PARIS

 It seemed appropriate  that we were came to Paris in the rain.  Thankfully it didn't last long.  After we cleaned up from our flight across the pond Susie and I hit the streets of Paris running. 














Our first stop was a street side cafe with outdoor seating and heater.



A few glasses of wine, a salad for Susie and and avocado with crayfish dish for me, just kinda set the tone for our two week 25th anniversary vacation.  Relax, explore and be happy with the one you love.










We stayed at the  Seventh Art Hotel is a charming parisian hotel between the Place des Vosges and Place de la Bastille.

Located in the Marias district in the 3rd arrondissement, it was centrally located  between Place des Vosges and Place de la Bastille. The Ile Saint Louis served as a major map landmark for me.

 Along with Notre-Dame on the Ile de la Cité, along the Seine.







So, here's a couple of shots from our balcony window both up and down the street.


Susie got to know several of the shop owners in the area and we found many great places to eat and enjoy here in the Marias area.










 We stayed close to the hotel that first day and explored the two islands located in the Seine.






Public spaces filled with flowers and benches to sit often drew us in.

 Notre Dame - Ile de la Cité is as stunning as the light that filters through its famed cathedral’s stained glass windows.







An island in the center of the Seine, Notre Dame - Ile de la Cité's stone bridges and turrets compose its enchanting topography.







The neighborhood leaves no room for understatement—pristine gardens and watchful gargoyles reinforce its transcendentally romantic atmosphere.









We didn't realize just how lucky we were that first evening as we strolled right into the cathedral aw struck by its grandeur beauty and  age.






Until we walked by the next day with our gelato and saw the square at the entry packed with people as the waiting line to enter snaking back with over an hour wait.

 The bridge that crosses the Seine into the 5th arrondissement  is covered with thousands of colorful locks and ribbons.












Couples write their names on the locks to declare their eternal love for one another and then throw their key into the river.


For more about our travels you can check out Susie's blog site for her take on things.

beckervue.com/

http://beckervue.com/

The Pont De L’Archevêché crosses the Seine behind Notre Dame, on Ile De la Cité, to the 5th Arrondissement in Paris. The bridge is covered with colourful ribbons and, close up, you can see there are thousands of locks. - See more at: http://opencityprojects.com/blog/aesthetics/lovers-lock-up-in-paris/#sthash.cO95Zuq5.dpuf

The Pont De L’Archevêché crosses the Seine behind Notre Dame, on Ile De la Cité, to the 5th Arrondissement in Paris. The bridge is covered with colourful ribbons and, close up, you can see there are thousands of locks. - See more at: http://opencityprojects.com/blog/aesthetics/lovers-lock-up-in-paris/#sthash.cO95Zuq5.dpuf

The Pont De L’Archevêché crosses the Seine behind Notre Dame, on Ile De la Cité, to the 5th Arrondissement in Paris. The bridge is covered with colourful ribbons and, close up, you can see there are thousands of locks. - See more at: http://opencityprojects.com/blog/aesthetics/lovers-lock-up-in-paris/#sthash.cO95Zuq5.dpuf

The Pont De L’Archevêché crosses the Seine behind Notre Dame, on Ile De la Cité, to the 5th Arrondissement in Paris. The bridge is covered with colourful ribbons and, close up, you can see there are thousands of locks. - See more at: http://opencityprojects.com/blog/aesthetics/lovers-lock-up-in-paris/#sthash.cO95Zuq5.dpuf