Pyrenees : Part 28 - Day 14 : Espace Bernadette, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower

Day 14 of Pyrenees Drive

Here is a summary of what is spent on Day 14

Route: Saint Porcain -- Nevers -- Paris -- Chimay, Belgium (sleep by the roadside)

Must-Incur Costs :

(1) Petrol at Soissons -- EUR52 (last filled at Albaret Sainte Marie on Day 13)
(2) Parking in Paris -- EUR4.80

The Story

140915 : The drive continues from Saint Porcain to Paris. We had slept in front of a departmental store the night before, and we get to buy some grocery when we woke up. I forgot the name of the departmental store, unfortunately. But I did remember the departmental store was next to McDonalds. As we drove along Paris, I saw a signboard with Saint Bernadette image. I squealed to Prof Sweet Tooth - This is where Saint Bernadette lies! I remembered the caretaker at Le Cachot in Lourdes telling us that Saint Bernadette lies in a church about 1 hour from Paris. It was a mutual agreement to detour to Nevers, the place where Saint Bernadette lies.

It was difficult finding the church where she lies. Luckily I have got my data plan and managed to search for the church and its address. I input the address in the car navigator and got to our location before the church closes for the day. Prof Sweet Tooth found a parking spot a bit further from the church and it drizzled as we hurried to the church.

Since 3rd August 1925 the body of Bernadette is preserved in a shrine in the chapel of what was known as the Convent of St. Gildard of Nevers. It is now known as "Espace Bernadette Soubirous" (Source from Lourdes France)

We arrived at 11.30am and the church was closed by noon. We went inside the building and I saw it - the open coffin with a transparent cover where Saint Bernadette lies with her clasped fingers on her chest holding a rosary. I went as close as I can to the border where a short fence prevents visitor from stepping in further. There was no photography allowed. I was humbled to be seeing her so close. I am not a Catholic but it was an honor to be given the opportunity to see the chosen child of Mother Mary. Shortly, a mass started and the Father came up to the stage to read the prayers. Soon, a small crowd started to form inside the church, and I stood behind to watch it all.

We left the mass and walked around the compound. We saw the place where Saint Bernadette always pray in the gardens. We went inside the museum and saw the belongings of Saint Bernadette that was left in the church. The armchair where she sat on and breath her last.

 

The journey continues on to Paris. We found a place to park at Torcadero which was not too far from Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Well, it is much fun to walk although it can be very tiring.

The first place we stop by is Eiffel Tower. The first time we saw Eiffel Tower was at night and I could not see the structure properly. Fortunately, the skies were bright blue and the contrasting white clouds were a beautiful compliment. There I saw it, the Eiffel Tower. During the day, it was a plain metallic structure. I preferred it at night where there were bright yellow lights.

The walk continues on to Arc de Triomphe. The Arc is situated in the middle of a roundabout. So, I walked around the roundabout to snap photos at every angle. To get to the Arc, one has to walk inside the underground tunnel. One also has the option to go up the Arc but I decided not to do that.

 
The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, Triumphal Arch of the Star is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Étoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. (Source from Wikipedia)

 

Beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Interred on Armistice Day 1920, it has the first eternal flame lit in Western and Eastern Europe since the Vestal Virgins' fire was extinguished in the fourth century. It burns in memory of the dead who were never identified (now in both world wars). (Source from Wikipedia)

 

Now, we head back to where the car is parked. Along the way, we stopped to have dinner and also see Eiffel Tower one last time in the evening light.

I had chicken and Prof Sweet Tooth had beef. Total EUR35.20. It was my treat to Prof Sweet Tooth as he drove the long hours. It was probably the only thing I could do to show my gratitude. Haha!

  

 

We bid Paris farewell at 10.55pm and took one hour to leave the city. The traffic jam is terrible! The drive continues to Chimay, Belgium where we slept by the roadside. Our favourite sleeping spot.