France Day 11

We were so lucky to be in Paris on Easter Sunday. We started the day with Mass at Notre Dame. As we walked up to the building the bells started ringing. This was the first time we heard church bells in Paris because bells don't ring the week before Easter. When we walked in all of the candelabras were lit and the choir was singing. It was such a warm feeling of fellow Christians coming together and every stereotype about the cold rude french people was erased when we shook hands (a special part of mass) and had a feeling of brotherhood. It was interesting to find out Notre Dame was the 1st cathedral in France to have a gothic look and inspired all the other gothic cathedrals. We found the menacing gargoyles and a charming cafe where we had crepes and hot chocolate and listened to the bells of Notre Dame.

We then took a walk the The Marcheaux Fleurs et Oiseaux to see the quaint Sunday only market with burds and flowers for sale. This was probably the most charming outdoor market we have been to yet.

The next highlight was Saint Chappelle. The beautiful blue stained glass is stunning as the sun shines through it. It is probably the most beautiful church in France. The sun shining through the glass gives "the illusion of heaven." 

And connected to Saint Chappelle (because Saint Chappelle was the royal chapel) is the Palais Du Justice-the first French palace where all the royalty stayed until Place du Louvre was completed. During the revolution it became the republic headquarters. What remains is the oldest midevil hall in Europe where Marie Antoinette was held until her execution. 

Brad wanted to check out the Institute of the Arab World and we got an incredible city view from the roof.

We had another picnic lunch (the French baguettes are the best) by the Pantheon and then enjoyed the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the Luxembourg Gardens (Catherine de Medici's favorite castle). The central gardens were surrounded by statues of the queens of France. It was so charming to see remote control sail boats in the fountains and while we were there it started raining (the first rain our entire time in France!) and people crammed under the huge gazebo. 

We took a little break to freshen up in our hotel and then set out for evening mass at La Madeleine. I will never forget the sound of that organ and when the doors were thrown open at the end of mass and the priest and entourage walked out.with the setting sun shining behind them. 

As this was our last night in Paris we decided to stroll and see where we ended up. We found the Paris Opera House and some exquisite chocolate shops displaying Easter eggs. And we we ended up walking back up to Montmarte to have a final look at Paris from Sacre Coeur. Our last meal in Paris was delicious- sitting like the Parisians outside with the tables turned out looking at the city pass by. Au revoir Paris.