Merci Paris - Euro Trip 3

Le Pont des Bridge, behind is the institute of France.

I wasn't hoping to write one more post on Paris, owing to the fact that I spent only one and half days there, and I slept 10 hours during my stay. But it’s hard to say no, to a friend who wish to hear some more.

It’s difficult to forgo history when writing about Paris, one of the old cities in the world. The permanent habituation of which dates back to 4200 BC! Much later Romans conquered it, and settled down by 52 BC. Below is the oldest place and centre of Paris – “Ile de la Cité” – a naturally formed Island in the river Siene.

Across the island you can see the “Pont Neuf” (“new bridge” then) that is now the oldest bridge in Paris built in 16th century. During the darkest times (Of French revolution referred as Reign of Terror)of France, famine came upon, diseases spread and vast blood has been shed due to political upheaval. 40,000 people gave their head to Guillotine, and right here near Pont Neuf, The knights of Templers were burned at the stake.

We had lunch in a nearby restaurant. It was one the tastiest meals I had in the whole trip, it was a different pizza, with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese with herbs, right from the oven.

We walked into “Ile de la Cité” and visited Notre Dame de Paris ('Our Lady of Paris') finest architecture from 11th century; This Gothic cathedral is famous for using external columns called “flying buttress”(:P) and said to have survived French revolution and World War II and other rough times.

Notre Dame Cathedral from behind, look at the flying buttress

When travelling to ancient cities, especially the ones with rivers, its best to take a boat trip for sight seeing, and that's what we did next.

Most of our civilization grew along the bank, and the legacy continues till date. It’s lovely to watch people by the bank enjoying reading, catching up friends, relaxing and even dancing!

The Grand Palais ("Big Palace") a large glass exhibition hall

Almost all the important monuments, buildings of Paris are sighted along the river including the Eiffel tower.

There are 37 bridges just within the Paris; the one below is called “Invalides Bridge” considered most beautiful bridge of Paris.

Invalides Bridge

“Underneath the bridges of the Seine,

There's a truly magic lovers' lane.

I'll take you by the hand

Into a wonderland

That lies there

Underneath the bridges of the Seine

Where they say you'll make a wish and then

You watch the river flowing

Hand hold by stars above

That Paris will be showing you

How to fall in love. “- Mireille Mathieu

Le Pont Marie is called the most romantic bridge, for reasons unknown. According to the tradition the first time you pass under it; you must make a wish, and at the same time kiss the person sitting next to you. I did what I could do best in that situation – I made a wish!

Then hurrying to Holland, we bid good bye to Paris. I did not had time to go to the “entertaining” Moulin Rouge ( sorry to dissapoint you Ramesh), but I made up for it in Amsterdam ;)