Read Day 2 of our trip.
Coming back to the hotel late last night due to our mishap, we found it impossible to wake up early the following day. Besides, we needed our energy for another action-packed day. So we dragged our sleepy asses to the nearest train station and headed towards Versailles. This is where French monarchy (think Marie-Antoinette) in the 1600s lived. It was the symbol of opulence and obscene grandeur which drove the hungry French people to revolt and overthrow monarchy. It is also where the Treaty of Versailles (WW1) was signed. Upon arriving at the Chateau de Versailles, we can definitely understand what ticked the French off. It is like the Malacanang on steroids.
Chateau de Versailles facade
One of the "less" ornate rooms at the Chateau
We just saw little of what's inside the chateau because we took a wrong turn and exited the building already. By the time we realized our mistake, the line getting back in is sooo long it would have taken us a precious hour to get in. Given our limited time and there's still so much of Paris to discover, we just couldn't afford it. So we decided to explore the gardens instead. We were not disappointed. It's just so beautiful. I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Back in Paris, we trekked our way to the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart). By trek, I do mean climbing up hundreds of steps to the highest point of the city. The effort was well worth it as the view of the city is breathtaking.
View of Paris from Sacre Coeur
The basilica is also a sight in itself. First word that came to me when I saw it is WOW. It reminded us of Moslem mosques due to the domes but it is very much a Roman Catholic church. We attended mass and bought our souvenirs inside.
From one magnificent church to another, we then visited the 13th century Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) due to its world famous stained glass and rose windows. Each stained glass panel tells a story. The full biblical story of humanity is recounted, from the Creation to redemption through Christ. Everything is just so colorful and vibrant.
Rose window of Sainte-Chapelle
All the walking that we did made us work quite an appetite. It was our last night in Paris so we intended to have a nice French dinner. Finding ourselves in the heart of Saint-Germain des Près, we chanced upon a quaint restaurant called Brasserie Lipp. We decided to have coffee there and contemplate on where to eat our nice dinner. While sipping my cafe au lait (coffee with steamed milk), I looked over our trusty travel guide and searched for recommended restaurants in the area. And what do you know, Brasserie Lipp is one of those recommended serving French Cuisine. It is famous in Paris, boasting famous artists/writers and polical clientele such as Hemingway, Camus, Proust, even the former French leader Jacques Chirac. So much history since it has been founded in the 1870s. It's also a bit pricey but what the heck this is a special occassion. I ordered Confit de Cuisse de Canard (crystallized duck thigh) and Lex had their Pied de Porc (pork feet) with white wine. The food was excellent and very tasty. The French serve their food in smaller portions as compared to Americans so it's just right for us -- we finished everything off! We were so hungry that we started eating immediately and forgot to take pictures of the food =(. I'd love to go back to this restaurant again someday.
We managed to steal a shot before the food came
Our stomach and hearts full, we went on a 1 hour guided tour aboard one of Bateaux Parisiens trimarans. Our purpose was to see most of Paris' major sights from a different perspective and to catch the sunset. It was great to just sit down, hear about interesting stories behind each sight and drink in the view. It was all so romantic too. Definitely one of the highlights of our Paris vacation.
Look to the left
Lex, ofcourse, was busy taking pictures for his "portfolio", hehe. Here are some of them.
Old and new
Sunset at the River Seine
City of love
The sun has set on our 3rd day in Paris. Our river cruise ended at the foot of the Eiffel Tower so we paid one last homage to the Parisian icon. When can we see you again? We hope it would be quite soon!
Our last stop for the day was the Arc de Triomphe. Since it is open until 11PM, we still have time to go up the arch for a view of the Champs Elysee. Champs Elysee at night is what made Paris known as the City of Lights. The wind was chilly but the view awesome. What a way to end the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment