5 Days in Paris

July 10, Thu - We arrived in Charles De Gaul Airport and took the train and metro into town (it is better to have the hotel arrange an airport shuttle to pick you up, its worth the extra cost).   We settled in our hotel then went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Montmartre and picked up our Paris Passes (good for entry into museums, attractions, tours, metro and bus), then up to the Sacre Coeur for a spectacular view of the whole city.  We were sooo exhausted and headed back to the hotel.

July 1, Fri - Jodi's 50th Birthday!  We had breakfast at the hotel then went to a salon and had our hair done.  We looked chic and the stylist was wonderful.  We then went to the Eiffel tower for an amazing 4 star leisure lunc.  We had foie gras, a salad with Truffle dressing, choclate mousse and more!  We had the best seats in the restaurant with a beautiful view looking our over the Seine River and Paris.  Afterwards we explored the Eiffle Tower on the first and second level.  The third level was closed because there was too big of a crowd.  We both had been up there before so didn't mind.  That evening we took th Seine river cruise past all the historic sites that were beautifully lite up.  Afterwards we went and walked through the Champs de Mars (the park in front of the Eiffle tower) and we went to the UNESCO building nearby.  They had a wonderful Art display of international photos of people from cultures around the world.  I said I wanted to work in that office some day!

Each day was a new "Wow"!

July 12, Sat - We were exhausted and had a leisure morning, then went to the Louvre to pick up our Paris Passport (gives discounts on activities and shopping), then we went to the Paris Opera House, le Palais Garnier (the one in the Phantom of the Opera). It is used just for ballet now. The tour was great!   I had tried to buy tickets online to the ballet, but they were sold out.  We found out most people make reservations a year ahead.  We went over to the ticket counter and asked if there any last minute cancellations, the lady was so sweet and found us seats for that night, the closing performace of the ballet "Les dames aux Camillias".  We were in row 2 of the orchestra section, perfect seats up front for 80Euros each.  TWe ran back to the hotel to change and had dinner at the opera restaurant across from the opera. The ballet was amazing.  We couldn't believe we were there!

July 13, Sun - We went to the Louvre Museum and spent over 4 hours exploring the beautiful French paintings, the scultures, and of course the small Mona Lisa, but it was a room full of admirers.  Then we went to the Notre Dame and climbed all the way to the very top, we went in the bell tower too!  Afterwards we went to the Latin Quarter and to the church Saint Germain de Pres, the oldest church in Paris.  It was beautiul.  Then we ate across the street at "Les Deux Magots".  Then that evening we went to the Sainte Chappelle, the most beautiful church in France, full of magnificent stained glassed windows.  We had bought tickets online for a concert there.  It was "les soloists" a chamber group of soloist that put on an amazing performance in that beautiful chapel.

July 14, Mon - Bastille Day!  We went to the Champs Elysees for the Bastille Day Parade.  Although it was really crowded and we couldn't see much except when we stood on a little fence, we had a great time.  We meet some young french couples and had a great visit with them.  Afterwards we went shopping on the Champs Elysees!  We thought it would be so expensive, but there were great sales and a young girl told us to go to Promod.  They had the best deals and we did a lot of shopping there.  Then we ate at the George V cafe, the prices were pretty good.  We thought that would be so expensive too.  Then we went to the Arc de Triomphe.  It is a great view down the Champs Elysees and towards La Defense and towards the Eiffel Tower.  We then headed over towards the Eiffel tower for the Fireworks and concert in the park.  We didn't make it back in time to the concert (we shopped too long!)  but we sat on the Seine river with a million others and watched the fireworks (through some tree branches).  There was great energy being in the crowd on their national holiday.  Paris is truly an amazing city!