August 15, 2010

Paris Day 1

After about 11 hours of travel we landed in London. The flight was really smooth and we flew through the night. Not too bad! Once we were on the ground and through customs we hopped on a train to Paris. It was a bit of an adventure getting to Paris, but I'll spare you the details or maybe save them for later. Our first view of Paris:


Don't worry it gets better. We arrived at out lovely little Boutique Hotel Le Jardin De La Villa on a quiet street in the heart of Paris:


The rain stopped as we were leaving our hotel and we were off to see the city. First things first, we made my mom's life long dream of seeing the Eiffel tower come true:


It was magnificent! Then we decided to buy a 3 day pass aboard the double decker busses. You can hop on and off as you choose and visit any of the sites you like and stay as long as you like:


The views from the top of the busses were incredible! The majority of the city is made of stunning white limestone which shines in the sunlight and makes everything bright and beautiful. Every inch of Paris is adorned with massive sculptures, ornate buildings, and stunning water fountains.













My favorite part of the day was visiting Notre Dame. It is absolutely breath taking. It was very crowded, but that didn't take away from the peaceful atmosphere.




On the way inside:







When you enter the cathedral the first thing you notice is the humongous stain glass windows!



There are paintings on some of the walls like this:



Some of them were faded and it was very dark inside, but I managed to get this shot and it's one of my favorites.
Things seemed to be going our way all day and then we got another treat. They started daily mass just as we were finishing up exploring the inside and I managed to get a front row spot. It started with the most beautiful sounding voice I have ever heard. I would have thought it was the song of angel had I not seen the man and women standing there singing. I had chills.




As soon as we stepped outside the scent of fresh baked goods was in the air. You can find cafes and bakeries on every corner and as we walked along the side of the cathedral to grab a pastry and we saw this:





I couldn't help but snap this shot of my mom trying to get a picture of this this guy half way up to the top...


with her I phone camera! I was laughing. She wanted it for her screen saver :) Silly Mommy!


We even got to hear the bells of Notre Dame!


Then back to the Eiffel Tower:



Paris Day 1 just made number 6 on my Best Days ever list. 1-5 belong to my hubby and kids.

Tomorrow - Giverny and Versailles!

27 comments:

Eydie Watkins said...

all those statues are grand and love the last pic of the Eiffel Tower Hope day 2 was just as great

Kimberly said...

Is that an actual picture of your hotel room? It looks like a beautiful room. I love the iron work on the wood door at the cathedral and that last picture of the Eiffel tower is gorgeous!

JOy said...

I love this contest!!! I really enjoy comming and seeing all of you pic's. It looks like you are having a great time.

Jennwith4 said...

Wow what an amazing day. I love all the details on the buildings and statues!

Cindy Sews said...

Wow!!! I have never been to Paris. These pictures make me want to go now! Have a great week!!

Kerrie said...

Oh my gosh, I am such a sap!! The photos and your enthusiastic description made me cry - LOL!
LOVING this, so glad I actually got around to my blog reading in time to catch your trip, thank you SO much for sharing with us. :D

Anonymous said...

Oh how I want to go to Paris again!! Great photography! Thanks so much for sharing your great pictures. Have you been to the Louvre yet?
denise_franklin(at)sbcglobal.net

Taya said...

Amazing architecture! One day I hope to be able to see it on person for now I will enjoy your fabulous pictures.

Brandi said...

That hotel room looks really cool!! I love the decor.

Abbey said...

And the beautiful pictures keep coming! Wow, wish I was there!

Goosegirl said...

Your hotel room is so pretty! My girls would be over the moon with all that hot pink! And the mass at Notre Dame sounds wonderful. Was that line for people waiting to get in?

By the way, thank you! I won the pattern from the Sew Mama Sew blog. I am so excited because it will be my first Pink Fig pattern. My little one will love it.

The Urban Child said...

All I can say is "WOW"!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures! Looks fun!


trollsandraatyahoodotcom

Anonymous said...

You are a woman of many talents. Those are some amazing photos!

everyday inspirations said...

Oh the detail in your photos! Drool drool...I'm thinking of booking a trip right now! Thanks for sharing all these - soo soo awesome!

MERCI MON AMIE!!!

catherine s.
imaginethatdesign (at) yahoo (dot) com

clairesmom05 said...

You are on my dream vacation! I just checked flight prices...yeah...not happening anytime soon. Thanks for the great photos though!

Sarah Norman said...

The Urban Child's Post says exactly what I was thinking...WOW! I want to go too!!

Sarah said...

The structures are amazing! I want to go!!

sarah8914 at gmail dot com

Jordan and Heather Humbert said...

Wow, what great pics! Your hotel room is dreamy :)

Philopolis Designs said...

I think I need to talk my hubby into us going to Paris when he gets back from Afganistan instead of Disney....LOL That hotel room looks soooo relaxing!!! You really have a talent with photography!! Thank you for sharing!!

Diane in AZ said...

The architecture is unbelievable. Great photos!

ElizabethH said...

The architecture is just so amazing! Wow!

thomas family said...

holy cow, love the photos, i will live through your experience since i am pretty sure i won't ever get there. hope you had fun.

Jen said...

Your hotel room was darling . The Eiffel tower is her life long dream. I think you just made favorite child status then!

Jamie said...

Paris looks amazing, your pictures are beautiful and that room, wow.

Anonymous said...

Great timing for Mass! The Eiffel Tower through the day looks so cool!

cheri@readytek.net

Strictly Sewing said...

You're a really good photographer. Your pics are great!