Bon voyage Paris. No, let's make it au revoir, definitely!

Our last full day in Paris. Paul and I breakfasted earlier, and were nearly finished when Amelia came down.
The two of us headed out for a romantic walk together, so nice. Down past Notre Dame and through the flower and bird markets. I have visited these so many times - with Lynette, then with Lynette and Mel, then this time with Amelia, and then all the kids, and lastly today. They're nothing fantastic, although the colours of both the birds and flowers are vibrant. It's hard to see the birds in cages though. Today we saw quite a few being purchased which was good. It remains a very authentic part of Paris, with the smells and sounds that stay in my memory.

Back to the hotel to collect Amelia, and then off to an international mass at Notre Dame. We weren't sure what to expect, and watched the full incense and processional with interest.

After the service

 As we entered we were given candles, that we lit from each others, and then held during the service. For me, I found it a challenge to get past the man-made activities to experience what I was looking for. It probably didn't help that I couldn't understand over half of it! But I was delighted to find that I could participate in a lot of both the singing and the responses. There were several Bible readings that I knew well in English, so could easily follow.   It wasn't something I would do frequently, but certainly I'm glad we went today. It was weird being in the congregation while tourists walked round the perimeter of the church taking photos - some with flashes (which is expressly prohibited).
After church we wandered for a while, looking for a restaurant deemed to be significant enough for our last meal out. We wanted small, non-expensive and authentic, and we found it in a back street off Place Saint-Michel. A lovely way to while away several hours as we reminisced over our last 3 months. Of course one of the brightest crazy memories is of Amelia's 21st.
 
Back to the hotel to change out of church clothes and shoes, and off we set for our final big walk of the holiday. Why do we feel the need to revisit and check that everything is still there?! But we do, so first it was Les Jardins du Luxembourg, and I remembered right at the start of our trip when Amelia and I went - it was mid autumn and I took a lovely photo of her throwing leaves up in the air - she still has it on FB. Today it is mid-winter - beautifully sunny, a chill in the air, and lots of families out for a Sunday stroll.

On down to the Seine, and over Pont Neuf - the oldest bridge in Paris (which is funny as pont neuf means new bridge!) The bells of Notre Dame were ringing, so we stopped to enjoy, and Amelia recorded it on her camera.

Across Ile de la Cite, and past the little garden square where we all hid behind trees and lamp-posts when the kids were over for Amelia's birthday. Such dumb, funny, family games!
On to the right bank, and down Rue de Rivoli with all its shops and sales. Past the ice skating at Hotel de Ville. Up Rue de Temple, and we are in familiar territory now, this was our daily environment when staying in the 3rd for our month. Of course, being Sunday, many of the little cobbled streets are closed to vehicles, and crammed with all generations of Parisiens. Down Rambuteau - stopping to look at 'our' apartment. Finally reaching Place des Vosges, one of our most favourite squares, and we sat on a bench in the sun for a while, absorbing the beauty of a winter Sunday late afternoon in Paris.

Sitting in the sun at Place des Vosges

Through the little hidden door and Hotel Sully's lovely garden, then out to Village St Paul and back down to the Seine. We realised how much at home we feel, and just relish the familiarity that means we can wander at will, knowing if we find ourselves in a strange street it is easy to re-centre ourselves to keep going. How magic is that?!
Across the Seine again, this time going through Ile St Louis, and back up Boulevard Saint Germaine, then up Rue des Ecoles and so arriving at our hotel. About 10km in all, and our feet are tired and sore, and we hope to sleep well tonight!
Nothing remains to be done except to pack - we fold and stuff and cram and sit on suitcases and finally it is done.
The wake-up call is booked for the morning, and the taxi ordered.
Paris, you have been so good to us, thank you.