Tuesday (Paris)…

An early morning return to the top of the Arc de Triomphe revealed the mottled sun and fantastic grey and white clouds that would accent scenes throughout the day. After breakfast, caught the Metro down to the Isle de la Cite, the island where Paris began. Toured La Chapelle–a church built in the 12th century. La Chapelle is renowned for its stained glass, which wraps around the church as one nearly seamless window. Afterwards, walked down into a museum that gives you a peek at the early Roman foundations of Paris. Then it was on to the main event on the island: Notre Dame. The cathedral is truly magnificent both inside and out, with medieval eye candy in every direction. Lunched across the street from the cathedral having a yummy croque monsieur and nutella crepe. Afterwards, walked along the Seine to the Musee d’Orsay–a “modern” art museum (by European standards) in a grand old train station. Saw some amazing Art Nouveau decorative arts, impressionistic painting, and a lot of sculpture. Picked a couple great books…one on the building of the Paris Metro. After closing the museum, headed back down the Seine to Notre Dame for some early evening photos. Went around back and saw the Holocaust monument at the eastern end of the island. Walked over to the ajoining island, Isle St. Louis, for a short stroll thru the picturesque streets. As the daylight waned, headed for the Eiffel Tower. Waited out some rain showers on the way and then joined the throngs for this must-see check-list icon. The views from the middle and top levels got better and better as the sunlight faded and the city lights came on. The view was only marred by the bone-chilling winds. Ended the day with a post-midnight dinner at Hippopotomas, near the hotel on the corner of Rue de Wagram and Rue de Faubourg de St. Honore.