Paris and Provins, France–September 2012

Walking under the Eiffel tower at night.

For my 30th birthday, we took a trip to Paris.  I studied French language for many years growing up, and it had always been a dream to go to France and see this famous city, as well as getting a chance to practice out my rusty language skills.  We spent a few days exploring the city and took a day trip out to Provins to see the famous “Eagles of the Ramparts”  show, one of the largest and most well known falconry shows in Europe.  It was a beautiful medieval city and the show was spectacular, living up to its reputation! We had the chance to visit the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay, which were highlights of the trip for me. It was amazing to see a lot of art in person that I’ve studied for years.

An intricate wooden door at the Louve.	An eagle handler in Provins.	Notre Dame cathedral.

Amazing architecture in Paris.	Le Grand Hotel.	Paris had the absolute best markets for specialty cheese and meats!	Even the metro is cool!

Glad I don’t have to try to park here!	Europe is such a combination of old and new.	Omnipresent pigeons in Montmartre.	Maneki Neko, Parisian style.

I don’t think this was the idea people had when building this cemetery, ending up under an overpass.	Old Greek boar at the Louvre.	Hippogryph!	How can I not love this piece?

A different view of the Venus.	Bird in the hand.	Roman was amused at taking non-typical photos of famous pieces.	Guardian of a grave.

This just made us laugh.	The Mona Lisa, constantly crowded with tourists.	I love jackdaws so much!	The old fortification walls of Provins.

Beautiful old houses in Provins.	Ancient house, satellite dish.	Every house has such individual personality!	Old castle walls.

Amazing woodwork!	A real French beauceron!	View from a tower overlooking Provins.	Incredible catacombs tour of the city.

They had 7 vultures flying at once at the falconry show!	Barn owl presentation.	That owl is too cool for you. He does his own thing.	Period costumed falconers.

Showing off the secretary bird’s hunting style.	Swooping right over you!	Sir? There appears to be a vulture following you.	Spirits of the forest.

Eagle owl and monk.	Flying right over the audience.	Ready to go! Blue eagle.	Great grey owl begging from the audience.

Awesome bird hat club.	There was a neat equestrian element to the show.	Red kite!	Secretary bird.

Lost south american hawk we encountered in town. Show escapee!	Rose from the famous Provins gardens.	Tower architecture.	Famous piece from the Louvre.

You can find more information about visiting Provins here: http://www.provins.net/index.php/english-version.html