Mardi

Feeling slightly fresher than the previous morning the three of us set off to the Pompidou Centre to be greeted by a big fat FERME MARDI sign, not a good start. Something that was open and close by was the 'Paris, seen by Hollywood' at the Hotel de Ville de Paris. Paris is by far the foreign city most frequently portrayed in Hollywood cinema, since the beginning of American cinema it has been represented on screen more than 800 times. The exhibition explored various visions of the French capital in American films displaying a collection of photographs, film extracts, costumes and posters - quite the cinematic journey!

Hotel de Ville de Paris

After a croque monsieur on the bank of the seine we headed to the Musee Rodin, only to find out its staff were on strike, at least this time we could console ourselves that no guide book could have warned us of this, something we were beginning to feel we were distinctly lacking.

A glimpse of Rodin's The Burghers of Calais 

Worry not, the afternoon was not wasted, we still managed to amuse ourselves visiting Notre Dame, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture on the Ile de la Cite, built between 1166 - 1345. We also popped into Saint-Sulpice, not much smaller than Notre Dame making it the cities second largest church. Built in several phases from 1646-1745 it illustrates a variety of architectural styles, clearly seen in its classical fascade and mis-matching towers. 

Notre Dame

Saint-Sulpice

I loved exploring the many winding back streets Paris has to offer, every shop was so beautifully presented, so French, and round each corner would be another suprise whether it be another incredible building or group of musicians, jollily busking away...

  

Macarooooons

Gateau

Lundi

The next morning, with a rather sore head, Harriet and I headed straight to the local Patisserie before hitting the Musee D'Orsay. On arrival we realised it was Monday, the only day of the week it was closed. Though I probably shouldn't admit this, being the sun worshipper that I am I was quite pleased not to be going inside and missing out on the good weather. We therefore decided to soak up some rays, opting to see various sights from the outside (cheapskate tourists); we had both been to Paris before though so it was totally allowed. After a stroll through the Tuileries Garden, passing the iconic pyramid entrance to the Louvre, we headed up, past Le Palais Garnier, to Montmartre, stopping at a nice little cafe for a 'tartine.'

Tuileries Garden

Louvre

The hill up to the Sacre-Coeur was so steep we ended up having a siesta on a couple of benches. The climb was well worth it, the views out over the city were amazing. Montmartre was the old artisty quarter, filled with quirky cafes to sit and watch the world, lots of second hand and souvenir shops, artists drawing caricatures - something I declined, scared by the one I had done on a school trip aged 13.

Sacre-Coeur

Apres, we walked past the Moulin Rouge. Back at the turn of the 20th century this was a very fashionable place to be seen, plus the birthplace of the can-can, these days however it seems to have become a bit of a tacky tourist attraction.

Re-united with our tour guide Fran, we later went to a delicious restaurant near the Bastille - beef carpaccio, dauphinoise potatoes and salad for 8 euros - best 8 euros I ever spent.