Things to do in Kortrijk

I came to Paris with my family, initially thinking that seeing the architecture and taking photos at Notre Dame would be enough. However, since we were already there, I decided to try a Chinese-speaking guided tour. This decision proved to be absolutely right. It was probably the most worthwhile guided tour of our entire European trip, as I learned a lot of religious knowledge I didn't know before. The guide, I think his surname was Li, spoke very naturally, not just reading from a textbook, but connecting the history, architecture, religious stories, and development of Notre Dame with the development of Paris, incorporating a lot of information. Many things I initially thought I wouldn't understand became clear after listening. Especially the stories of the sculptures, rose windows, and fire restoration – seeing them after hearing them made all the difference. Europe is full of churches, and not understanding them can be quite frustrating. After today's tour, I felt like I had a sudden enlightenment. There was a small regret, though: some areas inside Notre Dame aren't free and require separate admission. We met at 4:30 PM today, and waited in line for 10 minutes to enter. The pace of the tour was excellent; the content was rich but not tiring, and there was no feeling of being rushed. We could ask questions anytime during the tour, and the guide patiently answered them. He was highly professional and very approachable. Today, after the Notre Dame tour, we also visited the Latin Quarter of Shakespeare and Company. This wasn't part of the tour itinerary, but the teacher gave us extra time for free because we enjoyed it. By the way, you can also pay to climb to the top of Notre Dame, but the kids couldn't climb, so we skipped it... Afterwards, we went back inside Notre Dame on our own and watched a mass. We found that because we had the guided tour, we understood many parts much better than before when we just took photos. If it's your first time in Paris, I highly recommend not trying to see it on your own. Notre Dame is free, but the guided tour is definitely worth it; it significantly enhances the entire experience. It was one of the most worthwhile activities on our trip, and I've already recommended it to anyone planning a trip to Paris. Also, try to go after 4:30 PM, otherwise the square gets very sunny. Also, Notre Dame has a dress code; you can't wear anything too revealing...

The food was mediocre and not worth the price, but the scenery was nice; we saw the entire Seine River in two hours. The service was poor; the set meal included a bottle of wine, and after I finished the first glass the waiter poured for me, it took 20 minutes for them to refill it.

In early spring, I went to dig for shepherd's purse. The field ridges were covered with tender shepherd's purse. The owner said I could dig as much as I wanted, and that it would be cheaper than the market price if I weighed it after I dug it. He taught me to identify the leaves and only pinch off the tender tips. I could dig a small basketful in half an hour. At noon, I had it stir-fried at a restaurant at the foot of the mountain with chopped dried tofu. It was so fresh and refreshing, much tastier than greenhouse vegetables. While digging, I was basking in the sun and enjoying the breeze. It was more comfortable than exercising at the gym. My whole body was covered in the scent of fresh grass. It was so relaxing.

Île de la Cité truly lives up to its reputation as the historical heart of Paris! Standing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, one can deeply feel the grandeur and vicissitudes of the medieval architecture. The winding, weathered alleyways on the island seem to carry the weight of time with every step. Although Notre Dame is still under restoration, its rose windows and towers remain breathtaking. A stroll along the verdant Pont Neuf in the evening, watching the Seine shimmer and flow, truly evokes a sense of romance and tranquility that transcends centuries.

In autumn, come and pick kiwifruit. The orchard follows the hillside, the path is flat and easy to walk on. The ripe kiwifruit feels soft to the touch, and they can be eaten after a couple of days. One bite is sweet with a hint of tartness, much fresher than the kiwifruit that have been sitting in the supermarket for ages. You can sample as much as you want in the orchard, and after you pick your own, it's sold by weight, and the price is half the price of outside. A family can leisurely stroll around for an afternoon, basking in the autumn sun, with the air filled with the fragrance of fruit. It's much more comfortable than rushing to tourist attractions. Pick a basket to take home and share with friends, and everyone praises how sweet they are.

The Lake of Love in Belgium is very romantic. If you come here in spring, when the flowers are blooming, walking on this bridge will be very exciting. The colors of the houses here are also very good, which will make you feel better.

## Tuileries Garden: Is it worth going? Highlights and pitfalls **Is it worth going? ** **A Parisian "lying flat" sanctuary! ** The royal garden is open to the public for free, and it is an oasis of respite during the rush, but if you just check in, you will miss the soul - you need to rent a green chair and stare blankly for half an hour to understand its true meaning. **Exclusive highlights:** 1. **Light and shadow art scene:** - **Central fountain pool** Parisians sitting around sunbathing, watching small sailboats racing with cloud shadows, and encountering puppet shows on Sundays; - **Chestnut Avenue** Autumn leaves spread golden carpets, and willow catkins fly like snow in late spring. 2. **Sculpture blind box:** Rodin's "The Kiss" is hidden in the shade of the northwest corner, and Maillol's bronze female statues are scattered in the grass, forming a surreal picture with morning joggers. 3. **Secret Easter Eggs:** - **Orangerie Museum secret door** (directly connected to Monet's Water Lily Hall on the west side of the garden); - **Ferris wheel in the amusement park** When the night lights are on, take a photo of the floating wonder of the Louvre Pyramid in the rotating car. **Avoid pits:** - Green chairs **are not free! ** Rent a card machine for €3/hour (deposit €20), choose a poolside seat; - Fountain water is not drinking water, bring your own water bottle to fill **Wallace drinking fountain** (cast iron green column); - Beware of **"friendship bracelet" scammers** (common at the entrance of Place de la Concorde); - Stone roads hurt your feet, wear thick-soled shoes! **Summary:** The Tuileries is the breathing valve of Paris - chewing baguettes among the sculptures of the afterglow of the empire, watching children chasing the sails, you will understand what "French living art" is. Reserve 2 hours + picnic equipment, more Paris than rushing to the attractions! (Word count: 198) --- **☕ Local gameplay:** Grab **Angelina** takeout chestnut cake before 10am and eat it with hot chocolate while sitting by the fountain; bring red wine and wait for the **Obelisk of the Place de la Concorde** to be reflected in the pool at sunset, and wait for the moment when the Ferris wheel lights up with purple light.

I originally thought it was a popular spot and didn't want to go, but since I had plenty of time, I went there on a whim. I was surprised by how beautiful the scenery was. It's quiet and fairytale-like, and it's worth a visit.