We didn't waste any time seeing Paris! After visiting the boulangerie down the street for a baguette and some croissants, we took off to explore the neighborhood around our apartment. We live about two miles north of the River Seine on the west side of the city, the 11th arrondissement. We walked today to the Place de Bastille, a beautiful square where about 5 or more streets converge. While there is no Bastille anymore, but there is a column in the center of the square marking the spot of the famous prison that once stood there. We walked south to the River Seine and did what Parisians do on Sunday, strolled the riverbank and just relaxed. Lots of people were roller-blading, walking dogs and children and riding bikes.

 We then arrived at the Hotel de Ville, the city council building and Mayor of Paris's offices . This is a magnificent building, center of Parisian government since the fourteenth century and the civic square of Paris.

 Turning left, we crossed the Seine and walked to Notre Dame, the magnificent gothic cathedral of Paris. We arrived at 5:30 pm and were in time to tour the cathedral and hear the beginning of the 6 pm mass. We walked around, awestruck at the gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows. Just as we reached the nave of the church and were gawking at the rose-shaped windows on either side of the altar, the organ began playing and a choir began singing. A priest entered the altar, incense was burning and mass began. We stayed for a while and listened to the choir and incredible organ music. We were truly impressed with the beauty and magnificence of this cathedral first built in the 12th century and still used for worship today.

By this time we needed dinner and wine, so we headed back to our apartment by way of the café at Place de Bastille. Fortified with pizza and wine, we made it home after another stop at a boulangerie for cherry tarts. We can hardly pass the neighborhood bakeries without stopping for treat. They are amazing!