Nothing as Pretty as Paris

Okay, so pretty might be the wrong word to describe how beautiful the city of lights is and its infinite artistic contents but I’m a big fan of alliteration. Also there is so much in Paris to see and do that I’ll summarize the best that I can, but as always I’ll come back and give you more detail because enough can never be said about Paris.

So where to start?

There are the Cathedrals and the Landmarks and the Museums and the art pieces and the food and all of the other things that I know that I’ve already forgotten that make Paris one of the world’s favorite cities. But to keep it relatively short and concise and to get to the pictures which we all know is at least half of the reason you’re reading this blog I’ll start with the museums... and also because I think my pictures of the landmarks are better so I’m saving them for the end. Not sorry about it friends.

The Louvre...

If you're expecting yet another picture of the Mona Lisa I'm afraid you'll be disappointed I didn't take one because everyone takes one and because I wanted to actually enjoy looking at the painting. So instead i'll spam you with the Nike of Samonthrace and a a picture down the hall of the old masters.

And yes the Louvre is as amazing as you think it is. But be prepared for the crowds cause I've yet to be there when it's not crowded. But it is amazing. Where else in the world are you going to find 8ish miles of art in one gallery? Then again I haven't checked every museum in the world so for all I know it's standard. Favorites? What to see? All of it. Granted I didn't make it all the way through and several galleries were closed but it's one of those places that is awe inspiring wherever you look.

And then the Orsay...

For this Museum I probably took to many pictures or was so excited I forgot to take them as this may be my favorite museum in Paris. Everything from the artwork to the building is fascinating and beautiful. I was dizzy with excitement when we were in the Impressionist Gallery and almost fainted when we found the Van Goghs. (Although that may have been because it was hot and I'd been running around all day.) The Orsay is one of those places that feeds my soul and there was no place I'd rather be.


And last but not least the Orangerie...

If the Orsay isn't my favorite then its the Orangerie. What could be more beautiful than huge Monet's filling a room and full of light. Words cannot describe how beautiful they were. And then there is all the other amazing pieces in the basement, but when I think of the Orangerie I'll be thinking of the Monet's and just how beautiful they are and always will be.

And now something sad in the middle of all the pretty stuff...

This almost made me cry, Notre Dame covered in scaffolding and surrounded with construction equipment. Very different from when I was here a few years a go. Top of my list was climbing to the top of the Cathedral and seeing the Paris skyline again. Instead what I saw made me sad. Burnt out or not it's still one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris and I'm curious as to how it will look once it's been restored.

At least Sainte Chapelle is still standing and still absolutely beautiful. All of that beautiful stain glass throwing beautiful rays of light through the air and across the floor. Its like standing in a jewel box surrounded with reflected light. If only every church had beautiful stain glass windows like Sainte Chapelle, the world would be a happier more sparkly place.

And then there was Sacre Coeur which I love almost as much as Notre Dame if not more. (sacrilegious I know... can it be sacrilegious if they're both churches?) All of the detail and symbolism and beautiful view of Paris its no wonder this place is called the Sacred Heart.

And then there were the Landmarks...

Sorry I know I said I was going to try and be short but it's Paris and there is just so much to see and talk about.

The Luxembourg Gardens are beautiful and have whatever magic parks in the . middle of cities posses that makes them a calm from the storm. And to make it even more perfect? You can rent a little sailboat and sail it across the pond. And watching about a a dozen 7 year olds do . it after school is the cutest thing I've ever seen. It makes me wish that every garden had a pond with boats on it.

And then of course there's the Eiffel Tour!!! I know it may seem cliche and touristy but that  doesnt mean that its not amazing. I'm always so in awe about how huge it is and the beautiful view from above. Its amazing how many of these things live up to the hype. Which means that I feel no shame at taking the occasionally super touristy picture. And to send it to a couple friends who took a very similar picture with me last time I climbed the tour to remind them how much I love and miss them. So many amazing memories in such a beautiful city.

 And last but not least is the Arc De Triomphe which is probably my favorite landmark. Between the design, detail, history, and the view? Why wouldn't this beautiful landmark be my favorite?

   And because Paris is Paris, so beautiful, full of art,  history,  what's not to love?