The train from Barcelona to Paris, while relaxing and beautiful scenery, was as typical European train travel. This was the last of our excursions using the Eurail Global Pass and we really enjoyed traveling this method. At the end of this trip we feel very confident that we know how to use trains with relative ease and could even help others get to their destinations:)
We arrived in Paris at the Gare de Lyon station, historic and huge. Pulling our roller boards across a bridge spanning the Senne’ to another historic station where we will catch our subway to the apartment. Having mapped it I believed I knew which station to exit and begin a short walk to the address of 81 Quay where we will stay the next three nights. Unfortunately I missed it by one station, more or less a mile:) Not a tough deal for us as we have been walking ten miles a day but with all the luggage it was a failing mistake.
Late and sweaty we met with Laurie, the owner of the seventh floor apartment overlooking the Senne, who showed us in. The lift a 4X3 box was barely enough room to take us all but came with the humor of trying. A beautiful apartment with huge windows, kitchen, shower, washing machine and comfortable bed, will work perfectly to end our awesome vacation.
Having been here before we outlined our days to to experience the things we missed the first time. Because of an issue with the soccer fan zone the night before, our Eiffel Tower tickets for today were not going to be honored as it was closed. Fortunately we met up with a very kind gentleman working under the tower who traded us our online printed tickets for today with two tickets that can get us into the tower anytime the next two days, an awesome trade. We returned a day later to ride the lift at twilight so we could see both views, day and night. What a gorgeous view of Paris from all angles, 360* opportunities so that you can reminisce about the various Arrondissement you have explored or strategize the next days adventures.
Strolling from our apartment down the Siene’ to the Latin Quarter, taking our time and ducking into a few of the shops as well as the spectacular buildings that house museums and historical artifacts. We needed to get back to the area we stayed in a few years ago so that we could find the canvass painting we wanted to hang in the living room. Searching through the street vendors near Notre Dame we finally found the perfect painting for both Jena and Cameron as well as our house. Circling back through the Paris streets around the 4th Arrondissement we found new churches to wonder at, interesting little shops to wander through and of course food vendors to sample, including an awesome creperie. While waiting for our crepe Kellie almost was pickpocket, turned out okay with the help of the man making our lunch:)
Each day we would take a little time to food shop for the following day. Around our apartment, the 7th arr. were so many small markets with such awesome fruit and food stores. The fruit was far too tempting to pass up and the vendors would follow us around packaging up our selections as we walked through the store. Great service, prices and of course savory fruit.
We had visited the five main tourist attractions the first time in Paris so this time we singled out the Arc de Triomphe for our ‘touristy’ event. Not to be disappointed we made reservations ahead of time so to avoid the lines at the tickets and stairway. The only way to the top is a staircase twisting its way up 284 stairs to a vault now used as a quick and interesting museum of facts.
The unique terrace at the top gives you sweeping views of Paris that are unmatched. They are similar yet so different than those we had from the Eiffel Tower the day before. The Arc wanted by Napoleon now houses the tomb of the unknown soldier with its flame rekindled each day at 6:30. The circle is the final destination of the Tour de France as well as the site of celebration during Bastille Day. Having just been in Rome we see the inspiration found in the Roman Arch of Titus built much earlier but also not as large.
Purse shopping is a must in and around the Champs Elyse’es so we did our part to find a perfect match for Kellie. Her last one purchased here has now worn out and in need of replacement. Along the way I found the windows to be delectable:) Chocolate figures of hearts, cars, slippers and other figures is mouthwatering along with an array of pasta, seasonings and macaroon’s!
We found ourselves wandering through different areas of Paris, never choosing a direction and staying away from so many of the typical tourist sites. It was such an adventure to duck into narrow streets only to find a shop that would have been missed on a map. This is our eighth day in our two trips to Paris and we would not hesitate to come again. Tired from the twenty-three day trip we spent the last evening walking along the Seine River ending at the Eiffel Tower to take one last look. We ended in an awesome rainstorm, sharing our little umbrella as we hustled back to our apartment…a little wet but having fun!
As we leave on Bastille Day there is an eire quietness to the streets of Paris. We pull our rollerboards for the last time to the Metro B Line, Charles De Gaulle airport our thirty minute destination, good-bye Paris.