Paris Day 3

Our break was only a short one – we were in Paris for 4 nights only, but that was long enough to see and do what we wanted to see and do, plus we both hate leaving the fur kids behind for any length of time. So actually, short city breaks are just right for us.

Our third day was sort of the reason why we went to Paris in the first place.

We wanted to renew our vows for our 25^th wedding anniversary and day 3 was the day itself. We had agonised what to do and where and when to do it for the past couple of years. Various ideas were on the table and off the table. We love Florida so debated a Floridian renewal, perhaps even on the beach. We love Vegas and so even toyed with a very tacky Little White Chapel ‘do’ till we realised how costly those things would be. We toyed with a ceremony in church here, but we couldn’t have the vicar who married us and it just didn’t seem to have the right appeal. Once we decided we would revisit the city of our honeymoon it became clear what we needed to do. We would renew our vows in Paris. We thought long and hard about where and how and I am really pleased we settle on Sacre Coeur as it turned out to be just perfect. But more of that in a while.

 

As it was our anniversary we decided to splash out with breakfast at the hotel. Now I am guessing you are thinking that was not much of a splash out. Think again my friends. The hotel was truly wonderful and I would stay there again in a heartbeat, but Oh my do they have breakfast wrong.

Breakfast was ….. wait for it …. 25euros each! That’s nearly £50 for breakfast. We had been having breakfast out for about 8 euros all in with loads to eat and hot chocolate and orange juice. This was billed as an American buffet breakfast but it wasn’t quite. We love our American buffets but whilst this was nice it wasn’t the same. I am used to their huge choice of fruits but of course they had European fruits. No where to be seen where the bowls full of fresh pineapple, mango, papaya and strawberries. It was fine. I enjoyed the cereal, the croissants and the pain au chocolat and the hot chocolate was to die for. Nij enjoyed the cooked breakfast options, several times, but oh boy. £50! Anyway – it was a special day so nice to start in style.

We left the hotel with our long sleeved sweatshirts and light jackets and there was a definite chill in the air. We caught the metro – old hands at that now – to the Moulin Rouge.

 

It was actually nicer than we remembered and we took lots of photos and then sat inside a Starbucks and just enjoyed watching the world go by.

 

We then followed a walk in our trusty guide book which was actually very good. It took us through lots of small streets in Montmartre which were really pretty and very quiet. We passed a beautiful old cemetery, the house where Van Gough lived and even though it was very very cold it was a lovely walk with lots of photo opportunities.

 

I would also recommend it as you climb steadily but it is not like climbing all the steps up to Sacre Coeur, you approach it from behind and it seems altogether more gentle.

When we reached Sacre Coeur we entered and we both struck by the beauty of the church. Notre Dame was stunning and majestic, but sacre Coeur had a completely different feel. It felt less like a monument and more like a living church full of the faithful. We were so very very lucky that the mass had just started. We sat in pews and joined in with the mass, as much as we could as the French made it a little harder to follow. Sitting there with the sanctuary all lit, the huge mosaic across the front of the dome showing Our Lord welcoming us in, the nuns singing, was spellbinding and something we will never forget. It hadn’t been planned that way, but it was so right right that we both got to celebrate mass before we renewed our vows.

When the mass was over the nuns returned for another service and they sang so beautifully. Whilst they were singing we renewed our vows. We had both written what we wanted to say and I had them in an envelope in my bag. Nigel said his first and I was totally wrecked. The words he said were so beautiful and special. The tears rolled down my cheeks and neither of us was aware of other people in the church. We were sat in full public view facing each other and holding hands and whatever people must have thought I don’t know. But do you know, it never once entered our heads that others might be watching us. We were both lost in the moment. Once Nigel had said his I then read mine ( a little falteringly as I was crying quite a bit!) It was incredibly moving, sat in such a beautiful church, renewing our vows before God and with the beautiful singing around us. We then lit a candle and realised how right we had been to do it when and where we had.

 

 

 

Once we finally left the church we went into the square and browsed around the artists and then sat in a pavement café and shared a drink thanks to Jakki and Gary (they had given us an anniversary card with the strict instructions we were to take it with us. Inside was money to have a drink on them. We did and were able to text them and say they had paid for the Reception!)

 

 

 

We then left by the steps (stopping to buy a bag I liked from one of the many many traders. We did get a good bargain as Nij is quite good at haggling when pressurised LOL

We then took the metro to the Opera and the sun had come out and we took some lovely photos before wandering down to Place de Vendome and taking more pictures there.

 

 

 

Whilst we were there someone famous arrived. No idea who but there were 2 police motorbikes followed by 4 or 5 big limos and then 2 more police bikes. The people got out but what was so funny was that when the police bikes parked up in a line they all took off their helmets and put on their police hats and I swear, no sooner had they done this than they were set to move off again so they took the hats straight off and put on the helmets. It tickled me to see them do that at such speed.

On the way down there something very odd had happened. We were walking past all of the very very expensive jewellers (I think we were outside Van Cleef) when just ahead of us a lady stopped and bent and picked up something gold from the pavement. It was a very heavy gold men’s wedding ring. She stopped us and showed us and tried to give us the ring. We said no she should take it in the store. She said no, she didn’t have a husband and she had found the ring and it was hallmarked and we should have it – it would bring us luck. We were horrified and tried to get her to take it into the store so that whoever had lost it might eventually get it back. She was quite insistent that we took it and when we refused again she stormed off muttering. It was very very odd. I have no idea if it was some sort of scam or if she really had just found it. It was on the ground. I saw her pick it up. I couldn’t quite understand why she wanted to give it to us and yet wouldn’t give it to the shop so it might be reclaimed.

 

I am now adding this in - thanks to Bev - who had the foresight to google this and it is, indeed an old scam. Check it out here. I can't beieve it. But then I guess we were obvious tourists, walking down a road lined with shops we clearly couldn't afford and with cameras round our necks and a guide book in hand. We might as well have been carrying a sign that said - 'try us ... we're gullible' except, I am pleased to say, we weren't.

Thanks Bev - I am so pleased we now know - it bothered us greatly, especially as it was a wedding rind in light of what we had done a little while earlier. We had both been worried that some poor man had lost his wedding band.

THANK YOU

We then walked to the Hard Rock Café for dinner (I did say we had liked it) and then took the metro back , packed and relaxed in our apartment with another bottle of wine.

We left at 7 am the following day, having had a very brief but a thoroughly enjoyable time in Paris.

 This is another page for our digital album

 
Today I am thankful for

• bumping into old friends - it was great to meet up with Paul by chance in Hobbycraft
• 30 day shred being a little easier

 

Comments

[Bev]

That ring trick struck me as odd so I googled it, and it is indeed a scam.

http://www.bargaintraveleurope.com/07/France_Scam_Paris.htm

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Happy Anniversary.

[Allycat]

Glad you didn't get conned!
What a wonderful way to renew your vows - congratulations to you both!
x

[Sandi]

It's so wonderful to have special anniversaries. We went to Ireland from the U.S. for our 25th AFTER we had a party with all our friends! To me, our anniversary is the most special day in the year. We usually get away for at least an overnight or two. Congratulations to you both. (We will celebrate 44 years in August!)

[Carol Anne]

What a special vow renewal. Sorry you had to deal with the "ring thing", but now you can rest easy about it. Congratulations on 25 years of marriage, and may you have many, many more!!

[mary]

The way you described inside the church with the nuns singing, must have made just the right atmosphere all the more special as you both read your vows. The church looks beautiful inside, a truly unforgettable day and that moment will be etched into your memory forever