Bethany: Day Four

So after we got back from day 3, we were getting ready for bed when Bethany realized she needed to  charge her camera battery for the following day. Unfortunately, we couldn't find her battery charger. So we proceeded in tearing apart my room for a second time, even moving the bed to look for it. We eventually found it in her suitcase, but more importantly, after moving the bed, we found her museum pass!

So the next morning we set off with charged camera and museum pass in hand. Our first stop was to catch l'Arc du Triomphe, which we missed on the first day. I had to wait quite a while in the line for my free ticket, but the climb went quickly, and, in no time, we were at the top.

One of the views of Paris from atop the Arc.

After the Arc, we stopped in at a Daily Monop for lunch. I didn't realize that after I rang out, I left Bethy at the counter, to deal with a French-only speaking cashier. Oops. She survived it with one more adventure, though, and she quite thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

After lunch, we headed on over to Notre Dame to tour the inside. We had planned on climbing the towers, but after climbing the Arc, we weren't quite up to it. Instead, we just toured the inside, trying to get pictures as best as we could.

The rear of the cathedral.

One of the large Rose Windows.

A chapel inside the cathedral.

A detail of the columns and vaulted ceilings.

We exited the cathedral to get some pictures in the courtyard, then headed into Hotel Dieu to grab some more photos. Hotel Dieu is the oldest hospital in the city. Founded in 651, opened in 660, it has been expanded and changed until eventually being rebuilt in the 19th century. The hospital is massive and gorgeous, with courtyards open to the but public, but is unfortunately often overlooked by tourists to preoccupied with Notre Dame.

A view of the courtyard from the grand staircase.

Finishing our tour of Île de la Cité, we headed over to the Palais de Justice and took a tour of Sainte Chapelle inside.

A stained glass window from the lower chapel.

The view of the lower chapel.

Ceiling detail in the upper chapel.

The upper chapel.

View of the chapel from outside.

Overall, it was a really nice day. We had a great time playing tourist in the city, and I got to catch a few things I hadn't done yet. We had a lot of fun, got in some good exercise, and it was time to pack up and get ready for Ireland!