I have to say that I am very fascinated by Napoleon. I don’t think it ever really occurred to me that he conquered much of Europe only 200 years ago.

I intend to read more about him. Today I visited L’Arche de Triomphe, which was one of his many building projects. The view was incredible, but even more incredible was the fact that he built it as a monument to himself.


(The View from L’Arche de Triomphe)

Today I also visited L’Orangerie, where Monet’s Water Lillies are displayed. The rooms are beautiful, and actually seeing the works made them really come to life for me. I felt like I was walking by the side of a pond, in a dream.

I’ve now stopped for a Cafe au lait and then plan to walk to the Pantheon, then maybe I’ll get out to Montmartre this evening.

Here are a few more from Notre Dame this morning. I think I fell in love with Paris today.