My last full weekend overseas I took a mini vacation from my vacation. In Paris! I have to admit though--I did get a little bit of culture shock walking outside of the train station to grab some cash before our bus tour. People were loud, there were questionable advertisements, and all of the sudden I found myself clutching my luggage as if they were vital organs. I realized that I was no longer in the UK--I was in Europe.
Our bus tour took us through all the major roads in Paris to get a full look of the city from the Cafe de Pais, the most expensive cafe in Paris, to the Opera house the Phantom of the Opera was first born, to our first looks of the Eiffel Tower.
On the Eurostar
Opera House where the Phantom was created
After the bus tour we finally got to our hotel and had about a half hour until we braved Paris on our own. That meant figuring out the Metro line. Now, I would say that it is easier than the Tube, except that all the directions are in a different language...that part was a little confusing. But we did make it to the Louvre on our first day, and I successfully ordered a Pain au Chocolat from a little bistro completely in French! Oui, oui!
The Louvre. Oh we DID the Louvre. We did the Louvre probably in under an hour and hit almost every major item. Venus de Milo, Nike, Egyptian artifacts, and the Mona Lisa. Check, check, and check. Dinner?
Venus De Milo
Nike
My first French meal was at this adorable little restaurant on Rue de Rivoli. I got the special: ravioli stuffed with salmon in a creme sauce. AMAZING. What finished off the night was seeing the Eiffel tower again this time in its sparkling glory and having my first French nutella crepe. Tres bon!
Day 2 begins with a delightful Parisian breakfast of croissants, fruit, and coffee and then a brief visit to Notre Dame before heading over to Pont Nuef for a riverboat cruise. After viewing Paris along the Seine, we headed up to a soggy Mountmart for lunch. I have my first truly French, French onion soup and then browse some beautiful paintings along the artist's corner. We then go on a search for the Moulin Rouge, and then head back to the hotel for a quick nap before heading out on a bike tour of Paris that evening.
Day 3 in Paris and things just keep getting better. Not only am I falling in love with this city, but I want to stay longer than 4 days. We first head out at 9 to Versailles, one of the most amazing places I have ever been in my life! We stood in line for probably an hour, but it was worth it to walk through the astounding state rooms, sitting rooms, royal rooms, and the breathtaking hall of mirrors. To think that people actually lived in this palace seems utterly astounding to me. My favorite part of the whole palace was seeing Marie Antoinette's bedroom restored to how it was when she lived in the palace, and a painting of her and her children.
Not a lot could top that afternoon, but an AMAZING crepe lunch was definitely up there. I got a egg, mushroom, and cheese savory crepe with some apple juice, and a dark chocolate crepe for my sweet.
After lunch we accidentally found ourselves next to the end of the Tour de France and were able to watch the winners ride down the Champs de Elysees. Then the long line to one of the best experience of my life--standing on the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view was absolutely breathtaking, and it was the perfect Paris experience.
Day 4 and my final day in Paris led me to Angelina's, a chocolate shop on Rue de Rivoli. If I was to describe this place it is basically the Parisian version of British tea. But I had come with one goal in mind: try Angelina's famous drinking chocolate and pastries. So as my final minutes in Paris dwindled away, I spend mine sipping the luxurious chocolate chaud and nibbling a decadent Mont Blanc pastry.
So there it is, my four day adventure in Paris. I feel more cultured from those four days then I did a month in London. I know that if I had my choice of countries to go back to, Paris is number one on the list!
