Paris: the big sights

I love Paris. 

Yes, I really do.

Of course, like any good tourist we had to hit up the big tourist spots. Most of these didn't end up being my favourite parts of Paris, but they were still pretty sweet to see.

The Louvre

Oh, the Louvre. We were debating on going here but the line wasn't very long (if you go through the underground entrance) and we decided we might as well. When in Paris, and all that jazz. The Mona Lisa was as underwhelming as expected, and Napoleon's Apartments were indeed impressive and overly ornate. I'm not a fan of this style, nor the money involved to create it, but it sure does leave an impression. Also leaving an impression - of a different sort - was the teenaged couple shoving their tongues down each other's throats in between the oil paintings.

The Eiffel Tower

Another Parisian landmark, another line (although no comparison to the summer ones!). The tower is actually a brown/tan colour and not grey, like I had assumed. It's really pretty at night, and there are little blue lights along the structure that make it sparkle just so. One really needs to see the Eiffel Tower from a distance - it is much more impressive. We were pretty fortunate that we stayed for a few days in Paris because the first couple of days were really foggy. We lucked out on choosing the day to go up though - clear, blue skies for as far as the eye can see. The 360° views are magnificent. I should also remark that it's really interesting to people watch in Paris. Of course there are the overly amorous locals, but it seems that tourists also tend to pick up their mannerisms. Love is in the air, it seems.

L'Arc de Triomphe

Actually, not much to say. It's pretty, as is the walk along the Champs Élysées to get here.

The Notre Dame

The Notre Dame is really beautiful inside. I've seen a lot of churches since I've been in Europe, and most of them tend to blend together, but the Notre Dame does leave a mark. Although, I will say that I'm not a fan of the commercialism found in many tourist-friendly churches. I understand the cost of upkeep, and the belief in offering, but I do not appreciate the souvenir selling inside the church. I especially hate those pressing coin machines that feature an image of the church (or other landmark). If you are going to go that route to raise money, do it outside the walls!

The Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

What more could words express that these pictures couldn't? This is one of my favourite memories of Paris: the atmosphere, the picnics, the colours, the view - a sunset over the City of Light. 

Sometimes, it just hits you that life is pretty grand.

Paris, part 2: here