A Hunt for the best Chocolatier and a Croque Monsieur

Today started out like every ordinary day in Paris...with a pastry from the shop across our hotel. With food in our bellies, we started off for the Catacombs. The Catacombs are an underground grave site created back in the 1800s. Back then, only the rich could afford a burial, so the poor people were buried anywhere and everywhere in Paris. Soon so many dead bodies became unsanitary, so the catacombs were created. To enter the maze of underground tunnels, we had to climb down so many stairs, and the maze lasted about 45 minutes.



Yes, those bones were everywhere, and they are organized by age and sex.

After that lovely adventure, I set off to the Museum d'Orsay. This building that stands on the Seine River was once a train station. Now it is a famous art gallery that houses a lot of famous works from Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and others. I found new artists that I enjoy as well (Seurat and Signac).

The Museum d'Orsay

My lunch experience was an interesting one. I thought I asked for a croque monsieur (a french sandwich toasted with ham and cheese) but when I opened the bag I got a baguette with ham and cheese. Since I was longing to try a croque monsieur, I went back to the lady and told her I didn't order the baguette. Let's just say that didn't go over too well and I ate the baguette sandwich for lunch.

Being a foodie, I had researched the best chocolatier (maker of chocolate) in Paris. I came up with Christian Constant. After a long hunt in the heat, I finally found the story and got a delicious treat and took it to the famous Jardin de Luxemborg to enjoy.

My splurge

Jardin de Luxemborg

On my way back to the metro station, I stopped at the church, Saint Suplice. It was built in 1646 and took 134 years to build! I thought it was absolutely gorgeous and I liked it better than Sacre Coeur.

Saint Suplice

Tonight was our night for the riverboat tour on the Seine River. It was so hot, but we survived and got to listen to our metal audio tour guides. We saw many infamous Parsian sights on the river. It was worth it!

Never fear! The hunt for the Croque Monsieur ended! It was worth the wait, because I got a bargain! A Croque Monsieur sandwich, a coffee eclair, and a Cola light for only 6 euros! Luckily, Scott has been stepping out of his food comfort zone and is willing to give French food a try too! Scott thought the eclairs were maple bar doughnuts.

We waited till dusk to set out on our night walk of the Arc and the Eiffel Tower. We are switching hotels tomorrow, so had to see the sights at night while we were within walking distance!

Three Things I Learned Today:

1. I need to learn some new French words...fast

2. The catacombs exist, and those are REAL bones.

3. Going the wrong way on the metro stinks, especially when you realize it 4 stops too late.