Today was the first time we've been all the way to the end of the line. We're meeting our former Paris neighbor, Donna there.
At one time, the chateau was outside the city and was a hunting lodge in the forest of Vincennes in the 12th century. John II initiated work on a keep, which his son, Charles V completed around 1370. The Chateau is one of the most important in French History. It is the largest Royal Chateau to remain standing and with its 150 feet-high keep is one of the tallest medieval fortresses in Europe. Charles V decided to have a holy chapel erected in 1375, however, he died before it was completed. It was completed much later during the reign of Henry II. Once inside the compound, we headed for the Chapel. It is currently being refurbished, hence the cover and scaffolding, but inside its still beautiful!
Some of the stain glass windows have been removed to be cleaned. Compare the clean window to the not so clean one next to it. The chapel is stunning in it's simplicity yet detailed carvings.
Next, we move on to the castle. The chatelet forms the main entrance to the keep, this huge square tower flanked by four corner turrets.
There is an enormous central hall with rooms in each turret. It is protected by a wall and a deep moat originally filled with water.
We climbed many steps up to the wooden walk leading from the entrance to the residence area.
We visited the King's bed chamber.
Up more steps to view the bell tower.
The original bell is kept in the chapel.
There was a lot of stair climbing, but the views made it worthwhile.
At this point we felt like we had seen all there was to see and lunch was in order. Donna knew of a very good place, so we're off to find it.
Miznon of Paris, specializes in fresh vegetables and uses them all around the restaurant for decoration and lots of color.
I chose an artichoke and grilled cauliflower, Tom and Donna had roast beef sandwiches. It was devine!
After lunch, we walked by the Musee Carnavalet with an amazing courtyard--a very Paris garden.
Next was the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris and one of the finest in the city. It's in the Marais district. On all four sides are some of the most historically prestigious residences. Victor Hugo, Cardinal Richelieu and post impressionist painter Georges Dufrenoy were just a few of it's distinguished residents.
It was built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612. The park was inaugurated in 1612 with a grand carrousel to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria.
In the center of the park is a statue of Louis XIII.
There is a fountain in each corner of the park. Today, people are out enjoying the sunshine and blue sky.
Donna is an artist and shares some of her exquisite art work with us as we too enjoy this beautiful park.
Again, back to
the Metro after a full wonderful day.
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