Paris was wonderful. The city is very bike friendly, so we were able to explore neighborhoods and sites.  We stayed in the 12th arrondissement, in the southwest of the city. A great location, close to the Seine and quiet. We were overwhelmed by the number of tourists in the main part of the city, we wondered if it was due to the Olympics.

We started off at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Fours towers resembling open books facing each other.

The it was on to the left bank, great cycling through lively streets to Egllise  St Etienne near the pantheon.  Thus church is where St Geneviève’s tomb is now located.   My confirmation name was Geneviève; I chose her because if her story (yes, when I was 12 I did research !). I was inspired by her story of protecting the city.  I lit a candle, with the efficient card tap system. 

We finished the day riding to the Ile de France (Notre Dame us still closed), over to the Louvre and the Tuilieres. This area was thronged with people, we were able to see the Olympic Cauldron, then rode  along the Seine

The next day we explored Pere Lachaise cemetery in the rain, which made it very atmospheric. I was in tears at Jim Morrison, Isadora Duncan and Oscar Wilde’s graves. This trip is about fulfilling my teenage dream of doing the Camino, so it was appropriate remembering the rebels who also inspired my youth. 

Then it was off the Centre de George Pompidou  A lively cultural centre built in 1977. Larry first visited it in 1979, I was there in 1983.   The architecture which seemed so new then seems a little tired now. The public library in the
Centre  was packed, yet very quiet. 

More about our ride to Orleans later, time for breakfast!