Second Day in Paris

We started out our second day in Paris by visiting the Arc Du Triomphe- It was built because Napoleon wanted something fabulous for his armies to walk through when returning from their victories. In essence it honors those who fought and died for France. It also memorializes the unknown soldier from World War I. It was quite neat =)

The placement of the Arc is right in the middle of a very busy intersection- at the end of Champs Elysees- a famous boulevard in Paris.

You couldn't cross the street to get to the Arc because it was sooo busy! So instead we walked in an underground tunnel to get to the monument.

Chase looking up!

Eternal Flame for the unknown soldier and his resting place- representing the many lives that were given that are still unknown.

Looking up at the arch of the Arc.

After climbing many stairs we reached the top of the Arc and were able to see the bustling city of Paris below.

View of the Eiffel Tower from up above.

The many stairs!

After going up the Arc we sauntered up the famous boulevard Champs Elysees where there are many shops and stores- Chase couldn't help but stop to look at this cool car (Peugeot)!

On our way toward the Louvre, we stopped to see this- the oldest monument in Paris which was a gift from Egypt. It took two years to transport.

Along our way we stopped in the Tullerie Gardens. Posing in front of one of the statues. We found the parks in Paris to be very interesting. There was a lot of dirt and they don't allow walking on the grass. They did have pretty trees, plants, fountains and statues that were cool and also plenty of seating!

Outside the Louvre Museum.

Chase taking on the Lion. (We are now inside the museum!)

This painting really caught my eye. It is a depiction of the Savior and his Mother Mary after his crucifixion. What really caught my eye was the emotion in the baby angels' faces.

Specifically this one...It made me really sad.

The famous Mona Lisa.

Real life Sphinx!

Other visitors...

Big feet. The Louvre is a very famous museum and houses the works of many famous pieces. There are works by Da Vinci and Michelangelo and works from all over the world. It was quite interesting. It is also HUGE! We spent four hours and probably only saw a fraction of the museum. There is just way too much to see!

The inside of the Museum itself was quite amazing as well.

Needless to say- we were a bit tired after our jaunt through the Louvre- but it was worth it!