Silvia warned us the other day that there might be a transportation strike for the train system, so flying from Milano to Paris and no way to get to Milano from Genova was going to be tricky! Luckily, she told us about a private bus service that goes from the Genova train station to the Milano terminal. It was a really nice bus and stress free as there was no transfering involved. Unfortunately, the stress started when our flight was boarding, we found out that something happened with the airlines system when I checked us in and we had NO seats on the flight, luckily after they boarded the plane a few people didn’t show and we were able to take our original flight! Whew!
Once we arrived in Paris, we grabbed lunch close to the flat we rented. We both had Croque Monsieur, it was delicious, but so rich! After checking into the flat, which was adorable and so much better then staying in a hotel, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower, at first sight it was smaller then I imagined, but as the trip went on I was so amazed by its size and beauty, I couldn’t get enough of it! After some hot wine and churros at the base of the tower, we walked around a bit before calling it a night.
Before our trip I decided to buy the Paris Pass as this would allow us to come and go at many of the attractions without having to buy tickets everywhere and it included a metro/bus pass! Our second day we took full advantage of this pass, hitting up the major sites of Paris, but I am sad to say that there is a lot that we missed too. Of course we didn’t start our day without some delicious pastries from a bakery nearby, which we ate at every morning! It was so ridiculously good, I couldn’t get enough.
Our first stop of the day was the Opera House, only to find out that our pass only covered the guided tours, which were the next day, bummer, but the good news was it was right next to Galeries Lafayette, which I read was a must do, just to walk in and see. It was decorated for Christmas and absolutely beautiful. The unfortunate thing was that while looking around you were constantly being watched, one thing that I can’t stand. They had security everywhere and still had the store clerks standing on top of you.
Right outside was a stop for the Hop on Hop off bus tour, we decided to board and ride for a little while, which I’m glad we did as it took us down Champs élysées to The Arch de Triomph and back around. We decide to disembark and take the metro across town, but not before grabbing lunch at a street vendor. We shared a German sausage and warm potatoe salad, which was amazing. If we only had a couple beers to go with it 😉
Our next stop was Saint Chapelle and was it worth the visit. When you enter in no way would you know the amazingness that is above you. The stained glass windows were absolutely beautiful, I could have stayed in here all day admiring them, but off to Notre Dame we went…
Notre Dame had a tour where I was able to climb the 422 stairs to the top, where the views of Paris were incredible! While I was huffing it up all those stairs, Nick stayed in the cathedral to sketch and was able to listen to a choir that was practicing.
After our visit we decided to make a visit to the Crypts of Notre Dame, which was recommended by one of the students. While interesting I am glad they we didn’t make a special trip to do this.
Next stop was the Pantheon, but not before stopping at a pastry shop. I had the most delicious eclaire, while Nick enjoyed a beignet! The views from the Pantheon were beautiful, as the Eiffel Tower was centered down the roadway with the sun setting, and Christmas lights twinkling overhead.
Right beside the Pantheon was the Biblioteca St Genevieve, I have never been in a library like this, so it was interesting to see. What was even more interesting was the line of students waiting outside to get in, I sure have never seen that before in the US. Yes maybe waiting in line to see Justin Bieber, but never to get into a library to study!
I had read that it was recommended to visit The Arch de Triomph at night and take in the sights from the top, opposed to visiting the Eiffel Tower at night. Well that advice paid off, what an awesome view of the city at night, including the Eiffel Tower! We happened to be up there at the top of the hour to see its light show!
After our amazing time atop The Arch we decided to do a night time River Boat Cruise down The Seine. It took us from The Eiffel Tower down past Notre Dame and back, while the commentary was interesting and seeing some of the sights was nice, this is one part of the trip I could have done without. Even though the boat was enclosed, it was freezing and once we disembarked most everywhere to eat was closed. No dinner = grumpy Nick 🙂 We had the most amazing day though and I was so excited to get up the next morning to conquer Paris again!