People ask me all the time "Where's your favorite place to visit in Europe?" and I always answer "Paris!" I have an ongoing love affair with this city. Let me tell you what I advise people to do on their first day in this special city. Take the métro to the "Cité" stop. This puts you in the middle of the Ile de la Cité in the middle of the Seine river in the heart of Paris. It was here that the first celtic settlement began about 3000 years ago. There's nothing left of this civilization, however you can visit the ruins of the old Gallo-Roman town beneath the square in front of Notre Dame cathedral. It's a very short walk to get from the metro stop to the square. The cathedral is a must! Built almost 1000 years ago, it is a marvel of architecture and survival. Take time to notice the outside adornments - the statues of the kings of Judah, the statues of Adam and Eve above them looking down on the mass of humanity in tears, the beautiful Rose window and the statue of Christ blessing you as you enter. Inside you will be amazed at the huge columns holding up the arched ceiling. How did they build this without modern technology? With just human determination and artistry? Obviously with a devout belief in the power of the divine. Look for the statue of Joan of Arc, patron saint of France. Once you've made the circuit inside, be sure to walk around to the back of the cathedral to see the buttresses that support the narrow apse. It is truly a marvel of architectural engineering The revolutionaries almost destroyed this church and many others throughout France believing them to represent the power of the king as well as a "state enforced" religion. Considering all the wars and battles that Paris has seen, it is remarkable that this beautiful edifice remains. More on the Ile de la Cité on Thursday. I love this tiny island for its historical as well as aesthetic representation of all that's wonderful about Paris! A bientôt, mes amis! .
