Napoleon's City

As most of you will know, the weather has been pretty amazing. It's felt more like summer than spring, with clear blue skies and limitless sunshine. To make the most of this, we've been spending a lot of time at some of Paris most beautiful parks recently. I think my favourite Parisian park at the moment has to be the Buttes Chaumont. In the 19th arrondissement, it's absolutely massive and was initially a lime quarry until Napoleon came along and rearranged things. There is a large lake, a suspension bridge, large and small hills, a high pillar from which you can see Paris, and waterfalls. As most of the tourists tend to stay at well-known Parisian parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Buttes Chaumont is mainly filled with local young Frenchies indulging in beer and wine whilst lounging in the sunshine, and local families on days out.

There is a rather famous popular restuarant/bar called Rosa Bonheur which is actually in the park itself, I haven't been there yet (due to the ridiculously long queues) but maybe soon. The park is a beautiful (and at times physically exerting) place to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. We drank pimms on the grass in the sunshine, being oh so English in the midst of Paris.

Speaking of Napoleon and his alterations to Paris... we climbed the Arc de Triomphe today. It being Easter Sunday, we were worried the queues would be too long but it wasn't a problem. We also managed to dodge the 9.50 euro entry fee due to being part of the EU and under 26 (I love this about Paris). Initially I was somewhat dubious about climbing it, but the view was spectacular. I would almost say it was better than being on the Eiffel Tower. Just to give you a taste, here is a picture of the view of the Champs Elysees from the top.

I realise that this is a longer post than usual, but before I go I have to tell you about the big man's (or little man's?) final resting place. The tomb of Napoleon is situated inside the golden-topped Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissment. It's an impressive church which is attached to the Musee de l'armee. Although Napoleon is quoted to have said "Je desire que mes cenres reposent sur les bords de la seine au milieu de ce peuple francais que j'ai tant aime." (I wish my ashes to be scattered on the banks of the Seine in the midst of the French people that I love so much) his tomb is inside Les Invalides which is a bit odd to say the least. Always one for ceremony however, Napoleon's tomb is extravagant, set in its own room to which access is given down cold stone steps, surrounded by equally cold intimidating statues.

Thats all for now, bonne nuit xxx