, and Boulevard Saint-Germain. Loki was most excited, not because of its history or the fact that it has featured in many movies but because the books were in English - needless to say - books were purchased! And they even give them a special stamp to say where they were purchased - cool.

The cool bookstore - it had ladders to climb up to check books that we up high and great little coves.....very cool

We then strolled along the river, seeing what used to be the padlock bridge where lovers sealed their love however these have now all been taken off and glass has been put up to stop more locks being put on - spoil sports - although apparently the weight of the padlocks was affecting the stability of the bridge!

It was then time for a wee morning tea break (although it was actually more like lunch time) and we headed to the home of the macaroon - Laduree - Emma’s must do for our trip to Paris. We found the little store tucked down a side street and headed in for coffee and macaroon - this was pretty cool - amazing décor and the home of macaroon. Mum and Karl both had the same look on their face when looking at the menu and more specifically the prices - it was 8 euros for a coke and 6.50 for one macaroon! Yes expensive but it is “the home of the macaroon”. Karl also gave me a look of horror when I ordered a platter of 4 mini macaroons, closely followed by Loki ordering the same - hilarious! Karl only ordered coffee wanting to share my macaroons!!!! They were delicious - salted caramel were my fav!!! Great experience and mum paid so that was even better - thanks mum! Great choice Emma.

mmmmmm Macaroons

We then headed to the must see Louvre and the must do photos by the pyramide! We then walked through the Jardin des Tuilaries, a big park like area with grass that you are not allowed on! The boys had lots of fun bargaining with the sellers of little Eifel towers - great attempts to try and get a better deal than they got last time - fun to watch - and then fun to listen to others bargaining too and most exciting when our deals were better!

The tourist must do photograph..........cliche!

Sliding around - boys will be boys

We then had fun attempting the traditional photographs.,..................

It was then off to the Arc de Triomphe - wahoo - we could not wait to watch the traffic chaos from up above! We jumped on the metro and headed there - cool. On arrival we saw the impressive size of the arc and we then headed underneath to get tickets to go to the top! There was a bit of a wait to get tickets and then another line to get to the stairs. No worries though - about 30 minutes and we were heading up. As we went through security and got to the stairs - the lady at the desk asked if mum wanted to be taken up in the lift rather than walk the 250+ stairs - she said yes and they said someone needed to go with her and so I went - perfect! Great way to get to the top! Hehehe! We met the others up there and spent a long time looking at the views and watching the traffic. Perfect day! Then of course there was the must-do shopping - wahoo.

Mum excited after her lift ride to the top and seeing others walk out nearly dead!

Some of the views from the top - beautiful

The beautiful tree lined streets of PAris

Mum at the top of the arc

The traffic is crazy at this roundabout - apparently there is no insurance if you drive your hire care here - I can see why!

It is crazy having the Eifel Tower behind us - makes me smile every time I see it

At the base of the Arch de Triomphe stands a torch. Every evening at 6:30 P.M. it is rekindled, and veterans lay wreaths decorated with red, white and blue near its flickering flame. It burns in the darkness to recall the sacrifice of an unknown French soldier who gave his life during World War I.

Action shot of the boys standing in front of the Champ des Elysees

It was then time to wander down the Avenue des Champs Elysees, holding hand of course - I am not sure if this is for romance or to stop women shopping!! Such a groovy streets with lots of really nice shops - and also lots of Lamborghinis, Porsches and Ferraris that you can pay 90 euro for a ride in! The kids were keen - the adults not so much! Then it was time to head toward home to a local bar for happy hour!