France April 29-May 8, 2023
Charles De Gaulle Airport
We enjoyed our stroll through this expansive airport.
Our friend, Claire, picked us up and whisked us away on our first sight-seeing adventure in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a summer palace for the king's getaway.
The palace gardens were well manicured
Look closely and you will see a little snail on the triangular tree.
My man strolling where the bourgeoisie did in the past.
The French love manicured trees.
We haven't seen Claire since 2019. It was so wonderful to see our dear friend.
Hotel De Ville is the town government building.
Monet painted this little village across from the Seine River.
The bus stop across the street is even named after him.
Our first view of the Seine River. We asked about riding a boat from here into Paris. Claire told us that there are around 36 locks between here and Paris....it would take too long.
Claire took us to her home in Moisson to meet her husband and dog.
Paris
Claire drove us into Paris the next day. We approached the skyscrapers in the newer section of Paris.
The first area that we passed through in Paris was known for its brick architecture.
We quickly passed from modern buildings into older French architecture.
The streets were lined with trees just popping out for spring.
What a clean city!
We parked the car and started climbing this endless mountain of stairs....huff puff!
We hiked to the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city, to see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
More stairs but...
What a view of the city!!!!
Our first view of Notre Dame
Some folks chose the easy way up.
Archangel Michael sculpture, a spiritual warrior in battle of good versus evil.
He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and a guardian of the Church.
Nunnery
Love the old stone streets.
To enter the nunnery, you had to ring the bell and speak through the grate first....only during certain times.
What gorgeous structures on top of the butte.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the iconic attractions in Paris, began being built in 1875 with completion in 1914.
Gargoyles
Folks were providing street shows.
This gentleman was so realistic.
The fence on top of the mountain was filled with locks of love!
Restored classic Citroen
10 million visitors come to the Basilica, second to Notre Dame Cathedral (which is closed due to fire damage) because of its strategic location, its awe inspiring architecture and the spectacular view.
Marvelous stained glass windows
What an intricately painted ceiling!
Sculpture of Mary holding baby Jesus in solid silver....entitled The Virgin and Child.
The Virgin Mary conceived Jesus, the Son of God through the Holy Spirit. She followed her son throughout his life, until nailed to the cross and his Resurrection. Mother of the Church, she guides the life of believers since the earliest Christian communities. Celebrated on August 15, in her Assumption, she is the main Patron Saint of France.
Chapel of Saint Ursula
The Sacred Heart
Statue in solid silver, made by Eugene Benet, who wanted to translate something of the immense sadness of this Heart " according to the revelations of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary.
Confessionals
Pipe Organs
View exiting the church
Looking back at the Basilica after coming down one set of stairs.
We stopped for lunch and ordered crepes....yum!
The French sidewalk cafes are so cool.
Then back down the stairs we went.
Although scooters have been outlawed in the City of Paris, we spotted several...
how romantic in the city of love.
Entrance into the city park....similar to New York's Central Park
Another Paris icon...the Arch De Triomphe Monument constructed between 1806-1836
Claire drove around this crazy 12 lane circular roundabout while we snapped pictures. Cars were weaving in and out and folks were walking to this grand memorial.
Our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
George Washington statue......in Paris
Iranian Embassy
National Theatre De Chaillot
Which bird is real?
Behind the National Theatre there were many street performers.
Paintings were displayed to purchase.
Loads of people were here viewing the Eiffel Tower.
Under the Eiffel Tower
Wedding pictures were being taken.
Multicultural crowds of people were standing in awe of the view of the Eiffel Tower.
Locks of love hung on railings.
Spring was in full bloom with Jacaranda trees and
Primrose.
We walked crossed the Seine River.
and decided to take a cruise down it.
The sights were incredible from the Seine River Boat ride.
The Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center, 2016
This is the tunnel where Princess Di drew her last breath.
Recently painted because of the war in Ukraine...the other end says, "Not War"
The American Church Steeple was the first American Church established outside of the United States in 1814.
This building dates to 1931.
Art is found everywhere in Paris.
Art is on bridges....
Art is found on boats docked along the walls of the Seine river
.
Pont Alexndre III Bridge...named the most beautiful bridge in the world...
built between 1896 and 1900.
Four gilt-gold statues of horses flank all four corners of the bridge.
Folks loved strolling along both sides of the Seine River.
Folks were gathered here to play music.
Eglise de la Madeleine was built between 1754 and 1842.
It was intended to be a temple of glory to honor Napoleons Great Army.
Orsay Museum
We spotted such wonderful architecture.
The houseboats on the Seine River were unique.
A group of ballroom dancers gathered beside the river to spend a fine Sunday afternoon.
Pont Neuf Bridge, the oldest bridge in Paris... in 1578 construction began.
Cathedral Notre Dame
You can see the crane working in the back to repair the fire damage.
Scaffolding covered the areas of renovation.
We spotted a hot air balloon....
As well as street acts along the river side.
Luxembourg Palace, seats of the Senate of the Fifth Republic...the current system established by Charles de Gaulle in 1958.
The Louvre from the Seine River
The Grand Palace, built for the 1900 Exposition. Built of glass, steel and stone. It was closed in January of 2021 for renovations and is due to open in 2024.
Approaching the Eiffel Tower on the way back to the boat dock.
A merry go round is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Our boat....loading again for the next cruise down the Seine River.
Aah....the smell of Lilac.
Riding in a tunnel under all the high rises of Paris....it went on for a few miles.
Leaving Paris, we followed country roads lined with trees.....
and headed west toward the sinking sun after a full day of Paris.
What a gorgeous sunset!
Mantes la Jolie, France
After some yummy kabobs for dinner, home looked mighty fine that evening. We stayed on the third floor of Claire's mom's flat. She happened to be away visiting family in the Caribbean.
We stayed in Mantes la Jolie for three nights.
The next morning we walked down to Notre Dame de Mantes, known as Little Notre Dame.
Poppies were blooming.
Built between 1155 and 1350.
What intricate figures! The entrance had weathered over time...heads were missing.
Fresh flowers were on the alter.
Dozens of concrete formed pictures, depicted the life of Jesus Christ.
Such detailed artistry.
The stained glass was exquisite.
Stepping out of the cathedral, we saw this unusual archway built over the street.
Man's best friend depicted in this town.
This area was known for owners having large dogs since the early days of the city.
We walked across the Seine River
View of the cathedral from the bridge.
The back of this old cathedral was having some renovations as well.
The walking path across the bridge was wonderful.
Colorful flower beds greeted us on the other side of the bridge.
Fantastic sports areas were available for use on this side of the river.
We had another gorgeous sunset from the third floor balcony of our home away from home.
The next morning we walked into the town of Montes la Jolie. I love the real functional shutters that close. They are the only kind that France has. In the US we have decorative ones.
Well kept homes were in every direction.
Old, old stone walls were built throughout the city.
Wisteria was in full bloom...
along with other flowering trees.
Hotel de Ville...the government office in the city of Mantes la Jolie.
Door knobs in the middle of the door are very French.
Picturesque old streets
Mail is delivered by e-bike. Now that is really environmentally friendly.
Notre Dame Montes
Church of Saint Maclou, built in the 11th-12th centuries
Our final stop during our walk was at a school that had these comic strips painted on the side of the building. I remember this particular comic strip with the guy's winged hat...Asterix. The comic writer, Alberto Underzos was from this town.
Larry discovered French Bordeaux. Claire's mom, Roberta, left this treat for us.
Another pleasant day!
Versailles
The next day Claire drove us to Versailles.
What a Palace!
So much GOLD!!!!
Just the exterior structure was beyond my expectations.
Thank you Claire for taking us to such an unbelievable place.
Statues of past leaders....
and animals
The Horses of the Sun, 350 year old monumental sculpture, commissioned in 1660's by Louis XIV.
Such grandeur!
What detail!
Hall of Kings
Pepin III
714-768
Ermentrude
823-869
Plaques listing Donors to Versailles
Louis XIV
Louis XIV wife and children
Stairs to Louis XIV Rooms
A view of the gardens from the second floor
Blue Room.....full of paintings
Red Room...full of paintings and a bust of Louis XIV
Pink Room
Navy Blue Room
Original antiques were proudly displayed
The Green room and
the Blue room were full of paintings and antiques.
Another bust of Louis XIV
This is a mirror that was placed on the side wall to reflect the ceiling so the king did not have to look up to see the painted ceiling.
Ornate ceiling corners led to....
magnificent ceiling paintings.
Huge ornate fireplaces
Paintings above a fireplace
Massive Paintings covered complete walls.
Endless Chandeliers
The King's Bed
Exquisite King's Bedroom Clock
Of course, a king's bedroom needs another picture of his highness.
Room where the king conducted business
The Hall of Mirrors
The Queen's Bedroom
The Room of Peace....so many paintings.
The Room of Battles...so many paintings
Napoleon, Ruler of France 1799-1814
Napoleon
We had lunch in the Versailles Restaurant and then headed out to the Gardens.
800 hectors
Orange trees
Lemon trees
The gardens opened in 1624.
200,000 trees
View of the Versailles Palace from the gardens
What intricately sculptured plants.
We walked a mile to the man made lake.
What a cool path to walk through to....
a statue garden.
Statues with musical instruments
A musical fountain show....just like Las Vegas, only to classical sounds.
Fish were swimming in the pond during the fountain show.
We left with all kind of visions of Versailles dancing around in our brain.
The drive through the city of Versailles was amazing. It is a very expensive area to live in. The bourgeoisie settled here in the early ages of Versailles, to be close to the king. The wealthy still remain in this area today.
On the way home, Claire drove us by a hillside castle in her neighborhood. So cool!
Another gorgeous sunset ended our day.
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