Pi Beta Paris

Yesterday, I took the train up to Paris to see a few of my Pi Phi sisters, who were visiting for the weekend. It was incredibly fun to be reunited with them - I'm so happy a group of us were able to meet once abroad before heading home!

Goin' to the chapel...

On Sunday, our last day in Paris, we hit three churches in one morning!

We started off the morning early (well, earlier than usual) and went to the Notre Dame a little before 9am. We saw a local service, admired all the stained-glass windows, and read about the church's history on big posters propped up at the back of the building.

After we left the Notre Dame, we rushed over to Sainte-Chapelle (in the last few weeks, the line had been ridiculously long but it wasn't today). I had never been before and my grandmother kept telling me it was one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. She was right - the stained-glass windows were incredible. They were dazzling! The chapel was really small but it was so lively and colorful, so worth it.

Recently cleaned stained-glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle

We didn't stop there. We took a quick break for breakfast before going to La Madeleine, where we witnessed another service! For some reason, lots and lots of flowers were set up in front of the church on the steps - it was really nice. This church was much different from the others. It was neoclassical architecture, a nice change from the common French Gothic design.

A French continental breakfast across the street form Sainte-Chapelle

L'Eglise de la Madeleine

We somehow found ourselves in front of Ladurée in the Place de La Madeleine after our church tours... Wonder how that happened... This storefront is my favorite - look how cute it is!

The rest of the day we relatively relaxing. I was very into my new book, Gone Girl, so I spent a lot of time reading in the afternoon. We took our last walk around town later in the day, saying goodbye to the Seine.

Bye, Paris!

Dinner was at "Le Chien qui Fume" ("The Dog who Smokes").

When in Paris...

Today was the first full day we spent in Paris. The sun finally came out and it felt like the city was bursting with life! There were so many people walking about who, like us, were taking advantage of the awesome weather. My mom and I walked from our hotel, past the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysées, to the Petit Palais where "Belle Époque" is being featured. However, the line to purchase tickets was ridiculously long so we skipped it - taking mental note that we should buy tickets in advance - and walked through the Place de la Concorde to the Jardin de Tuileries. It was the first time I had been to the garden and it was absolutely incredible. It was enormous, but still intimate. The little side gardens/squares provide people with a sense of privacy and quiet, whether it was to read their books or share a moment with their company. It is the perfect place to picnic and relax on a warm day.

Place de la Concorde

The Louvre behind the Jardin de Tuileries

After walking around the garden, we decided to go to the Musée de l'Orangerie. (PSA for college students: don't forget to bring your license or passport to get discounted prices on museum tickets!) The exhibitions were incredible. My favorite paintings were obviously Monet's waterlilies, but the lower floor also featured beautiful works of Matisse, Rousseau, Cézanne, and more. By the time we were done seeing all of the rooms, it was mid-afternoon and we were starving!

And what better place to go for lunch then Ladurée? (Highly recommend the Club Saumon for an entrée and macarons with a cup of tea or a cappuccino for dessert!)

Having gained some energy after our macaron break, we decided we had enough strength left to climb the Arc de Triomphe! (Another PSA: bring your ID or passport if you are 25 or under for a free ticket.) The view on top was absolutely breathtaking.