Goodbye Paris -

Day Five:

Just one half day left to explore as much of Paris as possible, we headed to Notre Dame Cathedral.

We have admired this beauty from our Hotel window each day, but today we ventured inside.

It is a sad day when we had to submit to a bag search to enter a Church - but Paris is on high alert and take the security of their visitors and landmarks very seriously.



Once inside we were overwhelmed by the size and age of the structure that commenced construction in AD 1163 under the Reign of King Louis 7th and Papacy of Pope Alexandre 3rd

and like so many grand buildings in France was altered, extended and embellished until it became the building it is today.

This is a miniature model of the Cathedral from the side - a view I was not able to photograph due to surrounding buildings.

From the sights of the lofty ceilings of Notre Dame we then descended to the archaeological excavations under the plaza.

Discovered when excavating for an underground carpark in the 1980's

A fascinating glimpse into Roman times.

Time to say Au Revoir to Paris

and board the TGV (Very fast Train)

to Strasbourg

Where a very Special Young Lady was eager to show us

the traditional Alsatian 

Tarte Flambe

In an establishment that has been a 'Good Inn' and Restaurant since at least 1651

Reference: History Le Gruber