8 September 2023

Paris to Lourdes 

We had an early start today as our train left Paris at 6.35 am. The station, Gare de Montparnasse, was only a five minute walk from our accommodation and we boarded the train as it was already on the platform. 4 hours and 42 minutes later we were in Lourdes. 

Lourdes isn't quite as hot as Paris but it feels the same to us. A real energy zapping heat. Finding our accommodation was about as much as we could do today. 

A last shot from our room before leaving for the train. 

Our train on the platform at Gare Montparnasse.

The trip from Paris to Bordeaux was at high speed but slowed considerably for the Bordeaux to Lourdes section. 

At Gare de Lourdes 

Our train at Lourdes 

Some photos taken while walking from the station into Lourdes.

On our way to our accommodation. 

A view on the way to our accommodation. 

Walking to our accommodation was hot work!

The windows in this building caught my eye. 

Just one of many dozens of religious souvenir shops in Lourdes. 

This is as close to the Sanctuary of Lourdes as we went due to heat.

There are many narrow streets like this in Lourdes.

7 September 2023

Second day in Paris 

We have had a day of exploring around where we're staying and spent some time reorganising our packs ready for leaving tomorrow to go to Lourdes.

We started the day by going up to the observation platform on Tour Montparnasse, a multi-storey tower very near our accommodation. We took the lift up to the 56th floor then walked up several flights of stairs to reach the top of the tower. The views out over the city were amazing, and to see the size of Paris was stunning.

Today is hot again, 34°C this afternoon. 

I have managed to upload photos for yesterday's entry as well as today's but some have uploaded twice and are out of order 😏

Looking up to the top of Tour Montparnasse. 

The Eiffel Tower dominates the view in this direction. 

Notre-Dame is in the centre of this not very clear shot. From up on the Tower it was possible to see where the work on the damaged section is being carried out.

Luxembourg Gardens dominates this shot.

Beautiful Sacré-Coeur perched on the hill of Monmartre. 

The Eiffel Tower again. 

The Tour Montparnasse from our room this morning. 

I love the Parisian chimney pots - especially in early morning light. Another shot from our window.

5th & 6th September 2023

Arriving in Paris and and first day here.  

There isn't much to say about our flights - Auckland to Dubai then Dubai to Paris - apart from the fact that they seemed to go on forever. All went well though, including getting from Charles de Gaule Airport to where we're staying in Montparnasse. The heat hit us quite hard, it was 32°C and humid. 

Today was possibly even hotter. We went to Monmartre on the Metro and enjoyed wandering through the streets while making our way to the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, a beautiful church perched high above much of the city of Paris, and we timed it so we could be there for Mass. 

We then walked back to our hotel, weaving our way the street which meant we walked far more than the 6 km or so if we had gone more directly. The temperature was 33° when we set out to walk back which made for a hot walk. It was good to get back to shower and rest.

       Two tired passengers in the airport at Dubai.

Our accommodation 

A café next to our accommodation. 

About to use the Metro to go to Monmartre 

Moulin de la Galette, built 1622, is one of only two remaining windmills of the 30 that were once on the hill of Monmartre. This one was a flour mill.

This cafe was a favourite haunt of Picasso, Renoir, van Gogh and many others. It wasn't open when we were there. 

Saint-Pierre de Monmartre Church, near Sacré-Coeur.

Sacré-Coeur 

The main alter in Sacré-Coeur. 

Such a beautiful dome above the main alter in Sacré-Coeur. 

A final look at Sacré-Coeur. 

A doorway which caught my eye when we left Monmartre to walk back to Montparnasse. 

One of thousands of cafés throughout Paris. 

Reconsruction is ongoing at Notre-Dame. 

Another view of Notre-Dame 

Walking through Luxembourg Gardens on the way to our accommodation. 

Walking down from Sacré-Coeur. 

 Two tired passengers in the airport at Dubai.

Our accommodation 

A café next to our accommodation. 

About to use the Metro to go to Monmartre 

Moulin de la Galette, built 1622, is one of only two remaining windmills of the 30 that were once on the hill of Monmartre. This one was a flour mill.

This cafe was a favourite haunt of Picasso, Renoir, van Gogh and many others. It wasn't open when we were there. 

Saint-Pierre de Monmartre Church, near Sacré-Coeur.

Sacré-Coeur 

The main alter in Sacré-Coeur. 

Such a beautiful dome above the main alter in Sacré-Coeur. 

A final look at Sacré-Coeur. 

A doorway which caught my eye when we left Monmartre to walk back to Montparnasse. 

One of thousands of cafés throughout Paris. 

Reconsruction is ongoing at Notre-Dame. 

Another view of Notre-Dame 

Walking through Luxembourg Gardens on the way to our accommodation. 

Walking down from Sacré-Coeur.