Real fondue, The Gardens of Luxembourg (the absolute best place in Paris for an afternoon doze), and the church where Olivier Messiaen was organist for sixty years

French composer Olivier Messiaen was organist at the Eglise Trinite (pictured below) for over sixty years!

One would think that being the only customers in a restaurant in Paris would assure one good service.  Not so.  Despite the apparent reluctance to serve us (somebody was a crabby-appleton!), we managed to have a very tasty fondue meal for lunch.

After a bit too much faire du promenade, it was time for a respite in the Jardins de Luxembourg.  Little did we know, rhat some genius engineered the perfect napping chair, and, despite light rain, we found this to be the most relaxing place in all of Paris.

So, back on the plane tomorrow aux Etas-Unit.  A great time has been had by all.  Au revoir!

Place de la Concorde, Musee Rodin, and the Eiffel Tower at night

Below is the Place de la Concorde, where, some-odd years ago, Louis XV1 was beheaded... bummer, dude.  Much nicer place now.

Musee Rodin was very overwhelming!

And of course, the Eiffel Tower at night...

Nortre Dame, Le Tour Eiffel, and a less-visited spectacle of Paris (La Defense)

Started the morning gonig all the way out to the business district of Paris, which is known as La Defense.  Situated on the outer rim of the city, this part of Paris looks nothing like the rest: tall buildings, straight lines, no cafes/tabacs, etc.  (Though still a few panhandlers of course).  Great place for taking pictures of modern architecture.

N.B. It is said that Notre Dame would fit inside the grand arch, shown below.  Being there, we absolutely believe that; pictures cannot possibly show how huge this is.

Next, on to the Arc de Triomphe.

And finally, to the Eiffel Tower where we were unexpectedly hit by a very sudden and very frigid rain shower.  Nevertheless, still startled by its size, evey time we've seen it.

Spent most of the remaineder of the day at Notre Dame.  Hoping to see all the lights of the city tomorrow night; too tired to do so today!

Monmartre and the underwhelming final resting place of Jim Morrison

Spent most of the morning in Cimetaire du Pere Lachaise.  Incredible!  (All except for the very underwhelming grave of Jim Morrison; see below).  Also notable among the dead there: Moliere, Chopin, and Francis Poulenc (20th century French composer).  Visited the Musem of Erotic History near the Moulin Rouge.  Despite some persistent rain, enjoyed walking around Monmartre (the artist district) and seeing actual painters at work.  (None of that Thomas Kincaid rubbish!).  Sore ankles and calves today but we shall perservere!

Jeudi (Thursday)

Big day with long rides on the Metro!  Took pictures from observation deck on the 56th floor of the Tour de Montparnasse (which the French consider to be the ugliest building in Paris).  Visited Montparnasse cemetery where, among others, Samuel Beckett and Serge Gainsbourg, are buried.  Also went to the Centre Pompidou and the louvre.

Blisters already. FEEET!

Already have sore feet, but we'll work through the pain. Pere Lachaise was closed, so we'll have to go back. Bought all kinds of tacky souvenirs. Yes Please. And got m crepe au sucre. YUM. Tomorrow- who knows? P.S. We still have not even gotten a glimpse of  the Eiffel Tower. Go figure. : (