Paris Metro/RER
I admit, the first time I saw this map, there was some mental panic. But, as Julia Child said, "you just have to have the courage of your convictions." Of course, she was referring to flipping stuff in a pan, but I figured, it applied to taking the Paris Metro/RER too.
Anyways, there are two major systems: the metro (subways) and the RER (trains). And the ticket prices are based on zones of travel. Don't know French? Not to worry, most of the stations have ticket vending machines that have English menus. The only caveat is that they only accept coins or credit cards. I didn't have enough change so I was forced to use my abysmal-sounding French on the ticket-vending guy (sorry!), who couldn't have been nicer (and who said French people are rude to non-French-speaking people?)
One easier-than-anticipated transfer later, we arrived at our first destination of the day.
Jardin du Luxembourg ("Luxembourg Gardens")
Ranked #2 on TripAdvisor, it did not disappoint. We arrived really early so the popular garden was practically empty save for our little group. And even though it was mid-September and chilly, the garden was still in bloom (what luck!)
One of the things that makes the Luxembourg Gardens so wonderful is the numerous statues spread throughout the grounds. My favourite is the series of Queens and female Saints of France lining the terrace.
Among them are famous Queens such as Anne of Austria, Marie de Medici, Mary of Scotland, and Marguerite of Navarre. Walking amidst them, you can't help but wonder the trials and tribulations these women faced in their lives. Some proud, others contemplative or humble, each has an expression and posture unique from the others. And the details of their garments. Sublime. I could just look at them all day.
Le Marchand de Masques ("The Merchant of the Masks")
The masks/faces are kind of creepy right? According to good ol'web, one of the faces is supposed to be Victor Hugo and another Alexandre Dumas (I'm assuming the father, not the son).
There are plenty more statues in the garden but it was too cold to make the rounds. Next time, my friend, next time. There is still plenty left to explore.
Why can't North American apartments look so good? Please, no more ugly-looking skyscrapers or cheap looking cookie-cutter houses.
Pantheon
No, we didn't go in, unfortunately. There are just too many things to see in Paris and the Pantheon didn't make the cut this time around.
Although modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the French version has a triple-shelled dome design. Fun trivia: the middle shell follows the cubic curve y=x^3, as this allows the strongest support to the outer layer and the lantern above. Yay math to the rescue!
The Pantheon, now a mausoleum, has the following inscription: AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE ("To the great men, the grateful homeland")
Its crypts house the remains of French greats such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
Notre Dame Cathedral
There was no line at the world-famous cathedral (made even more popular by the free admission), which made waking up at the crack of dawn totally worth it.
Unfortunately, the bell tower is under renovation until 2013, so no close encounters with the famous gargoyles on this visit (drat!) For now, I'll just have to be sated by other people's photos. Seriously, Google "notre dame gargoyles." There are some spectacular images of grotesque (in this case, the word "grotesque" simply means they're purely decorative and do not function as water sprouts) gargoyles watching over Paris. Here's a good sampling.
The small disappointment aside, the cathedral itself is freakin' amazing! I mean, just look at the vaulted ceiling. And those breathtaking stained glass windows! Wow with a capital W.
Inside the cathedral, there are machines vending souvenir coins unique to Notre Dame. Very very cool! Apparently, these attraction site-specific coin vending machines can be found throughout Paris (a fact that I found out much too late). Most are from "Monnaie de Paris," the equivalent of the Canadian Mint. A great souvenir.
The Seine River
Next time, I'm going to walk, rather than take the Metro. Nothing like a nice walk along the Seine on a crisp day in Paris. What more could you ask for? (Well, maybe a chocolate croissant in hand? Or two?)
I admit, the first time I saw this map, there was some mental panic. But, as Julia Child said, "you just have to have the courage of your convictions." Of course, she was referring to flipping stuff in a pan, but I figured, it applied to taking the Paris Metro/RER too.
Anyways, there are two major systems: the metro (subways) and the RER (trains). And the ticket prices are based on zones of travel. Don't know French? Not to worry, most of the stations have ticket vending machines that have English menus. The only caveat is that they only accept coins or credit cards. I didn't have enough change so I was forced to use my abysmal-sounding French on the ticket-vending guy (sorry!), who couldn't have been nicer (and who said French people are rude to non-French-speaking people?)
Jardin du Luxembourg ("Luxembourg Gardens")
Ranked #2 on TripAdvisor, it did not disappoint. We arrived really early so the popular garden was practically empty save for our little group. And even though it was mid-September and chilly, the garden was still in bloom (what luck!)
One of the things that makes the Luxembourg Gardens so wonderful is the numerous statues spread throughout the grounds. My favourite is the series of Queens and female Saints of France lining the terrace.
Among them are famous Queens such as Anne of Austria, Marie de Medici, Mary of Scotland, and Marguerite of Navarre. Walking amidst them, you can't help but wonder the trials and tribulations these women faced in their lives. Some proud, others contemplative or humble, each has an expression and posture unique from the others. And the details of their garments. Sublime. I could just look at them all day.
Le Marchand de Masques ("The Merchant of the Masks")The masks/faces are kind of creepy right? According to good ol'web, one of the faces is supposed to be Victor Hugo and another Alexandre Dumas (I'm assuming the father, not the son).
There are plenty more statues in the garden but it was too cold to make the rounds. Next time, my friend, next time. There is still plenty left to explore.
PantheonAlthough modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the French version has a triple-shelled dome design. Fun trivia: the middle shell follows the cubic curve y=x^3, as this allows the strongest support to the outer layer and the lantern above. Yay math to the rescue!
The Pantheon, now a mausoleum, has the following inscription: AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE ("To the great men, the grateful homeland")
Its crypts house the remains of French greats such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
Notre Dame Cathedral
There was no line at the world-famous cathedral (made even more popular by the free admission), which made waking up at the crack of dawn totally worth it.
The small disappointment aside, the cathedral itself is freakin' amazing! I mean, just look at the vaulted ceiling. And those breathtaking stained glass windows! Wow with a capital W.
Inside the cathedral, there are machines vending souvenir coins unique to Notre Dame. Very very cool! Apparently, these attraction site-specific coin vending machines can be found throughout Paris (a fact that I found out much too late). Most are from "Monnaie de Paris," the equivalent of the Canadian Mint. A great souvenir.
The Seine RiverNext time, I'm going to walk, rather than take the Metro. Nothing like a nice walk along the Seine on a crisp day in Paris. What more could you ask for? (Well, maybe a chocolate croissant in hand? Or two?)
You did a great job picking the attractions to visit! I would follow you anywhere (except on a hike!!)I'd even get up early to see these places without all the crowds and in the beautiful half-light.
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