‘GLOBAL EDITION’ FRANCE

YEAR VISITED:
2024-Paris

———- PARIS, FRANCE ———-

EXPERIENCES: Following our week in London, we traveled via high speed train on the Eurostar to our next destination; Paris. We left from St. Pancras International Station and arrived (in two and a half hours) at Gare du Nord in Paris. The train can reach a top speed of 186 mph, crosses under the English Channel, has comfortable seats that recline, and leg room galore. We were served a meal of salmon and vegetables and a bottle of wine. What’s not to love about European train travel?

Upon our arrival in Paris, we checked into our hotel and then decided to enjoy a snack of French fries and Coca-Cola at a nearby McDonald’s. While McDonald’s is obviously a worldwide franchise, it is amazing to me just how different some items can taste.

Later that evening we taxied to the Eifel Tower, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. This is also the #1 worldwide destination my oldest daughter wanted to visit. We walked across the Pont d’ Lena Bridge, directly in front of the tower. We then sauntered along the north side, or right bank, of the Seine River. We took picture after picture and soaked up the impressive views.

The pictures we took, with the iconic Eifel Tower looming behind us, are near and dear to our family’s heart. We even returned to this area another time to make sure we viewed the tower at night. Since 1985 the Eifel Tower lights up and puts on a sparkle display for 5-minutes every hour on the hour. We probably sacrificed sight seeing one or two additional locations in Paris in order to spend significant time viewing and hanging around the tower. Even so we have no regrets as we enjoyed every minute of it.

We stayed in Paris July 2, 3, 4, and 5th and the Summer Olympics began July 26th. Needless to say the city had undergone serious preparations. Many streets were shut down, bridges were converted into walking bridges, and stadiums were visible all over the city. Nearly everywhere we went we saw flags advertising the Olympics hanging from light poles. Looking back it was a really cool experience being there that close to the kickoff to one of the largest sporting events in the world.

Keeping with the theme of exploring all things tower, we also purchased tickets to the Eifel Tower observation deck.

In order to manage crowds, tour tickets come with an entry time; ours was first thing in the morning. I am proud to report that we walked up the 674 steps. Huffing and puffing at times, and I am sure we took longer than the estimated 20 minutes advertised on their website, but proud nonetheless.

As you can imagine the views of the city were fantastic. We walked to all four corners of the viewing deck so as to take in the city from every angle.

While we ran out of time for a tour, we did manage to make our way to Charles De Gaulle Place and take pictures of the Aric de Triomphe. It is amazing to see just how big this famous structure is in person – it is massive! If for no other reason, it is worth a visit simply to witness the ten main thoroughfares all feeding into the same roundabout that surrounds the Arc.

A tour that I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy was the Louvre.

My family and I aren’t exactly art enthusiasts and we heard horror stories around how crowded the museum gets. Ultimately we decided to book tour tickets as we couldn’t imagine a trip to Paris without going to the most famous art museum in the world. Boy, am I glad we did. We went in the morning, and while you could feel crowds growing by the afternoon we didn’t ever feel as if they were overwhelming or un-manageable. Upon entering the museum we immediately made our way to the Mona Lisa exhibit.

Other highlights were seeing the Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Great Sphinx of Tanis, Venus de Milo, and the Psyche and Cupid statue.

We also loved seeing the French Crown Jewels housed in the iconic Galerie d’ Apollon and were blown away by the massive collection of Egyptian antiquities.

Upon exiting the galleries we took pictures with the glass pyramid and decided to sample the mouth watering desserts at Cafe Concerto.

No matter your interest level in art or history, when in Paris definitely make time to experience the Louvre.

Looking back on our trip, the Seine River Dinner Cruise was one of our families favorite things.

However, it didn’t start out that way as it was tricky to find the correct dock where we were to supposed to board the boat. We were definitely turned around, borderline lost. However after a few panicked moments of wondering where we were and if we were going to miss the boat, we finally stumbled upon the correct location and went on to enjoy a spectacular evening. We were served a bouillabaisse style stew, multiple drinks, and felt like royalty as we slowly traversed the historic river taking in the historic sites of Paris.

It was especially cool watching the Olympic opening ceremonies on TV less than a month later and seeing the participating athletes being paraded via boat along (roughly) the same destination we had just traveled.

HOTEL / RESORT: We made our travel arrangements for our 2024 European trip through Costco, who in turn booked the Pullman Paris Montparnasse for our stay in Paris. The 4-star hotel would best be described as contemporary, modern, and stylish. It was strategically located adjacent to the Montparnasse Train Station. Far and away the continental style breakfast they served was the best we have ever experienced on any of our travels. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay – can’t say enough good things!

RESTAURANTS: When mapping out our vacation plans, nearly eight months earlier, we did extensive research around Paris restaurants with views of the Eifel Tower. Our search uncovered multiple options, but we ultimately decided upon Les Ombres. We couldn’t be happier with our decision.

Upon arrival, we were escorted to (what I would consider) the best table in the house as it had the closest view of the tower.

While it is currently considered a 4-star restaurant, it quite possibly was the best meal I have ever eaten. We ate, drank, wandered out on the balcony, and enjoyed the views of the Eifel Tower lightening up and sparkling; it felt like a dream. In fact both daughters stated it was their favorite moment of our entire trip.

Eating a meal in Paris is an event unto itself. I didn’t fully understand what this meant until we experienced it for ourselves. A typical summer restaurant set up is tables organized on sidewalks with chairs strategically facing out. It is not uncommon for Parisians to sit down, enjoy a meal and a beverage, and simply people watch for hours on end.

If we return to Paris we plan on having a smaller itinerary and partaking in a similar approach. Our attempt in acting like Parisian’s came at Rue Cler.

This is advertised as one of the largest and best market streets in the city. We explored shops lining both sides of the road, window shopped, and ultimately settled upon a outdoor table at a quaint looking cafe. While we enjoyed our lunch and people watching, we merely posted up for a little over an hour. Any longer felt excessive to our family that is used to being on the go. We were in Paris on the 4th of July and therefore wanted to enjoy some American food to celebrate America’s independence day. Consequently, Maddie and I hunted down the location for Hard Rock-Paris and ordered a couple of hamburgers; doesn’t get much more American than that!

STADIUMS AND/OR SPORTING EVENTS: We have not attended any sporting events in France. We missed attending the 2024 summer Olympics by three weeks.

ADVENTURE(S) AND/OR NOTABLE DESTINATIONS: My wife and I debated for a long time on whether or not we should purchase tickets to a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge. Truthfully, we knew very little about the show … only that it was a historic destination in Paris. It has been around since 1889. Ultimately we decided to go, purchased tickets for the whole family, and enjoyed the experience.

Our tickets came with a bottle of champagne and we shared our table with another couple. The show was more risque than anything we have previously experienced but it was certainly well choreographed and entertaining. I am glad we decided to go.

One afternoon my wife and oldest daughter sought out a shopping mall. They stumbled upon the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysees. While I am sure the shopping was above average, what I found to be the biggest draw was the incredibly ornate ceiling; absolutely stunning architecture.