The Paris Opera House

Today was our last free day in France. I thoroughly enjoyed a nice, easy morning- I slept in, did laundry, grocery shopping, had lunch, and took a nap. It was bliss.

In the afternoon a group of us went to the Paris Opera House. It was built by the architect Charles Garnier in the Art Deco style. I have seen a lot of elaborate buildings in the past few weeks, but this was astounding. Unlike the other buildings I've seen, I actually liked its excessiveness. And of course I have to mention the fact that this opera house inspired Gaston Leroux to write his book The Phantom of the Opera.

Afterwards we walked back to Arc de Triomphe, then walked back to the hotel for dinner. We were planning on eating pastries under the lights of the Eiffel Tower, but today is Summer Solstice in France. Which means there is music playing on every corner, and all of the shops close early. We were actually exhausted anyway, so we came back to the hotel and watched Clue.

It was nice to take it easy for a day., and now I'm ready to get back into routine tomorrow! I can't wait for Versailles!