It is a bit of a contradiction to come to Paris in what some may call a whirlwind trip. After all Paris has this laidback easy demeanor to it.
The decision to start our trip here came about because we found airfare from Boston for less than $150 one way. That and supported by the fact that I love this city sealed the deal for us.
Dan had never been to Paris and as he pointed out on our flight here he wondered if he was the first person from his family to come to the city of lights since his dad was here during the Second World War.
As we arrived in Paris despite that I did not sleep, I could not contain my excitement. I had a whole day planned ahead of us. Sleep is for sissies and I was determined to show my love my other favorite city.
As we waited for the luggage I remembered that there is a train strike and that I should find us an alternate way to get to into the city.
Locally, there is a bus that takes you to the Opera House which is not too far from our hotel.
The ride to the city was uneventful, and as the city proper began to come into view my excitement grew.
There is something about city life that feels so familiar and makes me feel like I belong. As the bus maneuvered quaint neighborhoods you can see the city folks starting a typical Saturday. People were sitting in outdoor cafes reading the paper, some made their way to the farmers market in the park and yet some stoped to talk to their neighbors as they made they way down the street.
I miss this typical interaction when you live in the burbs. Seldomly do you get to take in the charm of a a neighborhood come alive together at the beginning of the day.
Upon our arrival to the Paris Opera House, we took it’s magesty and became one with the hustle and bustle of the city around us.
I was trying to get my bearings and knew the our Hotel was not far. After walking and disagreeing which way to go we took a car for the short mile drive. I am glad we took a cab since between our packs and the awkward package we have our hiking poles in, it would have been a bit hard to navigate the streets and find the right direction.
Paris as most cities is easy to navigate once you have your barings and you understand the lay out.
Upon arrival to the hotel I was a bit nervous that I may not have chosen correctly. I wanted us to be in an easily accessible location close to restaurants and shops, however I did not want to be super extravagant for one night.
If you know me, you also know that when it comes to hotel rooms I can be a bit picky.
So it turned out that the newly renovated Opera Ronceray by the Best Western has equal charm and modern facilities.
To my surprise our room was ready upon checking in. We were given a quaint room with a balcony overlooking Boulevard Montmartre. The room also consisted of a living room and the bedroom in a loft area making this place charming and functional.
After freshening up we decided to head for the bus to take us across town to the famous Cafe de Flore in St. Germain Place. I was anxious to get a much needed cup of coffee and a meal since it had been a while since we had dinner in Boston the previous night.
As we made our way on the number 39 city bus, I began to feel the excitement of the city. Although it is filled with tourist, the beauty of the perfect Spring day had locals out and about walking and enjoying the sun.
I could not help to notice that the trees had the perfect shade of green that complimented the quintessential Parisian arquitecture. Most Wright iron balconies are decorated with potted plants in bloom. As we got close to the center of town, I realized that it was 1:00 pmand if we were to see the city we needed to begin now.
As the bus approached the Louvre we decided to get off and start our tour of Paris there.
As we exited the bus and I began to look around I was transported back in time to the first time I arrived at the Louvre 14 years before.
My heart once again began to speed up with excitement and I felt the tears of joy coming on.
This place touches my heart so. To think that it houses the worlds greatest collections of art and that it gives us glimpse at the greatness of other civilizations and the amazing work they did with what was available to them.
I could go on and on about the beauty of the different galleries and although we only saw 1/4 of the museum I could see that Dan shared my love for the beauty of the art that surrounded us. As we made our way what seemed a familiar stairway I was in awe again of how these amazing works of art are housed all in one place.
Earlier I had asked Dan to name the top things he wanted to see in the Museum and since we had limited time we made our way directly there.
We took a slight detour and found ourself in an ancient Greek sculpture gallery. It was impressive and delightful.
We saw the lady with an iconic smile and then made our way to Winged Victory. Saw a couple of Michaelangelo’s pieces and then Headed out. After all if we allowed ourself we would be tempted to spend our day here.
As we walked out, I realized that my husband is just as appreciative of art as I am. I was reminded of the first time he took me to the Wadswoth Athaneum in Hartford and what a wonderful time we had together. I made a mental note that I must set aside time for us to do this more.
After the Louvre we had a mission to head to Notra-Dame. Not only did we want to visit and have Dan see this glorious church dating back over 900 years, we also wanted to get our Pilgrim Credentials.
Notra Dame is considered an official stop in the French Way on the Camino de Santiago. Although most pilgrims begin in their journey in St Jean Pied the Port like I did in 2016, some begin in Paris or in the town of Lourdes in the Southwestern foothills of the Piernees.
Perhaps someday I will need to fill my credentials with those stamps.
As we waited to go in the massive church, we were once again surrounded with people from all over the world. I loved seeing the diversity and yet commonality of purpose we shared. All of us wanted to be in awe of this architectural beauty and be transported to the timeless of the church history and traditions held inside these wall.
As we got inside, Dan and I walked to the information desk and asked to have our credentials stamped. The clerk’s face visibly lit up when he realized he got to use the Notra Dame stamp this day. He even wishes us “Buen Camino” in French. This of course delighted me.
We made our way around the church and I tried knowing that I would not succeed to get Dan to climb with me the thousands of steps that led to the bell towers.
Although he declined for the hundredth time, I was okay with that since I have already made that clinb. I will say it is so worth it but not for the faint of heart. The steps are steep at sometimes they feel never ending. However once you reach the top, the view of Paris is spectacular.
Prior to leaving the church we took some time to pray and quietly enjoy the mass that was taking place in French.
Although we did not actively participate as cradle Catholics we felt the familiarity of the prayers and chants around us.
After leaving we decided we needed to cover more ground and see more of the city. My official itinerary had us going to the Musee d’orsay, another place that I absolutely love.
Howeve, the beauty of the day called to us. Just as we began to walk we decided to take a one hour boat cruise along the Sienne. This was the perfect way to see the city.
As we relaxed in the sun, we saw more architecture of the famous familiar sights. We also got to people watch. Dan capture in pictures many lovers on the banks of the rivers enjoying the beauty of the day and each other’s company. Just as we were doing on the boat.
As we approached the Eiffel Tower, I was taken back by the sheer wonder of this structure. I realized that although I have a picture of it in my living room, it does not truly depict the sheer wonder or the beauty of such a massive structure . The wrought iron lattice tower to this day still stands tall and reminds you that you are in Paris. No wonder this monument is one of the most iconic sights in the world.
For a moment as I looked at it from the my vantage point on the water, I couldn’t help to think what it must have been like for people to look at this massive tower when it was first erected for the World’s Fair in 1889.
After being lost in though, I asked Dan invein the question I knew the answer to. “Can we go to the top?” Sure he said, you have fun. I will wait down here.
I chuckled and realized that perhaps after our walk in Spain Dan may be more agreeable to head up the tower.
Other notable sites on our cruise included the Musee d’Orsay. I told Dan how this may be place that I would not be able to tear myself away from. After all Impressionist Art is my favorite period of art. I could certainly lose myself inside with my friends Monet, Renoir, Van Goh and so many more.
For anyone that comes to Paris I highly recommend a visit here. This beautiful museum contains more than just Impressionist paintings. The building itself is the old train station from the late 1800. To this day, the building is a sight of beauty in its own right.
Our evening began to conclude with a 3 course meal at an outdoor cafe in the Latin Quarter. The meal was delicious and it was made perfect by the ability to sit and people watch.
As the night began to fall upon us, I could feel the toll of a long travel/sightseeing day begin to weigh on me. I could also see handsome husband was fading fast.
We walked a bit in the Latin Quarter and for a moment I was sorry that I had not booked our hotel here as I had originally intended.
The charm of the narrow cobblestones streets reminded me that this too could have been a fun place to call home for the night. However I decided that it was better to be across town. The charm there may make me regret heading to bed before midnight Paris time.
We returned to our hotel and prior to heading up, we got a bottle of wine to toast to a beautiful day together.
We picked a French Rose which did not disappoint.
As we went to bed, I left our balcony door open so that the sounds of a busy city below could lull me to sleep. The last thing I remember were the voices of Parisians outside my window laughing and talking while enjoying a beautiful Sping night.
I woke up to the undeniable sound of a quiet city and realized that there is one more day here with more adventures to come.
NY RedRose 