France Smells - in a great way!

Today Mom and I walked to Cité for the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market). Although not the cut-flower market Mom was hoping for, it was full of potted plants and trinkets. From there, we stopped in Sainte Chapelle, home of some of the most note-worthy stained glass around. And it was beautiful. Unfortunately, they are restoring the main part of the glass, but we were still impressed by what was available.

church is building on the left.

Next, we walked down the Seine to the Louvre - time for some museum touring!

first, a peek at the Royal Palace.

mom and me in front of one of the pyramids!

While wandering around the Louvre, we decided a guided tour would be a smart way to spend €5. A small French woman guided us around the museum, picking out the masterpieces, for about two hours. Money well spent.

Marly courtyard.

the Code of Hammurabi. dated to 12th century BC. wow, it's OLD.

the top relief depicts King Hammurabi receiving laws from the god Shamash.

ancient Egyptian statues with a man's head, horse's body, and eagle's wings.

the Exchange of the Princesses of France to Spain.

dated early 1600s, sponsored by Marie de Medici.

The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer, dated 1670.

The Ceiling at the Louvre - painted this year by American modern artist Cy Twombly.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace. 2nd century BC

and from afar.

Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun, self-portrait with daughter - 1789.

The Coronation of Napoleon. 1807 by Jacques-Louis David.

The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Véronèse in 1563.

Venus de Milo again.

Learned a new fact from our French guide - Venus's arms most likely once held gold bracelets.. When she was abandoned in Greek times, her right arm was most likely cut off to remove the bracelets, hence the two small holes above the severance. Who knew?

After this touring, we moved on to the second necessary item on the list - shopping! We had a great time smelling perfumes.. Our noses were very confused. But we were helped by a great French salesman, who gave us coffee beans to clear our sense of smell and recommended things unique to Paris or France. What a great way to find exactly how France smells!

Next, the much anticipated Sacré Cœur! We went as the sun was setting to the west. It made the city views even more picturesque. Didn't mean to rhyme, but I guess it was about time! bahahah.

so many people to be out past 8:30!

We made it back to the Marias in time for a pizza and beer; now it is off to bed. After being tired all day today, we are sleeping a little bit later tomorrow.. Then it is mass at Notre Dame, a cruise down the Seine, and a trip up the Eiffel Tower. We learned today (from our French perfume guy), that a special gardening exhibit it being held down the Champs Elysées. Obviously, they close down the road for this special event. Should be worth a trip down the grand avenue.

Also, had a comment recently that my blog themed around sleeping and eating.. Hmm. Just wanted to be clear: those are two of the most important things in my life. Hah. Thought I should set the record straight! :)