“Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn
***** May 19 *****
We arrived 3 days early in order to explore Paris before joining our tour. We had been here about 9 years ago on our first Rick Steves Tour and I had always dreamed of returning. I had put together a very ambitious schedule so we hit the ground running.
We took the train from the airport to our new home in the Marais and then right back out to Les Invalides. Les Invalides is the French military museum and the church is the burial site of many of France's war heroes, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte. We spent most of our time in the World War II section and at the tomb. The collection of military uniforms, guns and photographs is very extensive and it was interesting to see the French perspective, especially when it comes to Charles de Gaulle. I really enjoyed the over the top grandeur of Napoleon's tomb; such a giant sarcophagus for such a short man!
It was a brief stop at the Rodin Museum before we ran out of gas and had to return to the hotel for some much needed sleep.
After a refreshing nap we wandered around our charming neighborhood. There were cute bistros on every corner and people enjoying a drink with their friends. The Pompidou was just a few blocks away and I loved how weird and wacky it was and fun street art was around every corner.
We took the train from the airport to our new home in the Marais and then right back out to Les Invalides. Les Invalides is the French military museum and the church is the burial site of many of France's war heroes, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte. We spent most of our time in the World War II section and at the tomb. The collection of military uniforms, guns and photographs is very extensive and it was interesting to see the French perspective, especially when it comes to Charles de Gaulle. I really enjoyed the over the top grandeur of Napoleon's tomb; such a giant sarcophagus for such a short man!
It was a brief stop at the Rodin Museum before we ran out of gas and had to return to the hotel for some much needed sleep.
After a refreshing nap we wandered around our charming neighborhood. There were cute bistros on every corner and people enjoying a drink with their friends. The Pompidou was just a few blocks away and I loved how weird and wacky it was and fun street art was around every corner.
***** May 20 *****
I had spent months trying to figure out if we had time to make it out to Versailles. Today was judgment day...and I said yes! It worked out just as easily as all the travel forums had promised. I had printed out some step-by-step directions (click here). There are all kinds of horror stories about the lines, but if you are willing to get there early it is a breeze. No line! We flashed our Museum Pass and we were in! The Hall of Mirrors was very cool, but I thought the grounds were even more impressive. The Orangerie was breathtaking!
We headed back into town and straight for the Louvre. We had been here before, but it was such a whirled wind that we just had to go back and enjoy it at a slower pace. This time we concentrated on the Egyptian collection, the foundations and the sculptures.
Next stop is the Arc de Triomphe! 284 steps later and we arrive at the top. What a spectacular view! I loved how you could see all the different parts of the city: The Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, the modern/new downtown, and the Champs Elysees. We walk down the beautiful Champs Elysees on our way home for some much need sleep.
For dinner we enjoyed a wonderful and memorable meal at Le Bouledogue. All the patrons were French and you could tell that many of them where regulars. I had my first (of many) duck confit and Andy had a beef filet. The tomato and mozzarella salad had excellent presentation.
We headed back into town and straight for the Louvre. We had been here before, but it was such a whirled wind that we just had to go back and enjoy it at a slower pace. This time we concentrated on the Egyptian collection, the foundations and the sculptures.
Next stop is the Arc de Triomphe! 284 steps later and we arrive at the top. What a spectacular view! I loved how you could see all the different parts of the city: The Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, the modern/new downtown, and the Champs Elysees. We walk down the beautiful Champs Elysees on our way home for some much need sleep.
For dinner we enjoyed a wonderful and memorable meal at Le Bouledogue. All the patrons were French and you could tell that many of them where regulars. I had my first (of many) duck confit and Andy had a beef filet. The tomato and mozzarella salad had excellent presentation.
***** May 21 *****
Our final day in Paris! I guess it is time we get around to the Eiffel Tower. Speaking of time, you can save hours by purchasing your tickets in advance (for the same price) and just arriving at your appointment time. We walked right onto the elevator. We checked out the views on each level and avoided the scary level 1 area with a glass floor that lets you see straight to the ground.
My civil engineer husband was excited to check out the Sewer Tour. It was an educational and slightly smelling look at the world's first underground sewer system.
After the morning crowds it was great to spend the afternoon in the tranquil Orangerie Museum. I have always loved Monet's work and being able to view the immense, curved panels in a room specifically designed for them was awesome.
Our final Parisian activity is a beautiful nighttime boat tour on the Seine River. The city is magical at night and the light show at the Eiffel Tower should not be missed. Even a light rain can’t put a damper on this beautiful city.
My civil engineer husband was excited to check out the Sewer Tour. It was an educational and slightly smelling look at the world's first underground sewer system.
After the morning crowds it was great to spend the afternoon in the tranquil Orangerie Museum. I have always loved Monet's work and being able to view the immense, curved panels in a room specifically designed for them was awesome.
Our final Parisian activity is a beautiful nighttime boat tour on the Seine River. The city is magical at night and the light show at the Eiffel Tower should not be missed. Even a light rain can’t put a damper on this beautiful city.
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