Paris: Days Six à Neuf

The sixth day of our Paris adventure dawned chilly and rainy. After our marathon previous day, we took it a little easy on Tuesday. We decided to journey to Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. A few metro and RER rides later, we were standing in front of the sprawling palace made famous in the 1600s by Louis XIV.

We toured the interior of the palace first, with Nola reading facts from Rick Steve’s guidebook as we went along. We would move into a new room and find a little corner to huddle in and listen to the background. Then we’d move on to the next and repeat the process. It was a great way to go through without having to pay for the audioguide.

 

After finishing up inside we walked around to the gardens behind the house. We almost skipped them but decided it was worth the small entry fee to have lunch at a restaurant on the grounds. Even though it was cold and windy, I’m glad we went in: the gardens were lovely and lunch at La Petite Venise was fabulous.

There is one large, multi-level promenade extending from the palace, ending at the Grand Canal. Additionally, on either side of the main stretch are labyrinths of hedge-lined paths containing more than a dozen little groves or bosquets (French formal gardens) with statues, fountains, flowers, and benches. While waiting for all of the fountains to be turned on (which only happens at certain times), we explored a few of these hidden treasures.

 

Then the fountains came alive and the whole place felt even more magical.

  

Versailles was also where we took our first “horse” picture. After spotting a far-off statue of a man and a horse, Lizzie decided it would be a great idea to pretend we were horses. I am not sure why she thought this; all I know is we did not question her.

We got back to the apartment in the late afternoon and decided to stay in for the rest of the day and night. We all got into our pjs, threw together a hodgepodge dinner, played a fun little game UJ had concocted for us, and watched a slideshow of the pictures taken thus far. It was such a nice, relaxing evening. I think we all welcomed the break from going-going-going.

Refreshed and revitalized, the next morning we hopped on the metro to go to Pere Lachaise, the largest and most famous Paris cemetery. Residents include Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Frederic Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. This time it was my turn to narrate while we walked around.

I remembered going to Pere Lachaise on my first trip to Paris, but not with fondness. I’m fairly certain I was bored out of my mind.

 

This time around was different, though. The cemetery grounds were actually quite peaceful and quiet, not to mention beautiful in their own way. I was glad for the opportunity to return and even happier that my opinion changed.

Leaving Pere Lachaise, we hopped back on the metro and headed up to Montmarte. Lots of hills, lots of little windy streets, and wonderful views of the city spread out beneath our feet. We had lunch at a little cafe (Le Consulat), wandered around the Place du Tertes, and then finally got up close and personal with the church we had previously been seeing only from a distance: Sacre Coeur. So different from Lizzie’s beloved Notre Dame but gorgeous just the same.

After a quiet dinner of galettes (savory crepes) at Cafe Breizh in our neighborhood, we finally called it a day and prepared for our last twelve hours of daylight in Paris.

We didn’t have anything on the agenda for Thursday aside from shopping. Our first stop, with a few detours on the way, was Longchamp. After that, we parted ways, four going in one direction and three going in another. Lizzie and the three McF girls spent the day searching for clothes and shoes to bring home, while Nola, QP, and I headed to the Latin Quarter to browse.

 

We had lunch at a great Greek restaurant called Olympus, where QP and I fortunately discovered Mythos beer. Tasty.

 

After the Latin Quarter we walked down the Boulevard Saint-Germain, where we found that awesome chocolate shop. Then it was back to the Ile St. Louis for the cheese and my fabulous bracelet before meeting up with the others at the apartment to go to dinner.

Since it was our last night in Paris, Nathalie had arranged to spend the evening with us. We met her at Harry’s New York Bar, the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, for a pre-dinner drink. Then it was on to Louise (with a slight detour back through the Palais Royal) for our last dinner in Paris.

Ita’s selection at Louise the first time was a big hit with everyone, so many of us ordered the ravioles du royan (baby ravioli with tomatoes and basil). The pasta did not disappoint. I believe Lizzie still dreams about it.

I could not imagine a more wonderful way to celebrate the culmination of our eight days in Paris. The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm, and having Nathalie with us was truly special.

In fact, we were all in such a good mood that we decided to reenact our horse picture on the way home {even though it was almost 11pm and we had to be packed and ready to leave at 8am}.

Then we flashed a little Charlie’s Angels action on the next corner…..

…..until the green man said we were free to continue on.

Before we knew it, we were at the airport waiting for our flight home. And although we appeared sad…..

…..inside we knew that we will remember this trip for the rest of our lives. And that made us happy.

Despite the fact that we would spend the next 18 hours either on airplanes or in airports.

We arrived home safely with strengthened friendships, a few keepsakes, lots of laundry, and a plethora of great memories. Merci beaucoup to my six wonderful traveling companions. I love you all!

And that, my friends, is the end. As they say in France, c’est tout. Au revoir et a bientot!

Riley will be back tomorrow. :)