Paris, France! Part 1
I got my first stamp in my passport! Back in October, my husband and I went to Paris. This was my first trip overseas and I thought I would share some of the experience with you!
It was a long trip to get to Paris! We arrived early, when it was still dark, and got a shuttle. I quickly realized the traffic was rather scary! I’m so glad I didn’t have to drive! We taxied around the Arc De Triomphe on the way to the hotel and I caught my first view of the Eiffel Tower too! I couldn’t believe I was there and seeing things with my own eyes! I had dreamed about visiting Paris for YEARS! We stayed at Hotel Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel Cambronne. The room was tiny and the bathroom reminded me of a camper bathroom, but we had a view of the Eiffel Tower and it suited our needs. I loved the big window which opened fully without a screen. It was perfect for taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower!
Thankfully the hotel has a locker room for luggage, since we couldn’t check in until afternoon. In the meantime, we walked to the Eiffel Tower since it was only about 20 minutes away. We walked around the tower and saw the river Seine. Do you know how hard it is to get a flattering picture of yourself with the Tower? Looking up is not a person’s best angle! LOL!
Back at the hotel, Hubby and I enjoyed some pastries for lunch. I enjoyed people watching while trying to stay awake until check in time. I watched a driver trying to parallel park outside. He hit either the curb or the van behind him at least twice before parking (what must’ve been about 3 inches from the van’s front bumper) and then walked away. As I said before, I was thankful I didn’t have to drive in Paris!
We finally got checked in and I was able to freshen up and grab a quick nap before heading out again.
We walked through the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens). It was quite full of people and I can see why it’s a popular hang out! It was fun seeing the children sailing toy boats!
Our first destination that evening was the Catacombs. I enjoyed our visit! There is an audio tour (yes, in other languages for those of us that don’t speak French).
You access the Catacombs by a spiral staircase of 131 steps. The return climb is 112 steps. That’s about 5 stories down!
The entrance reads: “Stop! This is the empire of the dead.” Approximately 6 million people’s bones lie here. Much of the catacombs remain closed.
The Catacombs were super cool but also very sobering. I was most sad at one point when I realized the skulls I was seeing were child sized. There were SO many bones!!! Some arrangements were really cool! A heart, crosses and such. The “Fountain of the Samaritan Woman” was encouraging with its Zechariah 13:1 inscription.
I’m so glad we were able to see the Catacombs, they closed them shortly after our visit for a several month long repair! I believe it’s open again with a new and improved experience. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Hubby made sure to go by Notre Dame on our way back. It was quite pretty at night!
