Contraste aux Paris

Like most cities, Paris is full of contrasts - the more so because it is a big city, a hub that draws so many people.

One of the first things I noticed was how much Parisians like their flowers...


...and their silverbeet!


Of course, it is also home to some fairly spectacular churches. The Notre Dame stands in front of a square, which was less crowded than I had expected.


And when wandering through the Montmartre district, the Sacre Coeur pops up at you - sometimes quite unexpectedly.


I have to say, the Sacre Coeur is possibly the most beautiful church I've ever seen, particularly from the inside. Unfortunately, it was not permitted to take any photographs inside the church. I didn't take any from right outside either, as the light was too bright and it was impossible to get a decent shot.

Along the Seine, there are gilded buildings, like here on the Place de la Concorde...


... and on the Rive Gauche, some people have made a village within the city.