It’s been nearly 25 years since my last visit to Paris, and while I would like to say it hasn’t really changed, it probably has. A lot. As that’s what 25 years does to a town!
Visiting Paris is the main reason for this holiday, as my aunt and uncle are living here for a while. The opportunity to have a personal tour guide for my week here was too good to pass up! Having said that, I had the first morning to myself, and I cleverly managed to go out without taking my aunt’s address or phone number, and without dropping a pin in google maps so I could find my way back! Fortunately I remembered…
It can’t be a first day in Paris without a visit to a couple of icons – the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Both had shocking crowds so I only viewed from afar. I may go back for a closer inspection over the next few days.
Other day one highlights included a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens with the spectacular Medici Fountain, a look at the stunning L’Institue du Monde Arabe with it’s “Venetian blind” wall that has metallic “lenses” that open and close to control the amount of light that enters the building, and of course, a wander through many food outlets.
Being a Monday, many shops were closed, however not “the frozen shop”, Picard, which only sells frozen goods. This place was a revelation. Not only did it sell the usual frozen foods – meat, fish, vegetables, desserts, meals, it also sold a few less expected frozen goods – hamburgers (meat, bun, salad, sauces), bagels with fillings. I’m not sure how much I would shop there, but the prices were reasonable, I’m told the quality is very good, and it was certainly busy when we popped in to buy some fish for dinner. That was cooked by boiling in the bag each portion was encased in. Too easy.
I have another week here and a long list of things to do. Some museums, a couple of walking tours, eating far more cheese and baguette than I need to, lots of walking and people watching, drinking champagne, shopping at farmers’ markets and more. Much more.
Have you been to Paris? What were your favourite things to do? And to eat?
What the hell is that red thing on your head in front of the Eiffel Tower??
you cheeky thing!!
You can book a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Eiffel Tower which is actually very interesting, and gives you a different look at the tower. This is particularly good if you have been up the tower before as it takes you into the old war rooms and the engine room, and also up to a level that is not accessible by the general public. Best of all you get to skip some of the queues. Having already seen the tower, we did this tour a couple of years ago and I enjoyed the fresh perspective. Don’t forget to check out the Aboriginal artwork that is visible on the roof of an adjacent museum if you do go up.
The Catacombs are also very interesting from a historical perspective but horribly crowded so go very early.
that does sound good Tania – thanks!
Oh I remember MontMartre wandering round the cobbled streets up there and visiting the Basilica of Sacre Couer. Buying an oil painting for a keepsake of Paris (and it was my birthday so why not?) The baguettes – we would buy them and break them off the moment we left the bakery. Bliss Mel – you are having a ball and thanks for sharing blog posts so quickly we can enjoy your pursuits as you are there!
Thanks Jenn! I’m loving those baguettes too! Not sure if I’ll get to Montmarte this time around – especially given I apparently need to go back to the kitchen shop and buy copper pots… 🙂
I’ve only ever been to Paris watching a movie! One day…
yes!! You would love it Michelle!
And it is all in French??
Beautiful post! I’m a bit jealous!
thanks Mimi x