Not the Chateau de Vincennes

Yesterday morning David and I went for a walk to find our church chapel, as it didn't look very far. We walked through the beautiful Marais, and found it easily, in a very old building. On the way back, I finally found a watch shop, and paid a mere 4 euro for a new battery. That's about $6AUD. We also bought sim cards for two of our phones. I'd wished I'd had them the day we went to the Louvre. Where's this kid? Where's that kid???

After lunch we popped over to Chateau de Vincennes, but it was closed to visitors, because yesterday was 21st juin, the longest day of the year, and the first day of summer. It is known as the night of music, as musicians all over paris played in the streets until very late. Lots of fun. It was strange going to sleep at about 10:30pm in daylight with very loud music coming up from the streets.

Instead of Chateau de Vincennes, we went to see the crypt beneath Notre Dame - buildings and streets excavated, dating from around 1200 - both Gallic and Roman, and lots of history about Paris, which the Gauls originally called Lutece, or 'Mud'.

Afterwards we went to the Sainte Chapelle, built by Louis IX, also dating from around 1200. The windows are incredible. It is really like stepping into the Middle Ages. Fleur de lis everywhere, and lots of intricate designs. I expected Robin Hood to step in at any moment. It was actually one of the most peaceful places I've been. Originally, Louis IX bought a load of relics to keep there, including what was believed to be the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head. This brought great power, and Paris became the second most prominent Church city. Unfortunately, the relics were burnt in the revolution, and the remains are kept in a locked sanctuary in Notre Dame.

Several people told me that it is the most beautiful church in Paris. It was astounding. It also has a wall painting of the Annunciation, which is the oldest wall painting in France. Interestingly, we had to go through metal detectors to get inside, and as usual, I set it off. Hugo's theory is that my head is teeth have too many fillings. When we were at Heathrow, Alex offered me money to say,"Est-ce que je suis bovvered?" to the guard, if it went off. That's a Catherine Tate joke, if you didn't recognize it. Youtube it. Needless to say, I kept my quips to myself, but did have to endure the most physical frisking of any airport so far.

By the time we came out, the streets were FULL of people getting to celebrate the night of music, and there was a very festive atmosphere. Musicians were already playing about the place. We bought crepes with chocolate and chantilly (whipped cream) which promptly melted and dripped everywhere - delicious!