Ile de la Cite and the Left Bank

This morning we headed over to the Latin Quarter in search of Fromagerie 31, a cheese shop Ben had heard about. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the owner told us that he did not hold cheese tastings on Sundays, but Ben and I went to a nearby cafe and had a croissant and coffee for breakfast--very french :) I also this really cute shop I want to go back to tomorrow called Antoine et Lille. They had the cutest dresses.

After getting some breakfast we headed over to the Ile de la Cite to see the Notre Dame and St. Chapelle. The St. Chapelle was absolutely breathtaking. The decorating, paintings, and stained glass windows were se detailed and beautiful. We toured the Notre Dame during a church service. Hearing the preacher and the choir singing really enhanced the experience. We then waited in like for about an hour to climb to the top of Notre dame (but it was well worth it). While we were waiting, this guy in a mask would do a bit where we would put on his scary mask and go up to people while they weren't paying attention and scare them--it was pretty funny. The climb to the top was a good little bit of a workout--400 steps, but the view was amazing. You could see Paris in every direction.



After the Notre Dame, we stopped to buy some sandwiches and had a picnic on the left bank next to the Seine--very beautiful and relaxing. We then went to Berthillon (known around Paris for its ice cream) for dessert. I had a strawberry and chocolate ice cream, and Ben had a rum raisin, strawberry, and caramel ice cream--both were very good.

Before heading home for the day, we stopped to tour the Opera Garnier. They say it looks like a wedding cake, and for good reason. It is very ornate, but very beautiful.

Tonight we are heading to Le Train Bleu for dinner and then to Sacre Coeur afterwards. Au Revoir!