Just remember this perspective phrase as you take it all in:

Americans think 100-years is a long time
Europeans think 100-miles is a long ways

In my college French class, the teacher advised us the most beautiful thing to see in Paris was St.-Chapelle. It has the most beautiful stained-glass windows anywhere. Having seen St.-Chapelle, Notre Dame, and Versailles (not for the stained glass, of course), I agree with my French teacher.

Versailles is an easy side trip from Paris- it's roughly 45-60 min from Paris on one of several rail options. We usually just use the RER C to get there. (It's easier for us to get to the RER C station). The rail stations are about a 10 minute walk to the Palace of Versailles once you get off the train.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
In my college French class, the teacher advised us the most beautiful thing to see in Paris was St.-Chapelle. It has the most beautiful stained-glass windows anywhere. Having seen St.-Chapelle, Notre Dame, and Versailles (not for the stained glass, of course), I agree with my French teacher.

I agree that St. Chapelle is is beautiful church. Unfortunately, on my several visits there I've not gotten any good photos of the windows. I think the nicest collection of windows I've found is in St. Severin (a short walk from Notre Dame). I posted a link in my earlier memo.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
the most beautiful thing to see in Paris was St.-Chapelle. It has the most beautiful stained-glass windows anywhere.

Yup, while Notre Dame is an architectural marvel, a very impressive structure considering the time of its build, the stained glass windows and sanctuary at St.Chapelle is pretty special.

Something that I learned to enjoy, and now miss, is the smells in the air around the markets. Specifically from the cheeses which are made unpasteurized and impart a very distinct odor in the air.

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Originally posted by corsair:

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
the most beautiful thing to see in Paris was St.-Chapelle. It has the most beautiful stained-glass windows anywhere.

Yup, while Notre Dame is an architectural marvel, a very impressive structure considering the time of its build, the stained glass windows and sanctuary at St.Chapelle is pretty special.

You guys said it. Yup.

French Cathedrals are frequently visited by the resident immigrant population, too.

Be aware of the fire escape routes & exits.

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Originally posted by old dino:
Something that I learned to enjoy, and now miss, is the smells in the air around the markets. Specifically from the cheeses which are made unpasteurized and impart a very distinct odor in the air.

Paris is known for many things and many foods, but a properly roasted chicken, is Paris' signature food. A simple roast chicken with potatoes and herbs, nothing finer then simplicity executed at the highest levels.

ProcOpe is said to be the oldest restaurant in Paris, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Victor Hugo all frequented it. The food is very good as well.

The only other thing in Paris I can add would be to take in a show, sure there would be singing in French, dancing and partial nudity, but not even my 80 year old mother was offended.

Oh, if you are into Monet’s art, or fantastic gardens, go to Giverny and tour Monet’s house and garden.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

quote:

Originally posted by old dino:
Something that I learned to enjoy, and now miss, is the smells in the air around the markets. Specifically from the cheeses which are made unpasteurized and impart a very distinct odor in the air.

Paris is known for many things and many foods, but a properly roasted chicken, is Paris' signature food. A simple roast chicken with potatoes and herbs, nothing finer then simplicity executed at the highest levels.

My daughter's favorite smell in the world is walking by the boucherie and smelling the poulet roti cooking.

They nailed my top-3, to include the restaurant, that chicken and potatoes is too good

Just sitting outside in a steetside cafe, having a croissant and coffee, with no particular place to be, is fantastic.

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Originally posted by 46and2:
Just sitting outside in a steetside cafe, having a croissant and coffee, with no particular place to be, is fantastic.

I couldn't agree more. But it can be harder than it sounds. Most times I wanted to do that, there were no tables available outside. When one of those places is on a busy street with lot of great people watching, everyone tends to sit facing the street and the place is packed.

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Originally posted by RichardC:
French Cathedrals are frequently visited by the resident immigrant population, too.

Be aware of the fire escape routes & exits.

Also keep your valuables safe when riding the Metro! If a big group of young folks boards and crowds around, be especially careful! (My wallet was taken when about 20 youths crowded around me at one station and departed at the next.)

flashguy