John's Birthday

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Tuesday 22 February

We thought we'd celebrate John's birthday by going to church (well, for a look anyway)!
Saint Eustache church is a hybrid Gothic/Renaissance affair (it took 105 years to build) just down the road from where we're staying. It has been the scene of many historically significant ceremonies such as the communion of Louis XIV, the baptisms of Cardinal Rischelieu and Madame Pompadour and the marriage of the playwright Molière.

Next we headed off to the Conciergerie - former royal palace and prison on Ile-de-la-cité. It's most famous for being the prison used by the Revolutionary Tribunal to hold those about to lose their heads(!), including Marie Antoinette and Robespierre. There's even a guillotine blade on display. During the 'reign of terror' (1793-4) more than 2,700 people were despatched by "Madame Guillotine"!

We headed off to meet Ross and Julie at the Musée d'Orsay - it was a most pleasant walk through the tranquil Place Dauphine (a welcome refuge from the busy tourist hot spots on the Ile-de-la-cité) and along the Seine (always lovely - even when it's cold and grey).

Lunch at 'La Restaurant' in the Musée d'Orsay with Ross and Julie was fab! Thanks to Ali's courage, we secured a table by the window which meant some of us (well, John) could see the Seine. We tried to match Ross and Julie's culinary prowess and managed three courses plus champagne (Veuve Cliquot - thanks Nola!) and red (Medoc). The restaurant is a relic of the old Hôtel d'Orsay and is decorated in the Belle Epoque style. Sadly, a recent refurbishment has resulted in tables and chairs that give it a caffeteria feel. Nonetheless, the wait staff were extremely friendly and patient with our poor attempts at speaking French, and the food was good. Above all, we had a great time.

Among the last to leave the restaurant, we had just enough time to quickly peruse the exhibits in the museum. It was all a bit squashy and hard to find stuff due to current renovations. Nevertheless, we found the Impressionist section that we love and it was a pleasure to once again gaze at the works of Degas, Manet, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Fantin-Latour and Renoir. We gave up on our attempt to buy some prints from the gift shop (too busy) and headed out for a farewell drink with Ross and Julie, in the Latin Quarter.

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Photos

Lunch!
John and Julie guarding the Verve!

The Conciergerie on Ile-de-la-cité
Looking from the 'Right Bank' with Pont Neuf in the distance.

Salle des Gens d'Armes
The Hall of the Men at Arms in the Conciergerie.

Place Dauphine
Tranquillity on the Ile-de-la-cité.

Musée d'Orsay clock
In the old railway station section of the museum.

Comments

[Andrea Jennings]

Happy Birthday John hope your having an amazing time love and hugs from Andrea & Family xxxx