I love Paris in the springtime, but winter will do

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Disappointing....we had to carry our packs for the first time this trip....for 200 metres....

After flying from Leeds-Bradford to Paris CDG, we took the RER to Gare du Nord.  With no trouble we found the GRAND HOTEL MAGENTA just a few steps down the road.  We recommend this place to anyone who wishes to spend only 32 euros per night per couple....just one tip....bring a towel to sleep on so that you don't have to touch the sheets.  What a dive, but what fun!

Our second hotel was our first taste of one of Amber's ebay finds.  While we were worried the hotel may not actually exist, it did, and it was wonderful in fact - Villa Van Gogh- with lots of artistic character.

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While in Paris, as you will see, we visited many of the major sights- a cruise along the La Seine (baguette in one hand, coffee in the other.....) - a walk and prayer through Notre Dame Cathedral - a visit to the Cezanne/Pisarro exhibition at Musee D'Orsay - a trip RIGHT UP TO THE VERY TOP of the Eiffer Tower (Amber is proud) and a beer at the restaurant on the first level - a stroll along the Champs Elysees and finally, a browse around the Louvre.

Yes, yes....all very romantic....it was fantastic, if cold.  We spent most of the rest of our time eating nutella crepes and escargots.