Spingtime in Paris

It truly is all that it is cracked up to be. We had an AMAZING time. Lingering at cafes, walking over bridges and through block after block of beautiful old city streets, taking in museums and cathedrals we've always wanted to visit. It was a dream to have a week together without wee ones, and in Paris and London none the less? We savoured every moment :).

A few observations about Paris: they walk insanely fast in metro stations, but not so fast everywhere else, they love their H&M and Zara stores, but weren't as high fashion as I expected them to be. We saw signs for Big Mama (the movie) EVERYWHERE, and there were surprising number of Starbucks and McCafes...seriously. And lastly, the French were very nice. Dave's parents gave us a great book by Holly Platt that explained basic french culture (and some simple manners), which was very helpful.

We took over 450 pictures in Paris alone, so here are a few of the highlights.

Ready to depart from National airport. We'd had a crazy morning getting ready to leave, and bringing Will to the doctor to find out he had strep (no one else caught it, which was a sweet answer to prayer). The flight over was interesting. The entire plane slept, except for 3 young Parisians behind us who enjoyed a bit too much vodka, and talked loudly the entire 8 hours. No sleep for us, but with no kids in tow, it wasn't a big deal.

Our first stop - Notre Dame cathedral. We dropped luggage off at our hotel (it was 9am, our room wasn't ready yet), and started walking. We enjoyed crepes and coffee at a cafe just across the street, and marveled that we were actually in Paris.

We kept walking, and came upon this footbridge covered with locks.

which led us over to the Louvre!

Taking in some of the surrounding sculptures.

After resting up a bit, we made our way over to the Eiffel tower. It started raining hard, so we ducked into this cafe for dinner (beef bourguignon). Not our favorite meal ;), but it was food.

We stumbled upon this gorgeous Patisserie, just down the street from our hotel.

Coffee and crepes the next morning on the Ile St. Louis.

Then we headed over to the Champs Elysee, and Arc De Triumph - loved the Domino's pizza truck.

A rare picture of both of us.

Enjoying a late lunch at a cafe across from Luxembourg Gardens.

Entering the gardens.

This pond was surrounded by little boys pushing these boats around with sticks.

Making our way through the city.

Gallerie Lafayette - an impressive (and overwhelming) shopping centre. Every floor was divided by theme and designer.

I was surprised to find baby Gap ;), they had a prime spot with a view of the Eiffel tower.

View from our hotel window.

Thursday was museum day. We purchased a 2 day museum pass, so tried to see as much as possible. We started at the Louvre - amazing doesn't do it justice.

Some highlights - "Wedding feast at Canaan" (I had no idea how huge it was), Mona Lisa, the beautifully painted ceilings and ornate rooms.

1. Every detail was beautiful - we loved this doorway. 2. We were taken by this painting of a peasant family - most were of aristocracy. 3. This statue court was impressive. 4. Dave with Aphrodite.

Starbucks in the basement. I had no idea.

On our way out.

Next stop - Musee d'Orsay. No pictures were allowed inside. This was just outside the entrance.

Then we walked over to the Rodin Museum. Probably our favorite. Many of his statues were outside amidst the gardens.

The Thinker

The Gates of Hell, The Kiss.

The Prodigal Son.

Last stop of the day was Sacre Coeur. Beautiful view of the city, but you can't get to the top without being harassed by several groups of people.

That night we enjoyed dinner at Tastevin, a restaurant on Ile St. Louis that Dave's parents recommended.

Walking home, past Hotel de Ville.

Our balcony, breakfast the next morning.

At the gates of Versailles.

The impressive hall of mirrors.

Queens chambers - just like our room.

Versailles Gardens

The palace was massive - behine Dave is just one wing.

Over at Marie Antoinette's estate.

We loved this area.

They closed off part of the palace for filming. This actor walked out as we got off the tram, so a few of us got a picture with him.

We got off the train from Versailles, and went straight to Saint Chapelle before it closed.

We heard countless gasps as people entered this chapel - pictures don't do it justice.

Our last day in Paris was quickly coming to a close, so I shopped here...

While Dave went to this incredible bookstore. Wish we could have had more time here.

Loved this florist. Every storefront was so beautiful.

A quick ham and cheese crepe for dinner.

A lady from California grabbed our camera, and wanted to capture the perfect picture of us.

Grabbing a dessert crepe to go.

We started walking towards the eiffel tower as the sun set.

goregous gorgeous.

One of our favorite spots in the city - the young Parisians came out in force on this beautiful Friday night to enjoy the point of Il de la Cite.

We did the "toursity" boat ride on the Seine - so fun on our last night.

Walking over to the eiffel tower....

where we ended our night by going up top (half way).

Beautiful views of the city.

Sparkly lights at the top of every hour.

view underneath.

One last shot before we left.

The cafe's were packed late at night.

Taking in Notre Dame one last time.

The front of our charming hotel.

View out our window. We were in the Marais district - think small winding cobbleston streets... so perfect.

Our cozy, beautiful room.

Such an amazing 4 days! And then we were off to London?? Truly an incredible gift.