This picture of the Eiffel Tower was taken in 1999. If you look closely at it, you can see the countdown for the year 2000. I loved going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, what a great overview of the city, but to be honest with you I think the view from Montmartre is just as great.
This is the Sacre' Coeur and it is magnificent. I don't think it's showing well in this picture from 1999 but that is a carousel in the bottom left of the picture. I went to Paris in January of 1999 with a group of travel agents and we climbed the steps here at the Sacre' Coeur and when I say climbed the steps, the steps were these twisting winding steps that were kind of scary. We went as far up as you could go. The Sacre' Coeur is in the Montmarte section of Paris and well worth the Metro trip there. This is the area where all the artists sell their wares and I have to say they are good. And the church itself is beyond beautiful.
Everyone knows what this is. It's the Museum de Louvre. Well worth the visit there to see the Mona Lisa and other famous works of art.
This is the equally magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. That's me standing in the front of it. Do go and see this if you ever get to Paris.Okay, where do I start with Paris? When I first became a travel agent in 1996, Paris was at the top of my list to go and see and I was so excited when the travel agency I worked for then sent me there in January of 1999. It was my very first time to Europe and it was so special to go there first. My sweetie and I went back a few months later in March and it was even more fun going with him. There are so many places to go and see in Paris. And as usual, I can't give as much space as I would like to for this city they call the City of Lights.
So here is a quick overview of the highlights when you go to Paris. The Arc de Triumph is really something to see and the cars going around it is another eye opener. The Scare' Coeur is probably one of my favorites. Gorgoeous views and beautiful church. The Notre Dame is just amazing. The Montmarte area of Paris is just plain fun. The Museum D'Orsay is another great museum. And while we are talking museums, don't forget the Louvre. Really there are many museums in Paris worth visiting and too many to mention in this post. One of my all time favorite places to go in Paris is the Sainte Chapelle. Go when the sun is shining to see the beautiful stain glass windows which shows the Bible from the Garden of Eden to the Apolcalyse. Prepare to be blown away by the beauty of it. I know I've just highlighted a few of what to see in Paris. Not to mention the outlying areas of the city. But Travel Tuesday is more about giving you the highlights. One of my favorite memories is just walking or taking the metro around the city and just discovering the different restaurants and outdoor cafes. The food is just amazing and you go from corner to corner just to compare sandwiches and pastries. I know people say the French have a problem with Americans but I never came in contact with that. My attitude when I visit another country is to respect their culture and heritage. Anyway, I would love to go back with my daughters and granddaughter Maddie and possibly more granddaughters some day. I think Paris would be an awesome girls trip. And Pippi, you can come too since I know you love Paris. Pippi (aka Allison) is my niece. Okay, we are going to hop on the fast train and go to London next week. Might as well stay across the pond and have some fun.
11 comments:
The kids and I studied a bit of the history of Paris while studying the Dark Ages last year. It was fun to connect the places like the Louve with their historical past. It would be even more fun to see them in person some day.
Well, I'm probably the only one - but I have no desire to go to Paris. I'd rather go to Italy. Even though I've never been there, I feel in my heart it's my home.
Now all I need to do is figure out how I'm going to see the Louvre, if I'm not going to Paris.... To see the actual paintings - THE Mona Lisa...I can't even put that into words. Can't wait to see London!
Love,
Julie
If Pippi is going so is Pippi's mom!! We have told her if she gets a 4 year scholarship to high school then we will take her to Paris - that is a real possibility so I better start saving.
Joan - I told you I'd come back and go to Paris with you! Great photos and fun information. I visited Paris in 1978 when my dad was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. I've been to the places you mentioned, at least most of them. It is beautiful - thanks for taking me back. See ya.
I have been to Paris, but never fell in love. It is a fabulous city~ Everyone should go once in their lifetime.
Now London~ that's fun!
Hi Joan,
I'm about to post something that might interest you!
Cheers
David
I've only been once, but it was fun. Not sure I'll ever go back though. Now Italy....I could go back every single year. Love it.
Hugs!
Kat
Oh, Joan, thank you! This was so enjoyable!
My in-laws were in Europe in September. This was their second trip, the first was in the late 90's. They were amazed how much Paris changed since then. They really didn't like the first time, but in 2007, they said it was much cleaner, amazing and they want to go back.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh this brought back many wonderful memories Joan. My husband proposed to me in Paris in March 1998, I remember the countdown on the Eiffel Tower. Ah we'd love to return one day. I also did an outreach there in 1995 (hard life eh?).
I visited Paris last year and I have to say, I loved it. I only speak a few words of French, but found the people in Paris very helpful and not at all rude as the stereotype seems to say. It was my first trip to Europe (my husband had a conference there) and I loved it, even though I was on my own most of the day. He was able to go with me to Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel Tower, as well as the Louvre. This gave me confidence to go on the metro by myself (was very clean and easy to figure out) I shopped and visited La Madeleine (the church) on my own. I would go back to Paris in a heartbeat!
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