PARIS 2

After marveling at Rodin's masterpieces, I walked around the corner to Napolean's Tomb & military museum. Very impressive for a small man who was exhiled. I didn't go through the whole museum - but saw the highlights (thanks Rick's guidebook).

Rainy morning in Paris. Daniella took us on a bus tour first thing revealing the many sites the city has to offer, pointing out the highlights from center, to right bank, to the left bank.

Our local guide, Mary Ellen, pointed out such sites as Vincent VanGogh's home he shared with his brother 1886-88, Toulouse-Lautrec's house, Picasso's 1904 studio, 2 previous residences of Renior & several locations where he painted some of his most famous pieces of art. How cool is that!!

With museum pass in hand we wandered the d'Orsay, home of some of the best impressionist works of art, as well as sculpture and other genres. I love this museum.

On our own for the rest of the afternoon and evening, I asked Daniela what was obtainable by foot on my list of things not seen yet & decided to head for the Rodin Museum of sculpture.

What a view of Paris! I felt I could see for miles! So many people hanging out on the stairs enjoying the view. And then you check out Sacre Couer, a white basilica inside and out. Inside there were mosaics & stained glass. After browsing we met the group outside & descended the hill via the stairs to a metro station on to the next destination.

Yes! I went back to the Eiffel Tower! Had to replace the lost pictures from day one - plus, I just love this place! This time I went all the way up.

(Right) Dalida

(Left) Le Moulin Galette - where Renior hung out & painted

(Below) Giving Marcel Ayme a hand!

Around 10am, the sun popped out & we were dropped off at the bottom of Montmartre for a guided walking tour. This was an awesome neighborhood!! Van Gogh, Renior, poets, writers, artists all made their homes here. A hill in Paris with Sacre Couer basilica at top.

We saw one of the last vineyards & the remaining moulins (windmills) in Paris. I believe I could live here.

When we reached the top, we were on our own for lunch. Judy & I sat outside at a cafe called AuCadet de Gascogne. The most expensive part of our meal was our wine (must have been good)!! We both had the french onion soup, not sure if that is very touristy, but it was very good!!

After lunch we proceeded up the hill to the top of Paris - Sacre Couer (Sacred Heart).

(Upper Right) Napolean's Tomb - the painted dome above

(Right) Napolean's Tomb (big enough?!)

After taking in the views from the top, I watched the glorious sunset from the 2nd level.
Just as I reached the bottom, the lit tower began to sparkle & the crowd burst into a collective "oohhhh!!!" MAGICAL!!!

Daniela took us to the Louvre & let us have the morning to ourselves. I wandered the Tuileries garden & the left/right banks until it was time to catch the train to Vaison la Romaine.

We sped down on the TGV train to Provence (fastest train around). We arrived in Vaison to beautiful scenery, a perfect little historic hotel & a scrumptous first meal & wine. I think I am going to like it here!!