Paris, France

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region. The Paris metropolitan area is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe -- and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Paris region receives 45 million tourists annually, 60% of whom are foreign visitors -- and that includes moi!


It has always been my childhood dream to see Paris in all its glory!  Paris for me (as a kid obsessed with fairy tales) represents a place where princes and princesses live -- (then as a teenager) where poshest of the poshest go, where fashion is not just a statement but a way of life -- (then as an adult), a place where stereotypical do not exist, where history and modernization are both very much alive, where the east and the west, north and the south collide but create a spectrum of culture that is uniquely vibrant yet in harmony- diverse but united -- to quote Morrie "a tension of opposites."


I was so excited all throughout the ride to Paris.. I remember having a nonchalant, just-another-ordinary-day kind of attitude..I was even singing along with Bon Jovi as Patrick turned his CD player on.. but deep down inside, I'm going crazy with anticipation!  


Our first stop, Eiffel Tower.  Right after we checked in our hotel and unloaded our luggages, we headed straight to the train station.  With the map on hand, we decided to just walk and leave Opi (our car) behind.  From the map, it seems that the train station to Eiffel Tower is just near..but after walking for almost 20 minutes, I told Patrick to ask around because I know we are lost!  We sat in a cafe and order a much needed soda for glucose supply (2 Cokes for 10 Euro-- very pricey!) and then Patrick asked the waitress for that metro train station -- which luckily for us is just across the street -- and it cost us 10 Euro! LOL. Anyway, after the train ride, we walked for a few blocks, then lo and behold -- the amazing Tour Eiffel!  Another check in my bucket list.. and what a beautiful site indeed.  We walked the whole stretched of the street and not minding at all that we've walked for I think 4 km at least..We are just so mesmerized by the beauty in front of us..


Back to the hotel -- feeling so exhausted (for me -- walking and for Patrick -- driving and walking) we just hit the sack thinking that tomorrow will be another hectic but beautiful day.


The next day, after an early breakfast, we hit the road once again -- and this time with Opi.  We have a lot in the itinerary and we have to cover it for half day since Patrick  still needs to drive us to Germany before dinner time.  We went to Champs Elysees, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Palais de Justice, The Pont Alexandre III bridge and so much more (check for the pics).  The half day tour of Paris city center is just not enough.. I feel we're just window shopping and not going inside the store where all the action is..like swallowing food without chewing or at least tasting it..like going to a club and leaving even before the party begins..you know what I'm saying?  It's just not enough.. I need time to savor Paris.. need time to have everything sink in.. then I can say I have truly seen and feel Paris!  I have to be back here..I need to be back here.. Sweetie, GPS or not.. we have to be back here..

Reims, France

Reims -- a city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, lies 129 km (80 miles) east-northeast of Paris. Founded by the Gauls, it became a major city during the period of the Roman Empire.


From Rimboval (where we stayed the night before - thanks to Dominique and Carine for accomodating Patrick and me), we went for a quick stop to Reims en route to Paris.   The first half of our day was spent visiting the magnificent historical landmarks of Reims, several of which are included in the World Heritage List maintained by UNESCO.  We started by visiting the sublime Notre Dame de Reims, which is illuminated by the pure, radiant expression of its famous smiling angel, a masterpiece of French Gothic sculpture.  Apart from its status as champagne capital of the world, Reims possesses one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France – formerly the coronation church of dynasties of French monarchs going back to Clovis, first king of France.  Thus, the Cathedral of Reims (damaged by the Germans during the First World War but restored since) played the same role in France as Westminster Abbey did in England.  The glowing stained glass and lacy stonework of Champagne's cathedrals are testaments not only to an enduring Christian faith, but also to a common will to assert France's unique place in the world through its art, its technical mastery, and its architecture.

Also not to be missed is the Palace of Tau. The former Archbishop's Palace was built by Mansart and Robert de Cotte in 1690. Today it houses the cathedral's museum with tapestries, sculptures and artifacts from the kings' coronations. 

Then, just nearby is Saint Rémi Basilica (which, unfortunately, we're not able to visit due to time constraints ), the largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France. As the name indicates, it was built in honor of Saint Rémi.


After our quick stop to this historical place, we hit the road again..and call it a blessing, I saw this very old but beautiful chateau on top of the tunnel!  I don't know what it's called, but I'm just amazed on how old architectures are preserved in this part of Europe.

Montreuil, France

By the 19th century, Montreuil was a sleepy medieval town on the coaching road from Calais to Paris. Famous writer Victor Hugo spent a brief stay here and was inspired to use it as the setting for his famous novel - "Les Miserables". 


Montreuil - pronounced as Mon-trey - (or something like that) LOL -- is known (of course for those who have read the novel) as being the setting for Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, and every year (July-August), a festival stages the play in the town (which I was not fortunate to see as we were only there for half day).  


The charming walled town of Montreuil is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.  With its beautiful old houses and churches, its imposing ramparts and its cobbled streets (not to mention good restos) - it's very ideal for such romantics like Patrick and me.  A little trivia - or to quote Kuya Kim "kaunting kaalaman" - the first ramparts were built in the 9th century by the count of Ponthieu. In the reign of Louis XIV, Vauban strengthened and modernized the ramparts.  Victor Hugo spent only half day in this town on Sept 4, 1837, when he was on a voyage to the north with his mistress, and the town was immortalized by this great novelist when he decided to use it as the setting for Les Miserables.


The town ramparts are best appreciated by taking one of the walks around the town walls - which Patrick and I did.  We walked for I think a good 4 kilometers!  The views of the town and surrounding country is just awesome and the walk is all worth it!