Marché Aux Puces in English means 'flea market' and is actually where the term originated. Towards the end of the 19th century Parisians would head to the North side of the city to sell anything they wanted to. Hence, old household items, sometimes with actual fleas 'puces', were sold and traded at the market place, which has grown to international fame.
Les Puces is actually a collection of streets and markets that break off into disorganized alleys of jumbled stalls and vendor booths. Us early birds were actually dismayed to discover that the stalls and stores actually opened later than it's American counter-parts (even with thorough planning). I guess the French style of taking things slow and easy also applies to running antique markets.
In all honesty, the Les Puces were a bit of a disappointment. Unless your an interior designer, with clients with deep pockets, there's not much for an individual tourist. Our luggage was already crammed full with other goods for the trip home and the knock-off clothing market on the parameter of the antique section was sketchy and dirty. I am still happy to say we went and have the frame of knowledge of what was there. My advice when visiting, unless your in the market for a crystal chandelier, stay closer to the center of the city.
Sainte-Chappelle is the slightly lesser known cathedral in Paris, that is very close to Notre Dame, and it contains some of the best stained glass windows in Europe. It's said its architecture is supposed to mimic Christ's crown of thorns represented by the spindly spires and protruding gargoyles. Like most medieval churches, pilgrims would travel far-and-wide to visit various holy sites and reliquaries. Sainte-Chappelle used to contain the actual crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head when he was crucified. The high windows filled with colored glass seems almost impossible. The church was built at the height of Gothic architecture and exalts the many complex mysteries and religious stories that were everywhere during medieval life. It was a pleasure visiting such a remarkable site that I had learned about back in undergrad.
Known for many superlative reasons The Ritz hotel in Paris is an elegant landmark. Angela had heard about the recent renovation of the hotel and wanted to grab a cocktail at it's famous Bar Hemingway--named after famed hotel regular, Oak Park native, and renowned author, Ernest Hemingway. Other famed visitors include Coco Chanel and Princess Diana. The best feature of the hotel I liked the most was a long hallway with small shops framed by wood. The hallway was adjacent to a spectacular outdoor garden parterre that was enclosed by the hotel. Bar Hemingway had wonderful bar snacks that included homemade potato chips, buttery olives, and slivered almonds. Angela and I had lots of fancy fun on a very special night at The Ritz.
