Paris in October

We just got back from our 4-day Paris adventure, and we're all so glad that we went.  We had a wonderful time experiencing the Parisian culture, seeing the sights, and collecting artwork. Yes, at first there was a bit of culture differences to get used to...experiencing some stereotypical French unfriendliness, but most of our experiences were very pleasant especially as we got farther away from the Eiffel Tower.  Our hotel was a couple blocks away from the Eiffel Tower so we were able to see this world renown icon every day...such a treat, especially at night when it is lit up.  Also, every hour after dark, the Eiffel tower "sparkles" with flashing lights for about 5 minutes.

We took the Eurostar train from London right into Paris, which was a nice relaxing journey.

Upon arrival, we took the metro and then walked several blocks to our apartment.  This was our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower along the way.

We were all really excited to meet up with Nicki (Sean's sister) and Mike shortly after our arrival, and then we walked over to the Eiffel Tower area to have a look around.

Walking along the Rue Cler marketplace.

 Outdoor seating for dinner...Mia enjoys some watered down wine. The nice thing about Paris is that most of the restaurants have outdoor seating year round.  Even if it's cold, they have heat lamps to keep you warm.

 



Later we went back to the Eiffel Tower, and then took a River Cruise along the Seine.

 

FRIDAY:

 

We began the day with a tour of the Louvre...which was just amazing.  We had a fabulous tour guide that entertained the kids with a treasure hunt and kept them very engaged along the way.

Venus de Milo

The Mona Lisa

 

After the Louvre, we found some lunch and made our way over to the Eiffel Tower to ride to the top.  Avery was very nervous, he is very scared of heights. You have to take 2 elevator rides to the top.  Fortunately, at the top, the elevator puts you into an indoor room, which put Avery at ease, though we were able to go outside from that room.

It was a misty day, so the view wasn't as good as it could have been, but it was still pretty awesome.

 

SATURDAY:

We enjoyed much of Saturday just walking around and enjoying the city. We did some shopping in the St. Germain area.  We ended up in a French GAP that had some really adorable kids clothes...so the kids picked up some new "fashions."

Waiting for the Metro.

Two staples in the French diet...baguettes and crepes.  We loved eating baguette sandwiches and crepes filled with chocolate and bananas.

After shopping and lunch we went over to Notre Dame and took a walk-through.

 More shopping on the narrow streets.

More chocolate crepes!

We then went to Luxembourg Gardens to feed the birds.

A very cold day in the gardens...

SUNDAY, our last day:

Alexa and Mia showing off their new Parisian fashions with Aunt Nicki.

Sunday was a gorgeous day! We went to La Basilique du Sacre Coeur...church of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre, and then walked around the surrounding area where local artists sell their paintings.  We stepped inside a few galleries, and watched the artists at work in the streets.

The girls were mesmerized by the artists at work.

We enjoyed a final meal with Nicki....probably our best French meal. From there we said our goodbyes and then went back to our apartment to get our luggage, taking a walking route past the Tower one more time.  Au Revoir, Paris!