A trip to Paris: Part 2

On our second full day in Paris, Saturday, we woke up with a plan to head straight for Notre Dame, one of the most famous sites in Paris. After a few photos outside we wondered in to look at the amazing stained glass windows that could rival the work in the King's College Chapel. 

Inside of Notre Dame

Stained glass in Notre Dame, famous window!

Outside of Notre Dame

After a tour through Notre Dame we walked the five or more miles to the "Basilique du Sacre-Coeur" a famous Church in the just as famous Montmartre district in Paris. What a long walk it was, but certainly worth it and full of strange sights along the way.

Modern art in central Paris.

This statue looks familiar...

Finally, we arrived at the church and what a beautiful sight it was at the top of a hill, which we quickly climbed to get a better view of the city. 

Basilique de Sacre-Coeur

A nice overlook at the Paris skyline!

We began our long walk to the Eiffel tower, another half dozen miles or so, but had to first stop by a bar for some coffee and a little wine. Partly by accident and party by careful planning we stumbled upon the Moulin Rouge theatre.

Moulin Rouge theatre.

We decided to take a metro rather than walk the rest of the way to the Eiffel tower, since it was getting late. On a whim we jumped on a metro heading just south of the Eiffel tower, but close enough for a nice walk. When we got out of the metro we were behind a large building, when we turned the corner we saw the beautiful skyline of the Eiffel tower all lit up, an amazing view.

Overlooking the Eiffel tower at night.

Just before we ascended the tower.

Having seen most of Paris by day from high up places, we decided we would ascend the Eiffel tower at night to see the night skyline of the city. Unfortunately the top of the tower was closed all weekend. We decided to skip the hour-long wait for the elevator and take the stairs, not too difficult a walk. Of course, right as we started to go up it started raining, and didn't stop. Fortunately, two Oregonians were used to that and we had a great time anyway.

From the Eiffel tower.

From half-way up the tower.

Paris from the tower.

Katherine and I on the Eiffel tower.

Katherine on the way to the lowest level of the tower.

The tour of the Eiffel tower ended our Saturday, but we were on our way up in elevation early Sunday with a trip to the top of Notre Dame. I should say, this was the best view in Paris and the most fun event of our weekend.  

Paris from Notre Dame.

Paris from Notre Dame with gargoyle.

A beautiful Sunday in Paris!

What is the gargoyle eating?

Me in front of the bell at Notre Dame

After Notre Dame Katherine and I had lunch before she had to head to the airport, and I stayed after for another four hours to await my train back to London.

View from my walk along the river.

On my way to the train station I went back by the Louvre and along the river, but the most interesting find was stumbling on this famous modern art sculpture in Paris.

Modern art in Paris.

Katherine and I had an amazing time in Paris, and I cannot wait to go back in the future when my parents come for a visit to the United Kingdom in May. I am leaving for Northern Ireland and Ireland soon, spending a few days in Belfast before traveling to Dublin and then Galway on the western coast.