So I moved into my cute, tiny, perfectly located apartment yesterday. It was quite the trek from CDG to say the least on the metro. Being a woman, naturally I am not traveling light (although I should have). The girl I am renting from is from Algeria and truly is the cutest thing although she is 26 and looks 12. Apparently she is in final exams and cannot be at her place to study (lucky for me). I think one of the funniest things she told me is that I didn't have to clean when I left because she was going to do it anyway. She obviously does not know me and early this morning I took to her cupboards, walls, mirrors, doors and she will probably be shocked at her place when she gets back :)
Being so close to so many things, I decided to venture out into the 5th today . It has so many things to see, ie., Notre Dame, Pantheon, Le Jardin de Luxemborg, Rue Moffetard, La Seine and so much more.
Yesterday Fatima (the girl I am subletting from) took me on a tour of many of these places but I did not have my camera. I tried to recreate the route today and for the most part I will say I did pretty good. I say for the most part because I probably walked an additional 20 blocks I did not have to and my legs are feeling it right now.
I made my way along the Seine to Notre Dame again and ventured into I'le Saint Louise. The smaller of the two river islands with connecting bridges from both the Seine's left and right bank. Most people access the I'le Sanit Louise via the small bridge immediately behind Notre Dame which I did today. It is certainly not for the frugal but what a charming little place with cafes, gift shops (purchase number 1 there today), and the famous Berthillon ice cream shop. It is definitely a treat and must see!!
I then made my way to the Pantheon. It is a truly amazing structure. None of my pictures will actually do any of these sites justice especially given that I am only using a less than professional Canon model :)
Adjacent (or across) sits the Eglise St. Etienne - du- Mont a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, patroness of Paris. Again stunning structure!! What I found a little bizarre at both of these sites there are hundreds of people (I am assuming students) sitting directly in front of both having lunch, talking and just hanging out.
Next I went to La Sarbonne (just to see it) remember everything is in close proximity so it was easy getting there. It definitely has a University feel with many cafes, shops and a Gap of all things next to it. (I must confess I did walk into the Gap). I took a break and had lunch and I must say that I had the BEST Margherita Pizza I have ever had! I don't even eat Pizza and it was still the best!
Next I took stroll to Les Jardin de Luxembourg. People go there to sunbathe, eat, drink, and I'm sure a slew of other things :) It is quite an enchanting place!! The Palace is magnificent and the next time I will just take a book to read. A lot of people exercise there too so maybe I'll take a more sporty walk (maybe) ;)
Next I tried to get myself over to Rue Moffetard. This is where I lost the route :) - This is where I added an additional 20 blocks to my walk. Haha! I somehow made a complete turn and ended up on Rue St. Michel where I started at La Sarbonne. I did however run into an amazing church - Eglise du Val de Grace. I need to read up further on it's history.
When I finally reached my way to Rue Moffetard I was quite tired and did not take the time to fully explore it. I bought a Boba Tea and then made my way back home. Exhausted. I walked over 6 hours today and I am feeling it. All of it well worth it of course and Fatima has the most comfortable bed! I slept like a rock last night.
I hope you enjoy my trip as much as I did today.
Avec L'amour de Paris
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