Brazilian street acrobats perform for restaurant patrons

A sample of Parisian street food

Hotel De Ville which houses city hall and the Parisian mayor’s apartment. This stunning building has been the heart of Paris social and political life for many centuries.

The bird whisperer, who Jordan insisted on paying a visit to each day outside of Notre Dame. Our apartment was tucked away in an alley just around the corner.

After many lessons and failed attempts from the bird whisperer, Jordan was able to master the art of standing quietly and still enough the birds would land on her. This only intensified her desire to spend hours outside of Notre Dame acting as a perch for her new found feathered friends.

One of many visits to the delectable crepe stand for Nutella crepes.

A beautiful day in Paris

One of many “Love Lock” bridges- Legend has it if you write the name of both yourself and your lover, lock it on the bridge then toss the key over into the Seine, your love will last forever (or maybe just until the city cuts the lock off, not sure 🙂 In the background, behind the silver spray-painted man, stands the Institut de France.

Another “Love Lock” bridge- The custom dates back over 100 years worldwide and has really gained popularity in the last ten or so. Many cities including Paris are angry about the custom because they believe the padlocks which eventually rust, take away from the natural beauty and deface the bridges.

One of many street vendors selling their goods. Basically miles and miles of flea market items to be purchased.

Musée d’Orsay is housed in an old railway station. Works from Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh can be seen here. The crowd is gathered because it’s the first Sunday when many famous museums in Paris allow free entry. Had I known the fee was so nominal (€11 adults, 18 & under free), I would have opted to skip the hour long line 🙂

Waiting at the Notre Dame stop for the Bato Bus, a great form of transportation with many stops along the Seine. We attended an “International” mass one Sunday which meant Mass was in French, but they gave you a handout with some English on it. It was an incredibly beautiful experience, even without proper translation.

A view of Paris from part of the way up the Eiffel Tower.

The most disappointing tourist trap in all of Europe (with the Leaning Tower of Pisa following closely behind). Spent many hours, two different days trying to get to the top without luck. Lines are incredibly long, very disorganized, with poorly marked signs, and employees- the only rude Parisians I met in over a week in France. Jordan was injured during a bomb scare halfway up and none of employees would help us get back down. We were both in tears.

La Madeleine Catholic Church in the 8th arrondissement (district).

The Paris Opera founded in 1669

France has the most incredible pastries of anyplace in the world. Bertie’s cupcakery is only a few doors down from our apartment.

My favorite statue outside of the Louvre. Sadness, stressed, lonely, I’m not sure what she represents but I wish I could take her home.

Lunch on the lawn of the Louvre museum from Paul’s, which turned out to be the best deal in Paris. We ate there several times and had dessert too, of course.

Home of Mona Lisa, The Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world. With almost 10 million visitors per year, it is the world’s most visited museum. It would take days to see everything.

The Wedding at Cana is the largest painting in the museum. Painted by Paolo Veronese from Italy.

Strolling along the streets of Paris