Day 20, June 17 - Last day in Paris

Our train back to London wasn't until late this afternoon, so we wanted to at least spend half a day doing the things we still haven't gotten to do yet. We started our morning by going over to the Islands and checking out the bookstore Shakespeare and Company. They wet pretty strict about photos there, but it was this very old and quaint bookstore. Scott and I are huge bookworms and we were right at home there. It is two stories, and is filled with local novels and novels from around the world. There are sections that lead to dead ends and books that are shelved above you as you walk up the stairs. Such a one of a kind place to visit!  

Then, about a 5 minute walk across the Seine River, we went back to Notre Dame one last time, but this time, it was to climb to the top for a panorama view. There was a line to the left of th cathedral and it was included in our Paris Museum Pass we bought ahead of time. We waited in line for about an hour, and made friends with other Americans in line with us. Once we were able to go in, we made the trek up the 400 or so steps to the top. And the view is so worth it after that climb. It was just a little bit higher than the Arc de Triomphe, and we were able to see all the gargoyles that inhabit the top. We were starved by the time we were back on ground level, so we ate at the nearest restaurant right to the left of the cathedral. I will say this: don't go there. The food is mediocre and you have to pay to use the restroom. No thank you. 

Afterwards, we took the Métro over to Northern Paris, so I could have a glimpse at the world famous Moulin Rouge. The lines were long to get a tour inside, and I believe you need to book them in advance. So instead, we walked around and happened upon a cemetery ( I think it was called Montmartre Cemetery?), which looked so similar to our cemeteries back home in Nola. After all, we did kind of come from French heritage!  After walking around so much, we decided it was time to say goodbye, grab our luggage from our hotel, and head to Gare du Nord train station. We waited for the Eurostar to take us back to London, where we stayed the night one last time, before we had to leave at 7am for our flight to Dublin!