* Please scroll to the bottom to find links to my other blogs related to this trip.
When my daughter, Tas, and I planned our back-packing trip to Europe, which became mostly Italy, I knew that I wanted to return to Paris, having fallen in love with the historically pleasing architecture, cobbled streets, lush parks, French cuisine and culture, plentiful museums and fashionable Parisians on our first visit many years ago. Thus, a week in Paris kicked off our long-awaited back-packing trip.
Day 1:
After departing the plane, I helplessly looked around, not knowing where to walk to find the RER (the commuter train that takes you into Paris). When I don't know where I'm going, which is often, I have no hesitation asking for help. Julia, the first person I asked, was generous enough to suggest we share an Uber instead of the dreaded train ride into the heart of the city and I promptly accepted, making it my first Uber ride. Incredibly, Julia and the Uber driver determinedly drove around and around like a Merry-Go-Round, looking for Rue Saint-Denis among the many one way winding streets. I'm certain I would not have found it and I’m grateful for their patience. My daughter and I were both disappointed with our drab apartment that I had rented. A little dismayed, we unloaded our belongings and headed out for a French meal. It was Sunday and there were not many restaurants open in the area, but when we finally found one, we enthusiastically experienced our first croquet monsieur, a layer of bread, then ham, topped with broiled Gruyere. With full and happy tummies, we walked around and spent time lounging outside of The Centre Pompidou. Here we savored our first of many crepes while people watching. Next, we conquered the French instructions on renting one of the city bikes and attempted to ride over to Notre Dame, but ended up ditching the bike idea after near misses with speeding cars. To learn more about renting a bike, check out Velib. Notre Dame stood in all its glory and I fondly recalled the time my daughter and I sat on one of the pews and absorbed the organ music during our first visit to Paris years ago.
Day 2: 8th arrondissement
After a much needed sleep, Tas and I strolled down our Paris rue to find a supermarket. Instead we found a very gentle man who was patient enough to help us select our fruit and then run after us with our forgotten plums. He made it a great start to the day.
Next, we bought croissants at the first bakery we came across.
Our touring began at Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. At the end of the street, we marveled at the Arc de Triomphe, climbed its stairs and took pictures of the view.
A bus ride took us to the Eiffel Tour. Many thanks to the lady who told us when to get off the bus. We savored a delicious French meal that included a charcuterie board and escargot at the Brasserie de la Tour Eiffel, before soaking in the splendor of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: 18th arrondissement
I'm about the only person I know that walks in the wrong direction and has to ask where to find the Sacre Couer Basilica after exiting the metro station! We began our day in the 18th arrondissement, climbing the Montmartre hill to marvel at the Sacre Coeur Basilica and walk among the artists at Place du Tertre. Wisely, I gave Tas the map and she led us through the winding, cobbled hilltop streets.
Later in the day, we lazily enjoyed the sights along the river Seine on a boat cruise, and were treated with the views of the brightly lit Eiffel Tower upon return.
Day 4: 3rd Arrondissement
I love the metro! It has taken me only 4 days to master the aids provided to ease one’s metro journey. On day 4 the metro took us to Musee Picasso. What a beautiful area of Paris! Tears welled when I walked in and laid my eyes upon my first Picasso. It's obvious what kind of learner I am! Often, I thought of my sister, Sarah J Collard's works of art, bearing a resemblance to Picasso's creative process. Musee Picasso is housed in the mid-17th century Hotel Sale, a stunning building. From the museum, we walked over to Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and then ran in the rain to the Bastille where we hopped on my beloved metro to Centre Pompidou. The view from the top of Centre Pompidou is unique, as well as the exhibitions.
Day 5: Versailles
Joining the throng of tourists, we ventured to the extravagant Chateau de Versailles, the principal royal residence of France, from 1682-1789. The palace, Marie Antoinette’s Estate and the Gardens are grandiose. Taking another visitor’s advice, we rented bikes located on-site and enjoyed seeing more of the gardens than would be possible on foot. (Tip: Take the train situated next to the palace to the gardens, where the bike rentals are situated.)
Day 6: 7th and 1st arrondissement
At Musee Rodin we found peace and tranquility among the statues and rose garden, a respite from the busy, Paris streets. Following, we stood in awe of Monet's Water Lilies at Musee De L'Orangerie - a must see! A leisurely walk through Jardin des Tulleries and a rich, French meal ended our day.
Day 7: 7th arrondissement
I didn't think it was possible for more people to swarm through Paris. I was wrong. It was Tas's choice today and she chose to go to the Eiffel Tower. Even though the line to climb the stairs is usually shorter, it wasn't today. Nevertheless, we waited and climbed and, gratefully, got a window seat at the restaurant on the first floor for our meal.
Before going back to the apartment, we made a quick stop at Musee D'Orsay so I could be mesmerized and moved by Van Gogh’s paintings.
Paris website: https://en.parisinfo.com/
Tips:
1. To save on food costs buy fresh fruit, vegetables, bread or cheese daily from local markets and munch on them throughout the day. Also, carry water in your daily pack so you don't pay a ridiculous amount of money just to hydrate.
2. Choose a neighborhood (arrondissement) to explore in each day in order to save on travel time to each destination.
3. Buy the Museum Pass - it saves you so much money, hassle, and time waiting in lines. You don't have to pre-order. Participating museums have the pass for sale.
4. Take the metro. It's so easy! Also, buy the unlimited pass, Paris Visite, for your convenience and ease. You can buy the pass at the airport and start using it right away.
5. Pre-order your Eiffel Tower ticket. Otherwise, you will be waiting in line just to buy a ticket, and then another line to go up the tower.
Related Blogs:
Paris, France
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