Adventure #1: Sainte Chapelle
This was high on our list of things to do for Friday, but as you already know it was closed. James was really disappointed. He had never been to this church (I obviously hadn't either) and he was really looking forward to seeing the floor to ceiling stained glass. Saturday we decided to try one last night, and lucky for us it was open! This gorgeous place of worship did not disappoint. We marveled at the gorgeous stained glass that was created so long ago. I know you can't see it in the pictures, but each different section of glass tells a story about the life of the Savior. It was beautiful.
It was floor to ceiling stained glass throughout the whole room!
Talmage loved looking at all the colors. What a well-cultured little boy!Adventure #2: Paris University
The University of Paris does not allow visitors to enter their premises. Guards at every entrance check ID's and even students can't enter if they don't have their badge. Well, James REALLY wanted to go look around--so he pulled out his Cambridge student card and approached the guards. They must have been impressed by Jim (or by the fact that he attends Cambridge) because the next thing I knew he was walking into the big doors of the University. Talmage and I stayed outside and ate yogurt together. He came out after a few minutes and reported that it was pretty boring inside--just hallways and classrooms. I guess we're spoiled by Cambridge's beautiful courtyards and greenery!
Adventure #3: Montparnasse Cemetary
Another Phantom of the Opera must see! This cemetary was designed by Napolean and is an architectural masterpiece. You don't see headstones over these graves, you see whole houses and buildings. It was fascinating. (I hope you don't think it's weird that we chose to hang out at a cemetary on our last day in Paris!)
Adventure #4: Musee de Orsay
Again, this museum was closed on Friday--boo! Saturday we tried our luck and were victorious! The building used to be a train station so the ceilings are high and there is a huge, gorgeous clock on the wall. It's very open and spacious and had a very inviting feel.
Side comment on Paris National Museums/Monuments--In April, a new law was signed by President Nicolas Sarkozy that allows all residents of the EU who are under 26 to enter national museums and monuments for free. That's right--FREE! So all these things we went to: Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre, Musee de Orsay, Versaille...all FREE for us. Isn't that beyond sweet. It makes visiting France on a budget much, much easier!
Back to the Musee de Orsay...awesome!
Underneath my feet was a scale model of Paris around the Opera House.
What a sweet boy!
Look at that happy family in a super cool Paris museum.
Which face looks the meanest?
Hey Dad, look! The painting I gave you for Christmas is up in this museum. Impressive!
Mom...your Monet painting was also in the museum. Cool, huh?
Adventure #5: Au revoir Paris
This trip was so much fun! It was sad to say goodbye to that beautiful City of Lights, but we will forever cherish the amazing memories we have of dazzling Paris.
Our last family photo in Paris!
Wow, What an adventure! Thank you for being such a diligent blogger and sharing all this ~
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