Day Two

We awoke to clear skies on our second day in Paris. Mark and Paul took the opportunity to get the running shoes on and headed out for a couple of laps of Parc de Buttes Chaumont that Paul had shown us the day before. After getting along at a good clip and being energised by the number of Parisien's out and about in the park running, doing Thai Chi and walking, the boys returned ready for another day in the City of Lights. Once they had showered up and we'd wrapped up warm we headed out on foot.

First stop was the patisserie where Sarah had her first encounter with pain au chocolat aux almonde. Let's just say this was not a one off experience. Mark opted for a chausson aux pommes which went down a treat as well. From there we meandered down Rue de Bellville to Bellville proper where Mark got very excited about Paul's suggestion that we utilise the wonderful Velib bike system in Paris to head into town. Sarah was not as overtly enthusiastic as Mark about the suggestion and wasn't dissapointed when the first three bike stations we came across were all empty. However by this stage Mark was using every sense in his body to sniff out bikes in a 100 metre radius and couldn't quite contain himself when a station was spotted with multiple bikes for hire. Conveniently there was a designated cycle lane adjacent to the station so Sarah was able to get to grips with her steed before embarking on our epic journey.

Tour leader Paul talked us through our game plan which would seem him on point at the front of our unit followed by Sarah and then Mark as tail end Charlie. He also mentioned that vehicles coming onto roundabouts in Paris have the right of way. So off we went with both anticipation and a little apprehension on our ride into town. Did we forget to mention that the French drive on the other side of the road! After much concentration and application our unit reached our destination of Ile de la Cité. Mark found the experience invigorating cruising along taking in the city. Sarah found the experience stressful, a picture of concentration she was unable to appreciate the surroundings as every ounce of her was focused on staying on the bike and making it to the destination in one piece. Hi fives were thrown all round when we docked our bikes at the station outside Saint Chapelle.

Saint Chapelle had been recommended to Mark by a friend who stated that it was more impressive than Notre Dame. Given the Dame's majesty we felt we needed to investigate this claim. Outside Saint Chappelle we got our first taste of queuing. Around an hour later we were entering the church. The entrance level of the church is an intimate low level vaulted space that is reasonably understated compared to the other churches in the city that dwarf you with their imposing size. However this understatedness sets you up to be completely blown away when you ascend the stairs into the chapel proper. As you emerge from the circular stairwell in the corner of the chapel you are surrounded by light streaming through 15, 20 metre high sets of stained glass windows. It is simple breathtaking. We just sat for a while in amazement at the detail and harmony of the space. Here is a pic that gives you a small taste of this glittering jewel of Paris.

Coming down from the soaring heights of Saint Chapelle Paul guided us to a lunch spot where we combatted the cold outside with soup l'ognion, another galette and creme brûlée. This hit the spot beautifully and we enjoyed taking our time over the three courses although Mark didn't let the heat of the soup slow him down. Due to our later start to the day by the time we had finished lunch it was nearing dusk so we decided to wander over to the left bank into the Latin Quarter and down to one of the oldest churches in Paris, Saint Germain des Pres where the church was first built in the 6th century. This is a great part of town with a lot of great cafes and interesting shops. The church was again very large with the highlight for Mark being a twisted column that was positioned behind the altar. Following our visit to Saint Germain we decided to have a quiet night in at Paul and Iréne's. Our hosts treated us to some lovely cheese and crackers and some great conversations before we got an early night as the plan for the next day was a trip out to Versailles.