A Chilly Weekend in Paris

Location: Paris, France

Introduction:

We used Paris as the starting point for a two-week year-end Holiday. This would enable us to begin adapting to the six-hour time change. Coming from Florida, we also had to adapt to the freezing temperatures. We embraced both and were rewarded with a memorable experience.

Sights Visited:

Notre Dame X-mas Market; Natural History Museum (Skeletons of all kinds); Jardines Des Tuileries X-mas Market and Amusements; Arc De Triomphe; Champs Elysees; On the day that we had reservations to go up the Eifel Tower, it was closed due to Technical Issues. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the nearby playgrounds, carousel and a nice Aquarium.

Accommodation:

We stayed at the Select Hotel Rive Gauche. It was conveniently located with restaurants, shops, the metro and Notre Dame all in close proximity. We found our room to be quite comfortable for a major city and the staff to be very helpful.

Food and Drink:

We love French food and wine and sampled local bakeries and restaurants. We introduced Adelaide to chocolate croissants and she became an instant fan.

Transportation System:

We used a car service from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. We flew into Degaulle and out of Orly and both were only about a half an hour ride making for an easy in and out. The rest of the time we either walked or rode the RAPT metro, which served us well.

For Your Amusement:

It’s not often that you see the Arc De Triomphe traffic circle empty. The police were out in force securing the area ahead of the World Cup crowds that would soon gather.

Highlight:

We got a taste of French passion as they cheered on their soccer team in the World Cup finals against Argentina. While they fell short, the singing and shouting in the streets when they overcame a 2-0 deficit was endearing. We couldn’t help but get caught up in all the excitement.