No matter how many times I see her, I always experience a feeling of awe.
Such a beautiful and magnificent structure.
Isn't she lovely?
View from Trocadero.
Peeking out juuuust enough.
Just when you think you have as many different "Eiffel Tower Pictures" as you can, you find another gem. Big thanks to the random bicyclists for starring in this one for me.
La Tour Eiffel
Love it when it sparkles!
If you know my husband at all, you know he loves his yard. He loves mowing. He loves weeding, seeding, watering, and any other thing that you may do to a yard. (As you can assume, I think all of those tasks are awful, know little to nothing about them, and am thankful that he enjoys doing them.) You see, we make a good team: He makes our yard all beautiful and dandelion free, and I bring out a few cold ones and a book and sit and enjoy the wonderfulness, that is our yard. Seems about right, doesn't it? =)
Either way, the bottom line is we both enjoyed having a nice fenced in back yard at our home in St. Louis. That was one thing we were extremely sad about leaving behind when we moved to Paris. Who doesn't love grilling out, playing washers, relaxing in the hammock, and playing fetch with your dog?
While Eric's "yard work" fix hasn't been sufficed, we did however find comfort in a nearby park: Parc Monceau. It isn't literally right out of our back door, but it is only a short walk away. It has come to be "our yard" when we feel the urge to go for a run, have a picnic, read a book outdoors, take comfort in the shade of a big old tree, or FEEL GRASS! (that's a rarity here folks!)
It is by far the location where we spend our most "outdoor time" besides just walking the streets. It is very versatile, where you can either people watch and be part of the bustle or find a little intimate nook for some peace and quiet. I do know we will always think back to Parc Monceau long after we leave Paris, and think of it fondly. It is a beautiful place filled with lots of character and lovely landscaping. When our time here is done though, I (and the hubs alike) will be ready to trade back in the lovely park for our cozy back yard.
As you can tell, this park is like candy for the eyes. So many pretty things to look at!
Paris is known for many things....
...the city of lights
.....the city of love
.....the city of fashion
It's also a city with a LOT of churches! I find Paris to be perfectly packed full of beautiful, old, unique cathedrals and churches. I have found that one of my favorite things to do while walking around town, is to just pop inside the different ones I see and just have a little visit. Most all the churches are open daily and free to the public. To some people, this may seem incredibly boring and to some, they may all look the same (i.e. Once you've seen one, they all look the same..) I promise though, if you really take the time to soak in all the details and the ambiance, you will find that each church has a certain character not like any other. Not to mention, if you are a fan of historic sites, these are perfect!
Here are just a couple that I really like:
Saint Augustin
This church is located right down the corner from our apartment, and it has become an extremely enjoyable part of my days....walking past, admiring the deep blue dome and touch of red. Maybe I'm partial to it because it is my neighbor...and also, it has continued to be a lifesaver for me. If I am every exploring the streets of my neighborhood and get lost, I can almost always count on spotting the dome of Saint Augustin and BAM, I can find my way back. =)
While this one might be less "unknown" than some of the others in Paris, I find it absolutely breathe taking. It's not in tip top condition on the inside either, but considering it was built in the 1860's, you can gain some major respect for it.
Saint Sulpice
Compared to most of the other churches in Paris, the style and theme of this building is much more castle-like and much less Gothic, in feel. I found Saint Sulpice to be very interesting and beautiful because of it's uniqueness and serenity. The surrounding area was much less busy & much less touristy(than say, the lovely Notre Dame Cathedral) and very quiet and relaxing. In front of the church stands a large fountain/monument which adds to the atmosphere.
[Click the images to enlarge]
Sacre Coeur
This one is a unique beauty and also located on the highest point in Paris; Butte Montmartre. This obviously adds to it's charm. Making your way up the hill towards the church only builds your excitement and anticipation to finally get to the top! It's a hike, but it is well worth it. The view of the city from the top is quite the view! This one is a very popular spot to visit.
[Have a little click-sy on these below to enlarge]