Days 6 and 7

Day 6

After spending a cozy, rainy night chez Cynthia, we set off to see the nearby village of Villedieu-les-Poeles.  In French, that means "Village of the Pots and Pans", because of it's coppermaking industry.  There are shops filled with beautiful, artisan copper cookware.  We also toured the Fonderie de Cloches (Bell Foundry) where craftsmen make beautiful, large church bells.

The rain continued on our way to Mont St. Michel abbey which is exactly what I was hoping for!  It looked spectacular as we approached it set high on a hill amidst the rain and fog.  It's a bit of a hike to the top but well worth it.  The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is known as the "Wonder of the Western World".  It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.  After a short 24 hours in the countryside, we rode the train back into Paris just in time for an evening concert at  Sainte-Chappelle.  The chapel with it's stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the bible is one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the Western world.  Taking in a classical music concert in such a beautiful setting was magical.  We stopped for wine and cheese at the Notre Dame brassiere, on our way back to the apartment.  A perfect ending to a perfect day in France.

Day 7
On my last day in Paris, I wandered the streets and the banks of the Seine, reflecting on my second annual trip to such an amazing city. 
Patricia, Karen and I ended the day at La Perla for happy hour, and talked about the week's adventures, and the ones that are waiting for next year.