Rouen back to Paris

After a wonderful stay and breakfast in the B&B, we did a quick walking tour of Rouen, interrupted by lots of shopping. Our impression of Rouen was completely different today compared to last night. Last evening it was empty, dirty, and a bit scary. Today it is bright, bustling, and has lots of nice stores.



We first stopped at the Cathedral, another gothic church from the 12th century, whooped-dee-doo. ;) However, this one was made famous by the fact that Monet painted this Cathedral like 30 times experimenting with light, color, and shadows. We saw 4 of the famous paintings in the Orsay museum in Paris. So it was nice to see in person.



After more shopping (including some fancy gifts for Ry), we made it to the Gros Horloge (big clock). Apparently this is super old too, in fact it only has an hour hand as minutes were not very important to people way back when. I wonder if that's where we inherited our Albiston time?

Found a few stores along the way that had great names:









We finally made it to the end of our walking tour, and found the somewhat odd looking modern church built for Joan of Arc. After all the beautiful gothic churches, it's kinda sad the patron saint of France has to be associated with this one. But then again, the 1970's aren't known for its beautiful architecture.






Near the church is the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, at age 19. Sad.




















We left Rouen, and drove to some ruins of a medieval castle built by Richard the Lionhearted for a picnic lunch. Ever get tired of seeing really, really old buildings? I'm only half kidding. We enjoyed the view over the Seine River while we enjoyed a baguette, brie, and fruit. (And very messy pastries.)

















We then drove to Giverny, home of Claude Monet. We enjoyed a walk through his beautiful gardens and especially enjoyed his water garden with the famous waterlillies and Japanese bridge. We like Claude.



We made a very quick stop at the chateau La Roche Guyon, overlooking the Seine River, where German General Erwin Rommell made his home while in France and oversaw the buildup of the Atlantic Wall. He was an interesting man, you should read about him. You might be surprised.
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It's Holley now, can I just tell you the most frightening thing we have done this whole trip is drive through Paris! Gary was awesome. Roundabouts were not worry, it's the crazy, cRAzy drivers and motorcyclist! I have decided Parisians enjoy chaos and disorder. ;). We instantly missed the calm countryside and were happy to turn in the rental car and go back to the metro for our last two days in Paris.

We ended the evening with the most delicious gelato. I thought it was a good sign when a little Italian family stopped to get a treat and then took pictures of the gelato store. Italians know gelato. Our gelato was delicious. I highly recommend that if you see an Italian family taking pictures of the gelato store - then eat there!

Tomorrow will be our last day in France. To say we have had a wonderful trip would be a gross understatement. It has truly been perfect!

Bon Nuit









-Bloggin' on the go. Bonjour!