This blog was originally posted on bckminisrael.com.
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It’s Christmastime and the city of lights gets even brighter. Take a quick trip with my daughter Jessi and I as we explore this city that has so much to offer.
Arriving at 8 am we face a dilemma. Private transportation, (expensive) or the RER train? We choose the RER and are impressed how easy it was to get to the city center. Both train 11 and 12 head right there. (It was more complicated returning so we opt for a semi-private on the way back).
We found on the internet a cute little boutique hotel in the St. Germain district that, fortunately,
really lived up to it’s name! The staff, especially Eric and Curt were incredibly patient and helpful! (We booked through Facebook, liked the hotel, and got a free breakfast, with pastries to die for!)
To stay awake we book a tour to Versailles. Early December is a great time to go – no line! The extra bonus is they use very little lighting in the Palace and so as the sun goes down even the inside of the Palace gets more romantic. Downside? The gardens have been cleaned out for the winter.
Now, it’s morning. Eenie meenie miney mo, on which Hop On Hop Off should we go? If we want frequency, the Big Bus is the way to go. But it looks rainy. We choose Foxity – ALL their buses have a retractable roof in case of rain. It was a good choice!
First stop was the Eiffel Tower, and next was the Opera House! Up a little ways from the Opera House is Galleries Lafeyette! The Christmas windows alone are worth the walk. Let’s do a little shopping. Inside they have an incredible Christmas tree that hangs from the ceiling.
From here we head up toward Sacre Couer Basilica and pass one of the many carousels, decorated for Christmas.
And so is Sacre Couer. We arrive while there is someone singing at Mass – the acoustics are wonderful. (I love the ceiling that pictures a victorious Jesus hovering over the altar).
What goes up, must come down! We make our way back down the hill from the top, and stop to treat ourselves to Amorino’s! The BEST, most creamiest gelato in the city. (There are a few Amorino’s in the city – this will not be
our last gelato!)
Now QUICK! Grab that bus! Time to get to the Champs-Elysees toward the Christmas Market right next to the Louvre. The Christmas Market is charming, and worth visiting Paris just to experience. Nothing better than strolling along, drinking a cup of hot chocolate or “chaud vin” trying to figure out what to eat.
It’s been a full day, and on our way home we stop at Cafe Paris, right by our hotel. We order French Fries and French Onion soup – can’t leave Paris without trying those two things.
In three days we walked 37 miles and climbed close to 100 flights of stairs. I think we shall sleep well on the plane tomorrow. Before sleep, we take one last look out our hotel window. Au revoir Paris – til we meet again.
This blog was originally posted on bckminisrael.com.