Paris ... Paris ... Part 2

Mon 10 Apr

Pored over maps and guides last to choose today's journey. So got off the Metro at Musée d'Orsay to discover the museum doesn't open on Monday, nor do some of the others on my list! So - plan B.

Crossed the river at Pont Royal and walked along the right bank past the bouquinists to the Pont Neuf and crossed to the Ils de la Cité. Had a quick look at the Square du Vert Galant at the downstream tip of the island - not as impressed as the guide books said we should be. Then walked and waited in line to enter the Consiergerie.

The Consiergerie seen from the Seine

 This was the royal palace of Phillip IV (the Fair) and Louis IX (the Saint). Later used as law courts and a prison during the reign of terror during the revolution. It's now the Palais de Justice. The current renovations and displays are very informative and they led us to the neighbouring Saints Chapelle.

 Inside Sainte Chapelle lower level (left), upper level (right)

Sainte Chapelle exterior

This chapel is on two levels with a captivating lower level with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The upper level - simply breathtaking. Huge, recently renovated windows dominate the four sides. The effect is "Oh, wow!" As expressed by each person as they step out onto this level - usually reserved for the king, of course. The details of the renovations are just as breathtaking in the fastidious way they have been undertaken.

We then headed towards the Pompidou Centre but sat and ate our lunch before heading inside. Stephanie was pleased to learn that an exhibition of works by Cy Twombly was on display so that was first - straight to the top of the gallery. Afterwards we worked our way down viewing the exhibitions on two other levels.

Thought we deserved a treat after this so headed down to Ile St Louis and found Berthillon's famous ice creams and sorbets. Yum, but expensive. Took the Metro back to Pont d'Alma  - a short walk to the apartment. Dinner tonight was at Les Vieille Vignes the little brasserie where we ate a few times during our last visit to Paris. The owner and his wife are still there and served us delicious duck confit with fried potatoes, and a couple of glasses of Côte du Rhône.

On the pavement outside Les Vieille Vignes

Confit de canard - mmm

Sore feet today and over 11 kms.

Saw this on the side of a Post Office van. It reads:
"Smile, perhaps there is a love letter for you in this van."