Ah, Paris, the city of love. Where better to visit for our most recent excursion? I will point out that this was a “not-valentines-not-anniversary” trip (that romantic cheesiness just ain’t our scene, though we do love cheese). Paris has never been a city Parker and I have been drawn to. We had a change of heart when our niece, Genevieve, was born in August. St. Genevieve is the patroness of Paris and as her Godmother (and living a short 4 hour train ride or 1 hour flight away) I felt called to visit her tomb. Of course, we did many other things during our visit and were astonished by how massive and beautiful Paris really is. We walked until our feet were bruised and then we walked some more. We ate until we were full, and then we ate some more. We drank until… well you get the idea. It was a lovely trip and we look forward to returning some day to spend time in the many museums.
The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.
We joined a free walking tour for our first morning in Paris. Our guide provided a wonderful (and theatrical) overview of Parisian history and culture.
The Lourve
Jardin des TuileriesParker’s thoughts on modern art…
An afternoon in the Montmartre district which is located up on a hill overlooking the city. This is the “artistic” district with a rich history of actors, artists, and writers living and working here. Not surprisingly, it was my favourite part of Paris.
Bell tower of Sacre-Coeur [Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus] View from the steps of the Sacre-Coeur
Parisian life = lots of cafe sitting
Ah, le Fromage!
Montmartre
Facetiming the Weber family for Billy’s birthday celebration from a cafe
We found the chachka motherload … why???
Dorky fan girl moment… it just had to happen.
Mexican food in Switzerland? Yeah, that doesn’t really happen… So when we stumbled across a Chipotle it just felt so wrong but so right.
Pont Neuf – the oldest standing stone bridge across the River Seine
A morning at Versailles
Another wonderfully passionate tour guide who led us through the gardens of Versailles
Looking up to the Hall of Mirrors on the first floor
The Ballroom Grove
The gardens were INSANE. We loved learning the Greek/Roman mythology that influenced the design and art throughout as well as how the gardens were originally used. If you are interested, might I suggest this YouTube clip? At appx. 5:30 you can see King Louis XIV dancing and hosting guests in The Ballroom Grove. It’s amazing to see history come to life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMvpvDjFvHA
Notre Dame Cathedral
Parker somewhat allowed me (ha) to sing the songs from the Disney movie. It was truly incredible – the absolute SCALE and height of the interior was really something.
We visited in the late afternoon and it was amazing to see the stained glass light up by the setting sun.
Rear view of Notre Dame
Chapel of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
The Pantheon
Saint Etienne du Mont – the church where St. Genevieve is buried.
The Tomb of St. Genevieve
St. Genevieve, pray for us.Centre Georges Pompidou
Eating a crepe while taking in this crazy architecture
River Seine nighttime cruise – Bonne nuit! Au Revoir!
Norte Dame and the great stain glass window brings back memories from my youth trip. When the sun snuck through a missing chip in the stain glass it caused a shimmering white circle on the cathedral floor. It would slowly move across the floor as the earth turned. Funny what you see and remember.
The Roaming Roths 
Great pictures, know u r enjoying Europe. Showed to Nana!
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Norte Dame and the great stain glass window brings back memories from my youth trip. When the sun snuck through a missing chip in the stain glass it caused a shimmering white circle on the cathedral floor. It would slowly move across the floor as the earth turned. Funny what you see and remember.
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