ON OUR RETURN TRIP

View of Seine near Eiffel Tower

Statue of Seine at  Pont du Carrousal

 

View of Ile de la Cite

    The Seine, the life-breath of France, gives her inhabitants not only crops but also a busy flourishing trade and electricity as well. During her 777-kms long journey from Source-Seine at Langres Plateau, she flows through the regions of Normandy and Roven and joins the English channel at Le Havre. This river was linked by canals to the rivers Loire, Rhine and Rhone. This is the second largest river in France after the river Loire. The name of the river "Seine" comes from the Gaulish word "Sicauna" which means "sacred" (in Latin 'Sicauna'). The banks of the Seine were declared as a World Heritage Site in 1991. There are two beautiful islands on this river which attract many tourists from various parts of the world. The "Ile de La Cite" is the place where the first inhabitants called "Parisii" settled in the third century A.D. The second island is "Saint Louis" once called as "ile Aux Vaches" (Island of cows). It has many beautiful 16th and 17th century mansions built by the famous French architect, Louis Le Vau. The Ile Saint Louis is connected to Paris by four bridges to both banks of the river Seine, and to the Ile de la Cite by the Pont Saint Louis. So much about this beautiful river which flowing through the heart of Paris adds grace and charm to this historic city with her traditional as well as latest fashion trends.

Ile Saint Louis

The Mansion built by Louis Le Vah at Saint Louis

Artistic Facade of Hotel Chenizot

 After this refreshing ride, we had to conclude our European trip though  we missed seeing many must-see  tourist attractions in Paris. The Concergerie built in the heart of the "Ile de La Cite" was the palace built in 14th century with magnificent Gothic halls. The Saint-Chapelle was a 13th century Gothic church built by Louis IX who later became St.Louis. Notre Dame Cathedral started in 1165 by Louis VII and  completed in 1250 was another glorious gem of Gothic architecture providing a panoramic view of Paris from the top of its towers. " The Basilica of St.Denis " was the burial site of many French kings. More than seventy tombs with sculpted architecture are seen in this historic church. "The Conde Museum" housed in the mansion of Henri d'Orleans, Duke of Aumale and son of King Louis-Phillipe, contains the richest collection of paintings in France, next to that of the Louvre. There is also a library with precious works dating from the Middle Ages. Besides this there is also the  "Horse Museum " and the "Grand Stable" with horses of supreme breed which perform marvelous feats in the live show. And finally the most fascinating tourist shopping destination, Champs-Elysee, a 1.9 km long boulevard, located just opposite to the Place de La Concorde, attracts so many people with her fabulous theaters, cafes, luxury shops and hotels. Yet one can not see all the places in the world.  To see and appreciate Paris it needs a longer period of stay and some acquaintance with her glorious history and culture.

Concergerie at Ile de la Cite

                       

Conde Museum

                           

Basilica of St. Denis

Avenue Champs-Elysee

  Our tour manager plodded us to hurry up as there was a heavy rush for return journey from Calais to Dover. After downing our customary Indian meal at the same Indian hotel, we caught the ferry which was already crowded with so many passengers. After two hours we landed at Dover and from there by our bus back to our starting point in Wembley. It was almost 9.00 p.m. Our tour manager in his concluding farewell remarks spoke favorably about our patience, good company and strict adherence to time schedule without which we could not have covered so many tourist places within the time given. A wave of thankful smiles and laughter with farewell greetings rose from the departing tourists. Our tour manager gave a hearty dinner in the nearby hotel. For those who had to go to far away colonies he provided food packets as a gesture of courtesy. A very generous and sensible act indeed ! Before embarking on this trip we doubted our physical stamina whether we would be able to withstand the changes of climate in various parts of Europe. But we felt far more healthy by the salubrious effect of pollution-free regions of Switzerland and neighboring regions.  

 Note :  We owe much to our beloved daughter, Saujanya and our Son-in-law, Ananth, without whose encouragement and support, we would not have seen all these fascinating places. Their company during our trip made us feel quite happy and enjoyable. Our grateful thanks to them with best wishes.





                        
 ****************************
 ****************************
 ****************************  ****************************   ***************************  ****************************                                 



        15th July, 2016                                                               Somaseshu Gutala