Tuesday in Paris

Tuesday in Paris

A bit of a later start this morning, with coffee at our favourite cafe( with the friendly waiter) on the way.  Our cappuccinos were served in these glasses. 

We hopped on the bus to head to the River to lock our lock onto a bridge.  After alighting from the bus,  and crossing the road on a green light, Kwong was nearly hit by a taxi that was not stopping at the red light.  The driver was  soundly abused by all the pedestrians, and at least had the grace to apologize !

Our lock has joined millions of others, placed all over Paris on bridges.

Once we had completed this task, we headed of to see Sainte-Chapelle.  TRO's Doctor recommended this visit, in fact, he insisted no visit to Paris should exclude it.

After waiting in a queue for almost an hour, and finally making the entrance, we understood completely!

Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic masterpiece, built by Louis IX in the 1200's as a shrine for his holy relics, and  is considered the most beautiful  church in Paris.  The beauty of the upper building simply takes your breath away as you climb the narrow spiral staircase.

After lunch we decided to wander along the banks of the Seine, enjoying the famous vendors, and the Paris Plages.

Paris-Plages ("Paris Beaches"; till 2006 Paris-Plage in the singular) is a plan run by the office of the mayor of Paris that creates temporary artificial beaches each summer along the river Seine in the centre of Paris, and, since 2007, along the Bassin de la Villette in the northeast of Paris. Every July and August, roadways on the banks of the Seine are blocked off and host various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees.

After boarding "our bus" which we are feeling quite comfortable with, no arriving t our stop, we discovered mother nice store "Le Bon Marche", selling the most exquisite pastries, amongst other things, so we indulged for afternoon tea.

Dinner out at our favourite place, and with the daylight saving, and it not getting dark until after 9, by the time we got home, we were ready for bed.  We are grateful we can leave the windows open all night, as it is still quite hot at night, probable around 22 degrees.