After a simple breakfast at the hostel, I took a bus to Luxembourg Gardens to have a short quiet time to reflect whilst being surrounded by wonderful sceneries.
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| Luxembourg Gardens |
Luxembourg Gardens
I'm probably sure that the place would have been a hundred times more marvellous in the summer and spring when the flowers and trees are in bloom. Nonetheless, there were a lot of people using the garden for recreation (e.g. jogging/running, working out, tai chi, etc.). Recommended length of stay: minimum of 1 hour
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| Grand Organ |
Eglise Saint-Sulpice
I then walked towards Eglise St. Sulpice. This is actually a Catholic church which is one of the largest churches in Paris. It is also one of the sites where the Da Vinci was filmed. Marvel at the statue of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the large organ, and a gnomon (a part of a sundial that casts a shadow, and whose brass wire encrusted on it representing the meridian line).
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| Eglise Saint-Sulpice's facade |
It is also famous for its beautiful facade outside. However, during my visit, there was a small theme park in front surrounding the fountain, so I wasn't able to fully appreciate it. Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes
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| Eglise Saint-Germain des Près |
Eglise Saint-Germain des Près
Onward to another church, Eglise Saint-Germain des Pres - the oldest church in Paris, is the burial place of Merovingian kings of Neustria. I opted not to explore it and just passed by to see the facade.
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| Fontaine Saint-Michel |
Fontaine Saint-Michel
I continued along Rue de Buce to get to Fontaine Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter. It was a famous meeting spot of students during the riots in France in 1968, which contributed to the fall of General de Gaulle's government.
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| Shakespeare and Co. |
Shakespeare and Co.
Further along the food street, Rue de la Huchette, is the well-known bookshop, Shakespeare and Co., which is one of the film sites of Before Midnight. This is a famous book haven as its got both new and original publications of books for relatively cheap price ranges. I bought one original book for only 6 euros. It also has a coffee shop where they host different literary events and feature writers. Check out their website for more details.
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| Tuna Crepe |
I then bought a tuna crepe along Rue de la Huchette and enjoyed it in one of the benches in Pont au Double while marvelling at the beauty of Notre Dame.
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| Notre Dame Cathedral (rear) |
Cathedral de Notre Dame (of Our Lady)
I went inside the Cathedral after enduring the cold standing in a long queue outside. But I learned about its history by joining the free Discovery Walking Tour. The Gothic cathedral is actually one of Paris' most important landmarks which took more than 300 years to complete. It is where Joan of Arc was beatified, and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture that is dedicated to the Holy Mother, Mary. Marvel at its facade/main entrance (which has a very interesting story) outside, and its stained glass windows inside. A lot of people climb the steps to the top, which has a different queue, and they say that the view is wonderful. But I did not want to wait another hour in line just to climb it, thus, I left the experience for another time. So I just bought a 3-euro cup of hot choco from one of the kiosks surrounding the cathedral and admired the landmark while quietly sipping my beverage. Recommended length of stay: minimum of 1 hour
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| Notre Dame Cathedral (interior) |
Be careful while roaming the vicinity of the cathedral as I almost lost my iPhone because there were a lot of those cliques of people with the modus of asking for you signature to support some kind of charity, but in reality, they are actually just phishing for your personal details, who will swarm you and then distract you while they pickpocket.
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| Maison Georges Larnicol |
After my near-heart attack experience, I went back to Rue de la Huchette to buy souvenirs to take back home. I was able to buy bargain macaroons and nougats from Maison Georges Larnicol. They sell a variety of affordable and quality sweets.
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| Saint-Chappele/Concierge/Palais des Justice compound |
I then headed towards Champs-Elysees Avenue again passing by Saint-Chappele/Concierge/Palais des Justice, and then spending about 30 minutes exploring the AP Environnement stalls in Place Louis Lepine, before dropping by tour Saint-Jacques. (Note that this is literally just a walking-passing by tour, I did not actually go inside each landmark)
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| Xmas Village |
I then took the metro to Franklin P. Roosevelt and strolled along the Christmas village while munching a Frankfurter, and then ended up in front of the Louvre again - because you can never have too much admiration for it.
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| Arc de Triomphe du Carousel |
When it started to get late, I took the bus and headed home.
Opinion: I really think that Paris is a walkable city - you can reach everything fairly easily by foot, but I personally feel that you should sit down and take in each landmark to fully appreciate its beauty (which is true for every destination in the world actually).
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| The Louvre |
Day Expenses:
- 4 euros: lunch (tuna crepe)
- 6 euros: book
- 5 euros: tip for tour guide
- 43.50 euros: macaroons and nougats
Total: 58.50 euros
