When we checked the weather forecast before we left for France, it was not looking good. There was either heavy rain or normal rain scheduled, none of the days even had the half-rain/half-sun picture. When we arrived, it was raining (in addition to being windy), and rain+wind is not a good mix. We had an umbrella, but ended up buying Paris-branded ponchos instead (6€ each = $9).

They weren’t very helpful. The first place we went to when we arrived was Notre Dame. We tried to take some pictures, but even with ponchos, it was unmangeable. Frankly, I think Notre Dame is overrated as it’s always crowded and dark. Plus for me, whenever I go there it rains! It rained during my first visit, it rained that day, and it rained when we tried to go again the next day!

We strategically used churches throughout our trip as a means of rest and shelter (from the rain) because there are so many scattered around the city. Aside from Notre Dame, we visited the St-Etienne-du-Mont beside the Pantheon, Saint-Sulpice (still under restoration), La Madeleine, Sacre Coeur, and the Church of the Invalides. We also walked passed several such as the abbey church of St-Germain-des-prés and St Eustache but it wasn’t raining, and you can only handle so many churches before they all look the same.

The prettiest church was St Etienne. It was a huge contrast to Notre Dame as it was constructed with white marble, so was bright and pretty. It was also the final resting place of Blaise Pascal and Saint Genevieve. I also liked La Madeleine because the structure was very impressive, although there wasn’t much to see inside (nor was there any place to sit).

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: diary, europe, france, france08, travelling