Le Conciergerie

Le Conciergerie is one of Paris' oldest buildings. On the Outside of building along the Quay de Horloge is the oldest public clock in Paris, dating from the 14th century. Randy and I visited the Conciergerie in the winter of 2003. On display at the Conciergerie is the cell where Marie Antoinette was held before she was executed. Also on display are other cells where prisoners were kept. For a price a prison could get a cell by himself or a cell with a bed. Poor prisoner were crammed into small cells, but fortunately or unfortunately most didn't stay in the cells very long.

The section contains some photos of Ste-Chapelle which Randy and I visited in the Spring of 2002 and Sally and I visited in the Summer of 2003.

Marche Aux Fleur

I had passed by this flower market numerous times while visiting Notre Dame. The market is quite famous, but it never seemed like much to me so I never bother to stop and check it out. This trip I decided to see what was so special about this flower market. I really couldn't find anything special about it, but this was the Christmas season and they were selling Christmas tree, wreaths, ornaments, etc. I suspect that it is much better in the springtime. My sister would probably have fun here.

Crypte Archéologique

The Crypte Archéologique contains the ruins of Roman Paris that were discovered when the city decided to build an underground parking lot in front of Notre Dame. Randy and I visited the Crypte in the winter of 2003. This is a place where the museum and monuments pass really comes in handy. I don't think there is ever a line to get into the crypte, you will probably pass it sometime on a visit to Paris and so the museum pass makes it really easy to just pop in and see something that you probably wouldn't have bothered with otherwise. The crypte is interesting, but you probably wouldn't go out of your way to see it. Sally likes the really old artifacts so she enjoyed this place.

Notre Dame

On previous trips I've spent a lot of time at Notre Dame, but on this trip we really just passed by it and took some photos. We didn't even bother to go in. I really like Notre Dame, but there are just so many things that I want to see in Paris that we felt it was necessary to skip Notre Dame this trip.

Notre Dame Winter 2000. Notre Dame Spring 2002. Notre Dame Winter 2003. Notre Dame Summer 2003.

St. Séverin

This 15th Century church was built in the Flamboyant Gothic style. The first operation for gall stones was performed in the garden of the church in 1474. Louis XI offered a condemned archer his life if he consented to the operation. The operation was a success and, good to his word, Louis granted the condemn man his freedom.

St. Julien le Pauvre

This is one of the oldest churches in Paris, dating from 1165. When Sally and I visited this church a baptism was being performed. Unlike the U.S., several small children were allowed to run around the church while the service was being performed. That would never have been permitted in the church where I grew up. Children were expected to act like adults during service.

Musée de Cluny

Randy and I had visited this museum in the winter of 2003. Randy and I spent about an hour at the museum, which I felt was more than enough time. Sally really loved this museum so we spent quite a bit of time here.

The building was completed in 1500 by Jacques d'Amboise, Abbot of Cluny. It was built on top of Gallo-Roman baths dating from 200 A.D. The real treat of the museum are the tapestries from the 15th and 16th century.

Blvd St. Michel

These are just some random photos that I took of the Boulevard St. Michel. Sally and I walked along this street in the Summer of 2003.

St. Etienne du Mont

This is a very beautiful church which contains the only rood screen (see photo at left) that remains in Paris. The church holds the remains of Racine and Pascal. Sally and I tried to see this church in Aug. 2003, but it was closed during lunch.

Musée d'Orsay

I have visited this museum on every trip to Paris except one, it is my favorite museum in the world. This museum has one of the largest collections of Impressionist art anywhere. It also has an amazing collection of sculptures. The Orsay stays opened late on Thursdays so Sally and I decided that we would see it at the end of the day. Overall I think that this was a mistake. The museum has a large glass ceiling that lets in natural light. Most of the paintings off to the side where they are protected from the natural light which can harm them. The sculptures are general placed in the center where they are best viewed in natural light. In the evening the museum is a bit dark. Also, the museum is large and it is best to see it when you aren't tired from walking around the city all day. Still, it is better to see the museum on a Thursday night than to not see it at all.

Musée d'Orsay Winter 2000. Musée d'Orsay Spring 2002. Musée d'Orsay Winter 2003. Musée d'Orsay Summer 2003.