Day 4
Woke up, had our continental breakfast, and headed up to Monoprix to exchange Jill’s blow drier. We had brought the one from the German trip with us, but it didn’t work. Turns out that the reason it didn’t work was that the outlet was bad, but we had already bought a replacement. My pidgin French got us to the understanding that they could not give us a refund, but would give a store credit. This was determined by the manager, who was summoned with a little dinner bell. So, we bought Vivian’s baby shower gift.
Walked back to Notre Dame, or should I say, hiked. It was longer than I remembered. Got to see the inside this time, and it was pretty amazing, especially considering construction began in 1163 (?). The stained glass was really nice, but I think that was redone in 1958. I could tell you if I had the Michelin guide, but someone forgot to pack it.
Bought a couple of little Eiffel Towers for the Christmas tree. Then went back and checked out. We had to give up our prime parking spot on the street that didn’t cost us anything – you don’t have to pay for Parisian parking in August.
Drove out of Paris with no problem – didn’t get lost on the way to Versailles. Driving here doesn’t seem to be as bad as everyone says. (Ed.Note: If you can drive in New York and New Jersey, you can drive anywhere in the world.)
Versailles was amazing due to its size and opulence. The lines were long when we arrived, so we walked though the gardens for a while – all the way to the canal and back. Coming back uphill was rather hot. The weather was perfect again.
There are gardens out in each direction from the palace – the famous fleur-de-lis ones flanking left and right. Had lunch on a bench of a jambon baguette.
By the time we were ready to go inside, the 100-yard line was down to nothing. We toured the state rooms, with the climax being the Hall of Mirrors. Every surface in every room was gilded, mirrored, carved or frescosed. Unbelieveable! No wonder there was a Revolution!
Waited around for the fountains to come on, but they didn’t cooperate. Left about 3:40, got lost in the town of Versailles for a few minutes, then headed south.
Got to our hotel in the Loire valley, in the town of Cande-Beuvron, around 6. Just pulled over into the first place we saw. Our room has 2 twin beds, quite nice overall, for around $50 (250F). The restaurant was closed, and the place down the street was going to be $100, so we searched out a smaller place in the next town.
Appetizer of Terrine of Fowl, which we both thought would be soup, but was a mixed cold cut – head cheese type product that tasted like liverwurst. Very good. I had trout (very good), Jill had chicken (not very good). Then a cheese course, followed by dessert (Diplomat for Dave, mousse for Jill), and Grand Marnier, for about $50. I think we may have to spend more for that truly spectacular meal, though.
Drove home and went to bed early.
Day 5 >>>
Walked back to Notre Dame, or should I say, hiked. It was longer than I remembered. Got to see the inside this time, and it was pretty amazing, especially considering construction began in 1163 (?). The stained glass was really nice, but I think that was redone in 1958. I could tell you if I had the Michelin guide, but someone forgot to pack it.
Bought a couple of little Eiffel Towers for the Christmas tree. Then went back and checked out. We had to give up our prime parking spot on the street that didn’t cost us anything – you don’t have to pay for Parisian parking in August.
Drove out of Paris with no problem – didn’t get lost on the way to Versailles. Driving here doesn’t seem to be as bad as everyone says. (Ed.Note: If you can drive in New York and New Jersey, you can drive anywhere in the world.)
Versailles was amazing due to its size and opulence. The lines were long when we arrived, so we walked though the gardens for a while – all the way to the canal and back. Coming back uphill was rather hot. The weather was perfect again.
There are gardens out in each direction from the palace – the famous fleur-de-lis ones flanking left and right. Had lunch on a bench of a jambon baguette.
By the time we were ready to go inside, the 100-yard line was down to nothing. We toured the state rooms, with the climax being the Hall of Mirrors. Every surface in every room was gilded, mirrored, carved or frescosed. Unbelieveable! No wonder there was a Revolution!
Waited around for the fountains to come on, but they didn’t cooperate. Left about 3:40, got lost in the town of Versailles for a few minutes, then headed south.
Got to our hotel in the Loire valley, in the town of Cande-Beuvron, around 6. Just pulled over into the first place we saw. Our room has 2 twin beds, quite nice overall, for around $50 (250F). The restaurant was closed, and the place down the street was going to be $100, so we searched out a smaller place in the next town.
Appetizer of Terrine of Fowl, which we both thought would be soup, but was a mixed cold cut – head cheese type product that tasted like liverwurst. Very good. I had trout (very good), Jill had chicken (not very good). Then a cheese course, followed by dessert (Diplomat for Dave, mousse for Jill), and Grand Marnier, for about $50. I think we may have to spend more for that truly spectacular meal, though.
Drove home and went to bed early.
Day 5 >>>
