Paris

My train pulled in to Paris St Lazare station, I shouldered my backpack and set off to find my hostel. Right away I fell in love with the city, stepping out onto the busy streets and being immediately awed by the architecture, old buildings, cobbled streets, crowded cafes overflowing onto the footpaths, it was a pleasure to get lost in the streets trying to find my way onwards.

Once I had settled in, I decided the best way to get a feel for the place was to wander down any street that looked interesting. Easier said than done, everywhere I turned there was something that caught my eye. A gradually found myself taking all of the high streets, and without a destination in mind I came across the 'Sacré-Cœur', and incredible cathedral built on a hill overlooking the city of Paris. Not a bad place to be at sunset on my first night in the city!

The next few days I spent walking as much as possible, visiting the highlights and trying to get a feel for the city. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, to the maze of catacombs under the city streets, everywhere I turned I saw exquisite buildings, monuments to era defining historical events, and more museums that I had time to visit! A perfect place to set off on foot, and explore (with the help of delicious pastries and espressos) until exhaustion set in.

Numerous highlights:

The Eiffel Tower, dominating the skyline and every prettier at night. I walked the stairs to the second viewing platform, then taking an elevator to the top for a breath taking view of the sprawling city below.

The Catacombs of Paris, not built for people my size, but a mind-blowing maze far below the city street, containing the remains of over six million people!

The Arc de Triumph, capping off the bustling Champs-Élysées

 

The Pantheon, home to the crypts containing the famous sons and daughters of France (Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas etc) and Foucalt's pendulum.

The cemetery of Pere Lachaise, the burial site of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison (among many others).

Whats left of Notre Dame, under heavy reconstruction.

The site of the Bastille Garrison

The Place de la Concorde

More churches, government buildings, historical sights, endless feasts for the senses.

What a city.

Many more photos here

The Wedding (France version)

The day had finally arrived (again). After an Australian wedding earlier in the year, it was time to see how the French do things. I'll have to admit, I had high expectations given the hospitality, wine and food I'd been offered in the last few days, and it didn't disappoint.

The first surprise of the day was the arrival of the maroon Zimmer Golden Spirit convertible to take the father of the bride and bride to be to the wedding ceremony.

We then all met at the Cerisy-la-Salle government building for the official signing of the marriage license, overseen by the mayor's second in charge (wearing a very fancy looking sash). I was the witness (and ring bearer) for my brother, and had to laugh at their attempt to pronounce my name when it came time for the formalities.

A very quick and official ceremony, then back to the brides primary school for some celebratory drinks and congratulations. Many bottles of amazing Champagne were opened, drinking under the stunning crystal clear sunny skies only made it better.

Soon after the real festivities began, the extended family all returned to the family home where things stepped up a notch. More wine, endless amounts of food, thrilling Foosball games, torrential conversations of french and butchered french were attempted and laughs were had, the formal dance of the bridge and groom kicked off the dance floor fun, where things got a little blurry.

Its a little easy to blame the Champagne, red wine, white wine, Calvados and Sangria, but an incredible night was had, and stories of my dancing style will live on through the ages. I kicked off my dance shoes just before sun up, not being able to remember the last time I stayed up to 5 AM (let alone when I actually danced) but realising what a special day it had been.

The next day was pretty low key (for me at least), and the extended family came over for a birthday celebration for Amandine's niece, and to spend some time together and make a dent in the food and wine. Feeling affected by the lack of sleep, (I guess quality wine doesn't give you a hangover but dancing is bad for you) I kept a low profile, and packed my things for the next stage of my journey.

The day of my leaving arrived, the previous week was so full of great company that I felt sad to be on my way Being in Cerisy-la-Salle felt like being home, even on the other side of the world, but another adventures awaits...

More weddings photos here and others here

 

Mont-Saint-Michel and Normandy

The next few days were spent sight seeing and (occasionally) prepping for the upcoming wedding. A definite highlight was the afternoon spent visiting the island fortress / abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel off the Normandy coast. A world heritage listed site, surrounded by quicksand during the low tides, it provided an amazing view of the coast and the construction of the upper sections was incredible!

 Having these fireplaces going during winter would be phenomenal!

I can see how hard it would be to attack and take, before the bridge was built the place was often inaccessible during low tide, and many cars and tourists on foot have been lost to the incoming tides!

We were getting lucky with the weather, with another superb afternoon spent at Granville, a gorgeous seaside town. The site of Christian Dior's childhood home, replete with an aromatic flower filled garden that site atop a cliff overlooking the water.

Normandy is a stunning place (I'm told the weather is never this good during this time of year), with green fields separated by low narrow winding roads, weathered churches, stone buildings and hedges of wild blueberries and raspberries at seemingly every turn. The local cider / brandy (Calvados) is pretty amazing too.

A region with a very storied and sombre history, echos of which can still be felt today.

More photos here