Paris, France

Here's a detailed review of our multigenerational trip to Paris in October of 2022. They were already preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics when we were there.

We stayed at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel hotel. It was a perfect location with comfortable rooms and a fantastic breakfast so we would definitely recommend it. Caden was in charge of pressing the orange juice every morning!

The day we arrived, we took a boat tour that started on Saint-Martin Canal and ended on the Seine River. Going through the locks and under the Bastille Tunnel was interesting and seeing the classic sites from the Seine was a great introduction to the city. Our extreme tiredness kicked in towards the end of the ride and we all struggled to stay awake. We rallied and wandered around Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cite, the islands in the Seine river.

Dinner was amazing pasta at St. Regis and ice cream from the famous Berthillon. We viewed the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral and read about the restoration progress. An early night for tired but excited travelers.

Day 2 - We went to the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) in the Latin Quarter. It's a huge botanical garden surrounded with other galleries and a zoo. Each area requires a ticket, so I'd recommend deciding which ones you'd like to see and determining if a package is a better deal. We loved the Menagerie (zoo). The animal exhibits were infused with nature and the structures, iron gates, and plants all felt very artistic. Dan and I were impressed by the Grandes Serres (greenhouses). We all enjoyed the labyrinth. The Grand Galerie de l'Evolution (Great Gallery of Evolution) was spectacular! The beautifully preserved animals and specimens (over 7000) are displayed and surrounded by glass, wood, iron, and light. Visitors learn about diversity of species, preservation of nature, and the role of humans in all of this. We had lunch at the cafe and overlooked the centerpiece of the gallery, the African Caravan. We wanted to go to the galleries of paleontology and mineralogy but tickets were unavailable due to a fashion show.

It started to rain so we walked to the closest location for a snack! We had some gelato from Il Gelato Del Marchese and wandered to Luxembourg Garden and Palace. The rain eased up and Caden had an absolute blast renting a boat and using a stick to guide it around the water. Then it started to POUR rain so we ran through the gardens to Brasserie Lutetia, in the Hotel Lutetia, for dinner. Dan and I remember that one of our all time favorite meals we've ever had was at a little restaurant in Paris, several years ago, that we thought was called Brasserie Lutetia. I'm not sure if it was the same place, but the meal and wine were delicious and the staff was very kind to us even though we were embarrassingly drenched from the downpour. We topped off our day by splitting a gigantic chocolate mousse!

Day 3 - We were a bit adventurous and took the train then walked briskly through a not-so-great area, to get to the Saint-Owen Flea Market. It was worth it! We browsed in the shops. Grandma befriended a shop owner and bought some jewelry. We got pins from a really neat pin booth that had absolutely everything you could imagine. We spent a lot of time talking to the man at an antique toy store and ended up with a few small treasures from his store.

Next, we took in the views near Sacre-Coeur Basilique in Montmarte. Caden received some "education" from the windows on the street as we walked past Moulin Rouge. We didn't see a show this time, but it's on my Wishlist for someday. We all really enjoyed wandering the narrow streets and looking in the shops. We bought some small gifts for friends at a pottery shop and had some yummy macarons as we continued exploring the beautiful paths past famous spots like Le Moulin de la Galette, La Maison Rose, and Le Consulat. We found a table outside of La Bonne Franquette and savored a cheese board with entertaining live music. There were local artists selling things and painting caricatures in a square. If we are ever fortunate enough to return to Paris, I would want to stay in the Montmarte area in the 18th Arrondissement. We walked back to our hotel past the Eiffel Tower as it sparkled and lit up the sky.

Day 4 - We explored works of Van Gogh, Renoir, Seurat, and Pompon in the beautiful Musée d'Orsay. The museum is in a railway station that was built for the 1900 World Fair. They have a fun website, designed for children ages 6-12, to help learn about the museum. Next, we went to the museum and gardens of Rodin. Grandma Jack and Caden returned to the hotel for a cheeseburger and Dan and I met a group of friend's to celebrate Lisa's 40th birthday. We had a fascinating food and architectural tour through the 3rd Arrondissement. Highlights included Grand Cafe Tortoni, Poilane Bakery, Fromager at Marche des Enfants Rouges, Yann Convreur patisserie, Popelini, and Christian Vabret bread. We collected culinary treasures from each stop and enjoyed our feast with wine at "Cave - A Lot of Wine". We picked up some fresh flowers and Grandma and Caden and finished the night at Lisa's apartment with a phenomenal view of the Eiffel Tower, more delicious treats, and champagne toasts!

Day 5 - We got as dressed up as we get and had lunch at Le Jules Verne on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. The private elevator and views from 410 feet above Paris were the highlights. The Michelin-starred food was impressive but the staff wasn't very friendly despite our attempts to not be obnoxious American tourists. It was still a fantastic experience. Since our Museum Pass included admission to the Centre Pompidou, we went to check it out. Bonus - we found a Lego store on the way! The modern and contemporary art was fun and different and the views from the top of the building were incredible. My adventurous 9 year old had langoustine for dinner then we all enjoyed gelato from Amorino.

Day 6 - It was a gorgeous walk in the sunshine across Pont de la Concorde bridge with views of the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde to the Musée de l'Orangerie. The rooms with panoramic waterlilies of Monet were breathtaking! We walked thorugh Tuleries Gardins, and saw fountains, a playground, and even a goat maintaining the grass. We got carryout treats of the famous Mont-Blanc pastry (worth the line and every penny/euro) and an ultra-rich hot chocolate from Angelina. We took them back to share in the garden.

We spent the afternoon hitting the highlights of the massive and beyond impressive Louvre. The most visited art museum in the world covers over 15 acres and is home to over 480,000 pieces of art. Grandma Jack was an art major so she enjoyed seeing the original works that she learned about in college and Caden enjoyed the specific areas for children that encouraged hands on play for families. After walking all day, we did exactly what the experts tell you not to do and ate a touristy, overpriced, restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed our pizza, seafood, and Aperol spritzes at Firmine while the Eiffel Tower glittered in view.

Day 7 - Disneyland Paris - This will need it's own post! :)

Day 8 - Our last full day in Paris. We saw the Arc de Triomphe and walked along shops on the Avenue de Champs-Élysées. Caden and Dan found some Paris Saint-Germain shirts from the local soccer team. We had lunch and enjoyed the city views from the top of Galeries Lafayette. Dan and I went out for a few more Parisian calories from Les Petits Gourmands Boulangerie and Cave Vino Sapiens then said one last au revoir to the Eiffel Tower.

I wonder how long I would need to live in Paris before the Eiffel Tower stopped impressing me every single time I saw it? I think it would be a very long time.