Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

November 21 2010. Next stop of our Paris, France tour - Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, or simply the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris. Certainly a must-see site for every tourist, I consider visiting the church as one of the most important things to do in Paris, France.

I was eager to hear the Filipino Mass but unfortunately it was scheduled at 3PM, the time when we would still be at the apartment for lunch. We had no choice but to settle for a much later time, 6:30 PM.

Nonetheless, this was a mass that I was looking forward to, since it is officiated by the Archbishop of Paris. The mass was broadcast live on the Radio Notre Dame and KTO-Catholic TV, a French Catholic station.




Who doesn't know that Notre Dame Cathedral Paris was the location for Victor Hugo's well-loved novel and Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"?  The group was unaware that I surreptitiously tried to find Quasimodo among the stone figures on top of Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris - to no avail. Seriously.

However, I can attest to the fact that there were a good number of Esmeraldas braving the rain apparently to hear the evening mass.



I did not realize until now that Notre Dame de Paris means Our Lady of Paris. It is a gothic, yet Catholic Cathedral. In fact, it is considered as one of the earliest and well-known gothic buildings in Paris France.




Located in in the Church Square, right in front of the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris is the Paris Point Zero. This is the marker from which distances to all locations in Paris are measured.



It is said that if you touch this brass marker and make a fervent wish, it will come true. So, what have I got to lose?

The Louvre Museum

November 21, 2010 - It was a rainy day in Paris France. Extremely cold, the skies were gray like it was on our first day. Making matters worse was the drizzle. Despite the damp weather and all, I was still looking forward to visiting the Louvre Museum.



Destination: The Louvre Museum. We took Bus Number 72 and got off at the Palais Royale Louvre Station. It was an interesting route going to the Louvre as the bus runs by the Seine river, which means I got to see again the major attractions along the river, including the Eiffel Tower.



Grand Louvre - it is one of Paris France' most popular historic monuments. The Louvre Museum is also one of the largest in the world and most visited as well. It is home to the Mona Lisa, a painting masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

Trivia about this French historical piece of architecture. Originally, the museum was a royal palace built by different Kings. However, with the building of a new palace for the French Royalty, it was transformed into a museum in the 18th century. The Louvre Museum has early names such as Musee Central des Arts and the Musee Napoleon. However, most French locals and tourists affectionately call it as The Louvre.

It is said that if you visit the museum and check every artifact, painting, stone and clay figure, sculpture and historical piece for at least 30 seconds, you will end your visit in five months. I don't intend to do that as I have just two days more to go for my Paris tour.




From afar, the glass pyramid in the middle of the palace courtyard caught our full attention, away from the classical, even Gothic(for me at least) palace buildings of Louvre.



We were greeted with a long line. Definitely, people would want to miss everything else but not the most famous occupant of the museum - The Mona Lisa. The long queue was quite painful enough; however, it was aggravated by the drizzle. Finally, we got to the entrance.

Actually, we were in line not for Louvre Museum tickets as Francois already bought them weeks ago,but just to get into the museum. Inside, expect it not to be 100 percent museum as you can find commercial establishments, souvenir shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants .

We proceeded down Denon hall as we entered the museum. Our primary target - the Mona Lisa. Luckily you would not get lost as plenty of arrows directing toward this famous painting are everywhere. The same can be said as true for the second most famous occupant - the Venus de Milo.





Just witnessing the beauty of these two paintings can be spellbinding. Apart from the Mona Lisa and Venus de Mila, I was also in awe with the gargantuan paintings, particularly the Italian(Roman) masterpieces, some of which are as large and wide as the whole gallery walls.





Admittedly, I am not a fan of art, but I truly enjoyed the short few hours that I spent The Louvre Museum. It doesn't just house world famous masterpieces, but also includes Roman and Egyptian artifacts as well. I was particularly impressed with huge Egyptian collection.







It is obvious that the Egyptian section of the Louvre has the largest collection of artifacts. They must have devoted an entire floor of the museum just for the Egyptian collection, as historical pieces occupy numerous rooms. Such collections include mummies, clay human and animal figures and forms and as well as ancient tools and implements of sorts.



If given the chance, I would definitely revisit the Louvre Museum. It is highly recommended to everyone as a family trip, as you can bring your kids to the books and children section of the museum, where their collection is simply voluminous. Indeed, the hassle of flying to Paris France and getting Louvre Museum tickets beforehand are all worthwhile as you are sure to enjoy the best museum in the world.

Moulin Rouge Show - Pigalle Paris

Francois mentioned that we were already in Pigalle Paris, sections of which are devoted to the French sex industry, making it known to locals and tourists alike as the red light district of Paris France.







We found ourselves on the Boulevard de Clichy, where we got a glimpse of sex shops (facade, at least) and encountered a few prostitutes who eagerly offered their wares.

Finally, we came to the establishment that everyone must have already seen countless times on photos and films - the Moulin Rouge. Going down the station Blanche, you will readily see the Moulin. It will immediately capture your attention, what with its flamboyantly reddish colored facade and its windmill on the roof.





Moulin Rouge Show - Enjoy Can-Can Dances
Moulin Rouge was not always the legitimate entertainment establishment that I thought it was but was originally a brothel. It already offered shows, but the early dancers exposed much of their skin to the outrage of the public. Over time, the cabaret evolved into a more decent musical entertainment venue. The modern Moulin Rouge show features many acrobatics while the usual vulgarity disappeared. Now it is widely accepted and patronized by the French high society.



Care for Moulin Rouge Tickets?

Needless to say, the Moulin Rouge cabaret is a huge tourist attraction of Paris France. It offers the best of musical entertainment like the can-can dance. I would love to watch a Moulin Rouge can-can show, but the price of the Moulin Rouge tickets, 150 euros, forbids me to do so. It's simply beyond your author's reach.

Sacred Heart Church of Paris France

After our Eiffel Tower tour, we took the Metro and headed for our lunch. I was practically pleading for Quick, a popular hamburger restaurant in France, but Francois insisted that the group must take a heavy meal, and so wanted to treat us to a Chinese restaurant that serves buffet. No use arguing with a friend who seem to want everything his way. We are in France anyway, Francois knows what's best. And more importantly, he's paying for the treat.

We did not want to waste time so to Chinese we went. And was he right. I had my fill of dimsum, crispy noodles, thick hot seafood soup, chilled fruits that I can have from the buffet table. All for 26 Euros.What a bargain for such great treats.

After after Chinese treat, off to Metro again. Next stop - the Sacred Heart Church, likewise known as the Sacre Couer Basilica. One of the more popular churches in Paris France, it is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is sitting atop Montmartre, Paris' highest point.

We got off at Anvers Metro Station. Just a few walk from the station is a block where stores are located all around. They sell a variety of souvenirs such as posters, cards, Eiffel Tower miniatures, dresses and shirts (even naughty aprons), rolls of cloth, and more. I was told that this place is where you should buy stuff because prices here are affordable, even for tourists. We had to go through the "shopping block" as we walked towards the Sacred Heart Church so I couldn't help but be tempted to buy something - I bought two shirts for 15 euros a pair.



We finally saw the beautiful Sacred Heart Church sitting on top of the hill. Such a wonderful sight. To be able to reach the church, you can either take the cable car or furniculaire or climb up the steps. Of course, we took the cable. In front of the church was a band playing current pop music to the delight of a good sized audience. An unusual scene, I thought. But I was told that during summer, women go sun bathing naked - in front of the church.



The dome of the Church is open to the public. Being there provides one an excellent view of Paris. But we opted not to, but instead stayed on the Church ground, where the views we had of the city was nonetheless impressive. Enjoying breathtaking sights of Paris while listening to great popular American music rendered by a French band, what more can you ask?

Like in many other popular landmarks in Paris France, Sacred Heart Basilica is surrounded by small cafes and bistros.





However, one part of the Church vicinity that attracts me is the artist's area where many painters and illustrators and their works of art can be seen and admired.



Some will offer for them to draw your likeness, for a fee of course. Indeed, their works are so impressive; unfortunately they charge quite exorbitantly (one charges 100 euros, too high for my budget). Next time perhaps?

Eiffel Tower - Enjoying its Magnificence

November 20, 2010 was our first official tour date in Paris France. We would be having our first real taste of the City, according to Francois, our unofficial tour guide. I was raring to go, woked up at 5am but thought it was too early as it was still dark outside. Went back to sleep. I guess I overslept as I woke up at 7am. I was surprised to find out as I checked out from the window that everything was still dark. Francois was quick to explain that sun does not shine until after 8am.



A great Paris France city tour is not without a hearty breakfast. Good thing our host was just too willing to prepare for us fresh croissant, petit pain au chocolate (which is actually soft bread with chocolate filling) , pain au raisin ( bread with raisins) , some butter, jam and fruit yoghurt (I notice the yoghurt brand was Yoplait, same as what we buy in Tel Aviv) We enjoyed some nice hot coffee afterwards.

Eiffel Tower Tour



9 am, The sun was up, out and hot so instead of going first to the Phil Embassy as planned, we went straight to the bus station that would take us to the Eiffel tower site. We got off in front of the Trocadero and walked towards the Eiffel tower.



Surrounding and complimenting the tower are expanse of green grass, trees in autumn colors, buildings (including the Trocadero) with wonderful facade. Indeed, it becomes all the more imposing as you go near it. I asked about hotels near Eiffel Tower. Francois quickly suggests Hotel Pullman, Hotel Mercure and Derby Alma Hotel, few of the most popular hotels Eiffel Tower.

Finally I found myself beneath this great wonder of an iron structure - and it was simply unbelievable. Pictures. I have got to take pictures to prove to friends and family I was here.



While in line to buy our tickets, a street vendor caught our attention. In tow were Eiffel tower souvenirs of different forms, colors (lights!) and sizes. He must have noticed our interest in his goods so he displayed some tenacity in trying to sell to us. I asked the price of a glass miniature Eiffel tower with changing colors - 10 euros! I was about to hand to him the amount when Francois cautioned me that it was too expensive . But just as when we were almost at the caisse (cashier), the vendor must have realized that we have no time to haggle with him so he offered it with a much lesser price, down to 5 euros. Immediately, we took two.



We queued for quite some time and finally got our tickets in 20 minutes. I was told that we had a convenient time considering that during the summer season, it will probably take one hour to the whole morning at the most just to get tickets to tour the Eiffel Tower. I notice security is tight - there is one checking the line and another within the entrance of the tower. There are two ways to climb the Eiffel tower, via the elevator and by foot! Of course, you can correctly guess what we chose.



We climbed up to the second level and realized immediately the purpose of the tower - to see Paris in its entirety. Magnificent. One can marvel at all the amazing sights of the city. I saw the Sacred Heart church, the Arc de Triomphe, La Defense, Concorde and many more. Paris is simply magical when seen from the Eiffel Tower.



I could have stayed all day at the tower but we only had the morning to spend on the site and needed to proceed to our next city destination.



Reluctantly I followed them towards the descending elevator. Wait, did I have pictures? I got to have enough. Made sure I had for myself some video clips too. This visit of the tower might not happen again. But then I am praying otherwise.

Bateaux Mouches - Seine River Cruises

Bateaux Mouches, which literally means fly boats, is the French term for the most popular boat cruise line along the historic Seine River.From the apartment we had to rush to the Seine as it was almost 10 PM. The night was so cold it felt like the temperature was below 10 degrees celsius. My hands were freezing I hated myself for not remembering to bring my gloves. Nonetheless we still decided to stay at the upper deck to enjoy a better view of the sites. I myself was concerned about how to take advantage of the Seine River Cruises and see the Eiffel Tower the best way possible.



The Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruises start at the Trocadero and Alma Bridge. The Eiffel Tower, located at Champ de Mars, is clearly visible from our location, albeit a thick fog obscured the top part of the iron structure. At around 10:00 pm the yellow orange lights that decorate the Eiffel tower sparkled, all the more capturing everyone's attention.



The light spectacle occurs hourly at the start of the evening until 1 am. Frankly, just seeing the Eiffel tower was such an awesome experience; I was truly mesmerized - like I am in a dreamland. I have seen the tower countless number of times on photos, TV and films but there's nothing like seeing it in person and witnessing it in all its grandeur.

After we passed by the tower, we continued with the cruise on the Seine River. We stood pat in staying at the upper deck despite the freezing cold. But it was all worth it. The beauty of every historic and grand monument and edifice and every bridge that make Paris made me go though the freezing night. I simply do not want to miss anything, not a single landmark.



Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Concorde, Grand Palais, Hotel de Ville. The list that only speaks of splendid history and magnificense goes on and on. Apart from the buildings, we also marvelled at the bridges that spanned the river, numbering more than 30.



Each boasts of its own design and unique story to tell. Incidentally, our boat has an audio system that provides announcements and commentaries on every historic site that it passes by - in English, French and Chinese (or is it Japanese?).



What a city, I can only say. I was hoping it was not an anti-climax of sort as I am sure that in the next four days I would be witnessing other facets of greatness that is Paris France. But definitely the Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine River is one of the highlights of my trip. It is one stunning experience that I will never forget.

My First Night in Paris France

November 19, 2010 It was 2 PM when our El Al plane landed at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. The weather in Paris was cold and cloudy, further dampening my already messed-up spirits. Francois, a dear friend and three-time visitor of Tel Aviv, was there to welcome us. In an instant, he engaged me about all the possible wonderful things to do in Paris, France. However, fresh from a restless flight; knowing what to expect from our Parisian visit was the last thing on my mind.



I realized that getting inside Paris was much easier than going out of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. At CDG, there were no questions coming from the officer at the booth; except his query on when our connection flight date would be. It was definitely a breeze, and for this I had a sigh of relief.



Francois Versele somewhat superfluously offered information on Charles de Gaulle, its gargantuan size, and unique sun rays shape. Even the airport workers' frequent strikes! However, I just couldn't seem to care less because my mind is still focused on Tel Aviv - I was missing Jaffa dearly.



We proceeded to take some snack at the CDG Airport's Mcdonald's Restaurant. I went with Francois at the counter and checked at the prices. Six euros for a Big Mac meal. Hmmm...around 30 shekels, so more or less the same price as in Israel.

After the snack, we rode the regional train to Paris. Francois urged me to look beyond the panoramic window for my first views of the French landscape. Chalets, clusters of buildings, a stadium, and farms. I begun to wonder where Eiffel tower is.



Patience, I was told as the imposing landmark is found at the city proper. Picturesque views and all, the train ride was unfortunately giving me discomfort because my left leg had been aching since my flight.

From the train station, we went straight to Francois' house located at the 16th district. It is one of the premier areas in Paris - I was told. His was a small apartment, yet the cost of having and maintaining it is expensive enough to afford two large ones outside the metro.

Woe is me. I am still wailing about how I miss Tel Aviv.



While waiting for our first Paris night out at 9 PM, we went to check on the vicinity. We passed by Rue de Passy, a popular shopping area, where we ate jambon fromage ham and cheese sandwich 4 euros in a boulangerie. We chanced upon the Philippine Embassy located just a few blocks from the apartment.

Somehow, despite this sickening (no other way to describe it) homesickness - home being Israel, I was actually looking forward to the things to do in Paris, France. I'd really like to make the most of my six-day stay here.