PARIS

Janice and I spent three nights in Paris.  We decided to stay at a Bed and Breakfast with a lady named Helene, which worked out perfectly.  It was inexpensive and just what we needed.  A nice room with a bed and bath, nothing more.  Perfect.

Day 1 - we went around the area on Subway, foot and bike and tried to see as much as we could on our list.   First, we visited Sainte Chappelle with the Rose of the Apocalypse   This altar pictured was built in the chapel to house the famous relics, which were purchased around 1200 from the Holy Land at a price that more than exceeded the cost of the actual chapel itself.   Amazing amazing stained glass!

We made our first attempt at renting a Velib' bike, which "took some doing," but we figured in out.  It only costs 1 Euro per day if you use it correctly....in 30 minute increments, and then you get back your full deposit.   I should probably check and make sure the 300 Euro deposit is back on my card!  :)

We then visited Notre Dame.  Beautiful exterior.  Inside is not a must see, in my opinion, but I did like the paintings inside.  

 We had lunch at a lovely little restaurant.  Then we saw the Luxumbourg Gardens, as well as the Impressionistic Paintings in the Luxumbourg Museum, which has a small collection of about 100 paintings.  Artists included Monet, Renoir, Vulliard, Manguin, Marquet, Lhote, and Camoin.  The nicest thing about this museum was that it wasn't busy.  It was quiet, small, and had a fantastic collection.

We made another attempt at the Velib' bike rental.   We biked (unintentionally) to the Pantheon, which was a very cool building, and on purpose to the Invalides to see Napoleon's Tomb.  That was totally spectacular!  Very impressive structure!  

Afterwards we biked around the Eifel Tower, escaped almost entering a freeway tunnel, and enjoyed a crepe at sunset, watching the Eifel Tower light up at night.  A very impressive sight!

For girls who usually travel to the less populated areas.... who knew a city could be SO much fun?!