Notre Dame, Bastille, Eiffel Redux

Bonne Soir,

Today we ventured off, by train, to see Notre Dame and the Bastille.  We arrived fairly early at Notre Dame (9.00 am is early here) so we were not subjected to lining up to enter.  I have to say it was one of the most breathtaking buildings I have ever seen.  Besides the sheer size, the decorations on the outside were so intricate.  Not sure the photos can do it justice.  Inside was just as impressive with massive high ceilings and gorgeous stain glass windows.  The only downside I had with it was that there were vending machines inside selling medallions and at the exit, inside the Cathedral, was a store selling souvenirs.  When we left about half an hour later, the line up to get in was ridiculous, must have been at least 500 people waiting.

We then walked to the Bastille monument and found the markets were on nearby.  Stallholders were selling everything from hats and clothes to fresh fish and meat.  We met an Aussie couple who had been literally following the Tour De France around in a motor home and they too were here for the last stage on Sunday.  It was nice to speak conversational english with another human besides Sean. 

We thought we would give the Eiffel Tower another look so we headed back on the train.  This time we approached it from Trocadero which is the water feature end (the one on all the postcards).  It wasn't much better.  The closer you got to the Tower, the worse it looked, more litter, temporary fencing, construction work and lots of hawkers.  I think to truly appreciate the Tower, you have to see it from far away otherwise the whole romance thing dies the closer you get.

The day was much cooler (28 degrees).  Hopefully it will stay that way for the rest of the time we are here.  Much more pleasant for sightseeing.

Tomorrow we are off to visit the Palace of Versailles and then do some retail therapy in the afternoon.

Until tomorrow, adieu.

Lorraine and Sean

Daily Links
2016-07-21 Notre Dame, Bastille, Eiffel Redux
2016-07-20 Louvre Walking Tour
2016-07-19 Au Revoir Geneve, Arrivee Paris
2016-07-18 Geneve
2016-07-17 Train Rome to Geneva
2016-07-16 Shopping Day Redux
2016-07-15 Shopping Day
2016-07-14 Vatican Day
2016-07-13 Vespa Day
2016-07-12.2 Walking Tour
2016-07-12.1 AM Morning Ramble and Lunch
2016-07-11.1 - Ramblings
2016-07-10 BNE-DXB-ITA

Others
2016-07 Euro Holiday (entire collection, includes Lorraine's iPhone photos I have previously missed)
Google Compositions