Friday 14 August: Monumental opulence

Last Friday, we set off for what is known as the Opéra Quarter or Opera District  – so named because the original opera house (Opéra Garnier) is here.  It's the area of Grands Boulevards, shopping streets, department stores, theatres, ....

We started at the magnificent Madeleine Church (L'église de la Madeleine) with 52 Corinthian columns.

The present building was started in 1777, but construction stopped during the revolution of 1789.  The people wanted it to become a library or public ballroom for everyone to share.  Eventually, it became a temple to the glory of Napoleon's army, but in 1842 it was consecrated as a Catholic Church.

John, Sue and David,  La Madeleine

Another candle lit for Colleen

When you come out of La Madeleine, you face south towards Place de la Concorde.  It's a huge public square of 21 acres!  From the steps of La Madeleine, you can see the huge Egyptian obelisk in the middle of the square.

When you walk out of La Madeleine, you can't help turning right and heading for Fauchon, the so-called millionaire's supermarket.  Expensive gourmet food, chocolates, gifts.

Jambon (ham):   265 euro per kilo, or 404 Australian dollars per kilo!!!  I would choke on it.

- the sign to prove that I am telling the truth!

Macarons of every colour and flavour

In the afternoon, we went on a tour of the Opèra Garnier.  

The opulence outside is nothing compared with the magnificence or grandeur of the inside:

Oooops, who's this?   The phantom of the opera???

No, the phantom still resides in Box 5: