Visit to Mont St Michel, Normandy, France

Kathy waiting in the Paris Metro wondering what this Mont St Michel trip is all about.

We had brunch at this castle on the way to the Mont.

A real castle with a moat.

Mont St Michel

Le Mont-Saint-Michael is a rocky, cone-shaped islet in northwestern France, in the Gulf of Saint-Malo. It is connected by a causeway with the mainland. The islet, famous for its Benedictine abbey, has small houses and shops on its lowest level. Above these stand the monastic buildings, many of which date from the 13th century and are considered outstanding examples of Gothic architecture. The entire islet is crowned by the abbey church, which sits about 240 ft above sea level.

First view of the Mont.

Inside the abbey at the top of this enormous and beautiful structure is a ancient chapel. I asked a French friend of ours from Montgomery to call ahead and arrange that a monk pray with us that God will bless our relationship.

St Michel watching over the whole program.

I know three pictures of us kissing is a bit much, but this was the best part of the trip for us.

Paris

View from our hotel balcony

At the Gare du Nord - one on the larger Paris train stations.

Ste. Chappelle, Paris

Ste. Chappelle, built in 1248, this magnificent chapel has 50-foot-high windows containing the oldest stained-glass windows in Paris. They include over 1,100 scenes from the Old Testament.

Sacre Coeur

View of Paris from the steps of Sacre Coeur

Louvre

The Louvre - 300,000 pieces of art and Kathy was still the best looking thing there.

Eiffel Tower

By day, you are more aware of the 15,000 metal parts and 2.5 million rivets, but by night, the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking!

Day trip to Belgium

We took a high-speed train and a worldwind tour of Belgium on Friday. We first visited Bruges, a small town notable for its beautiful canals, architecture and cobbled streets. A second leg of the train journey took us to Brussels, where we enjoyed shopping and looking at the amazing architecture of the historic buildings.

Leaving from the Gare du Nord heading to Brussels, Belgium

In the old town square in Brugge, Belgium

Somehow the fresh Belgian air made Kathy even taller....

Back in Paris

"Last night in Paris--dinner at the Eiffel Tower." (After that, we took a taxi at midnight to Sacre' Coeur, "The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre." Construction on this enormous and beautiful church began in 1875. It stands high above Paris and a beautiful view of the city can be seen from its steps. Although we missed Mass by 5 minutes, we ended the evening and our trip with a prayer of God's blessing on our marriage and His guidance in our lives for whatever it is He has for us to accomplish together.)