First time in Paris

We took the train from Nice to Paris. The first half of it was slow but scenic as we passed along the coast. The speedy second half zoomed us from Marseilles to Paris in about 3hrs after a unexpected delay at the stop. We stayed for three nights at Hotel Roma Sacre Coeur in the artsy Montmartre district. The hotel was darky and dingy but clean and very close to the subway.

This being our first visit, we squeezed most of the main tourist attractions to our itinerary. The subway was great for getting around and we didn't have to ask for directions even once. That was mostly (or only) because Nelson was leading the way at all times!

The Louvre
We were at the entrance at 9.30am for a free visit as it was the first Sunday of the month. Mona Lisa & Venus De Milo were some of the best known work. But houses such diverse art that it is worth the visit even for non art enthusiasts.



Pont des Arts bridge Overlooking the Seine with "locks of love"




Notre Dame Cathedral
We visited during communion of an ongoing mass.



Eiffel Tower
We didn't think it was worth the wait to go up the tower. instead we visited the Christmas Markets with stalls from around the world opposite the bridge.



The Statue of Liberty Paris



Avenue des Champs-Élysées



Arc de Triomphe



Passage Brady
A street where South Asian restaurants are congregated. We had some great Indian food for dinner.


Moulin Rouge
We walked by the famous windmill on our way back to the hotel.



Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
The walk up the hill amidst artists working outside and cafes was lovely despite one too many tourist shops. This was one of the most beautiful churches I've seen. We stayed for a while to listen to nuns singing, possibly at choir practice.



University of Pierre & Marie Curie & Sorbonne University
I had to see the universities when walking through the Latin Quarter.


The garden of the Natural History Museum
Except for a few tourists the grounds were bare as can be expected on a winter day. Would love to be here in the spring.



The Pantheon
We didn't want to pay for an inside tour. But the view of the building was worth it.



The Opera
Paris has no end to amazing and gigantic architecture. I hope to see performance here one day.


Galeries Lafayette
The 10 storied flagship store in Paris.