It’s day two of our adventure in Paris for my ten-year-old grandson and me! I decided to make it an easy day to give us a chance to recover from our jet lag, so after breakfast we head out for a little sightseeing by métro…the subway! Today we are visiting two of my favorites…(but then they are all my favorites!)…the Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre! First stop…the Arc de Triomphe…commissioned by Napoleon to honor his troops as they returned from war. It is located in the center of twelve converging avenues, so you must pass through an underground tunnel to access it.
Once up close, you cannot help but be amazed! Every inch of it is covered with the history of France! Here, you see lists of the French victories since the Revolution that have been carved into the walls.
It is also here that you will find the tomb of the Unknown Soldier of France from World War I, which is decorated with fresh flowers each day. You can also go up into the Arc…
…where you will find a small museum, featuring likenesses of some of the carvings from the exterior, such as this one of a very scary Lady Liberty who is leading the soldiers in Rude’s famous relief La Marseillaise. Yikes!
But on top, you will find a wonderful view of Paris…including the Eiffel Tower! What a way to start the day!
Next, we head north where, after winding up a narrow street, we are greeted by the iconic silhouette of the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur! We are in Montmartre…the bohemian part of Paris…where the artists hang out!
We stop for a picnic on a stone bench at the foot of the basilica…
…and feed our leftovers to the birds. My grandson loved that!
On the steps, a couple was having their wedding portrait done with all of Paris as the backdrop…gorgeous! Here I must say that the inside of the basilica is beautiful…filled with wonderful mosaics…but the real show is on the outside! That’s Montmartre for you!
We go around the corner to Place du Tertre to see the artists at work and admire their paintings and sketches. These were my grandson’s favorites!
And as we are heading out, I hear the strains of La vie en rose! A very talented chanteuse is doing her rendition of all of Edith Piaf’s most famous songs on the steps of Sacré-Coeur! My grandson and I sit and listen for a while…through Milord and Non, je regrette rien…perfect sound track for a visit to Montmartre!
Ahhh! I hope he will always remember this…seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of Paris! I know I will never forget this wonderful day and, best of all, getting to share it with my favorite traveling buddy!Missed any Paris posts?
Back from Paris…or...My Grandson’s Favorites! Listing the must-see spots for a ten year old boy!
My Favorite Street in Paris…Rue Cler Great little street to use as your headquarters
In case you want to follow along, here is my plan for visiting Paris in seven days! I am linking each of the seven days as I complete the posts.
Day One…All about Eiffel! Eiffel Tower/ Champ de Mars park and play area
Day Two…Sightseeing by Subway! Arc de Triomphe/ Montmarte/ Sacré-Coeur
Day Three…Monsieur Monet, I Presume (and a lot of Louis)! Giverny/ Versailles minibus tour
Day Four…The Cradle of Paris! La Sainte Chapelle/ la Conciergerie/ Notre Dame/ Latin Quarter/ the book stalls/ ice cream on Ile St. Louis/ the bâteau mouche on the Seine
Day Five…Art Museum Madness…Plus Play in the Park! Louvre/ Tuileries Garden/ l’Orangerie/ Musée d’Orsay
Day Six…A Phantom, a Fountain and Some History! Opéra Garnier/ Pompidou Center/ Carnavalet Museum
Day Seven…A Tomb, a Tank and a Tower! Napoleon’s Tomb and the Musée de l’Armée at les Invalides/ Eiffel Tower at night
Thanks so much for stopping by! See you next time! A la prochaine!
Debbie, I've been eager to see more of your trip. This is such a fun post. I'm savoring each photo as if I'm right there along side of you and A. ~ Sarah
ReplyDeleteAnother fun leg of my virtual trip to Paris thanks to YOU! Its just beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Haven
Oh I am following you all the way through Paris Debbie. It brings back so many memories.We should go there again, it is only a few hours by fast train these days. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo lucky you and the grandson! Of course he will remember, how could he not.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your trip. If I ever plan a trip to Paris, I'll certainly have to refer back to this series.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Love it, Debbie! Your little traveling partner is obviously enjoying it, too! Linda
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful trip and I am so enjoying it right along with you! Lucky you to share it with your grandson.
ReplyDeleteI think I stayed in the same part of Paris when I was there.
Oh Debbie, these posts are so much fun. It's like I get to tag along on the trip. Love it. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletethis is great! when anyone goes to Paris they should definitely allow 7 days. i saw it in 2 and it was waaaay too short. enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteBonjour Debbie, what a lucky Grandson! You planned out each day spectacularly well to have various things of interest for each of you! The chanteuse at Sacre Coeur ! You couldn't have planned that!!!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I visited the Notre Dame there was a hearse outside with a beautiful bouquet on the back doors, but when we went inside, there was a wedding going on, so we were back to smiling, again!
Oh - and you have gorgeous photos that I've been enjoying. Thank you.
Mary in Oregon
I am enjoying my tour with you and your Grandson! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this post I can't imagine ever getting to tour Paris so this takes me there
ReplyDeleteyour sweet grandson is very lucky to get there at this age
janice
what a wonderful trip! I've finally had time to go back and see your Paris posts -- Lovely! Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, It sounds like you had a great traveling partner! I am so glad you both had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeletexo,
Sherry
I'm enjoying your Paris tour! It's been a long time since I was last there and now you have me longing to go back. What a great time you must have had with your grandson.
ReplyDeleteDeb how did I miss this one!!! I am loving seeing Paris through your eyes. This is fantastic!!! Kathysue
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful photos. Both of you did an excellent job capturing the essence of what you were seeing. Those water lilies are so gorgeous! I want to go back with your blog in my hand as a guidebook.
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