I knew my rudimentary French that I learned in high school and subsequent 2 years of college was not going to cut it. While I knew the basics, there was no way I would have been able to hold a decent conversation in French. So at the train station I grabbed a subway map, asked for directions from the clerk and made my way to the train along with Madison.
Now if you plan on spending an entire day in Paris, I recommend getting the 1 day pass which costs €17. It allows you to switch from train to train, and since the fares are based on zones you wouldn't have to worry about having to pay another fare. The views from the train from Disneyland Parcs into Paris are absolutely breathtaking.
Now Paris is everything I thought it would be and even a little bit more. I have to be honest with you, my visit to the Eiffel Tower was very uncomfortable. While I wanted to be there, I also didn't want to be there. Sounds confusing doesn't it? Think about how people felt after the 9/11 attacks when it came to flying? That's exactly how I felt. While there was armed French military around, it still left a very unsettling feeling so I took Madison, got her picture taken and whisked her away as soon as I could. At any other given time I would have taken the lift up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but when I asked Madison if she wanted to go and she loudly exclaimed "no", I was ecstatic.
Now the Eiffel Tower is located near the Seine River so if a ride up the tower isn't your thing, you can take a nice stroll along the river bank or even take a river cruise, which we also opted out of doing, but I do have to say any other time, I would have done it and I may still do so on another trip to France. I fully intend to visit again one day.
Not feeling too comfortable along the Seine River or the Eiffel Tower I decided to do what New Yorkers do best. Get on the train and head to where the shopping was, and where else to go shopping than the famous Champs-Elysées. Now the Champs-Elysées is to Paris as 5th Avenue is to New York City. It's a shopper's paradise, but it's not just luxury shops. There are also restaurants, theatres and cinemas lined along a mile long avenue.
If you're not one to shop, then certainly window shopping may be for you and there is no lack of stores for you to do so. The very first store that we saw was Cartier and all we could do was drool at the jewelry in the window, and since we were drooling, we decided to head to Ladurée, famously known for their delicious macarons. Who even knew there was so many flavors of macarons to choose from?
Madison had a splendid time along the Champs-Elysées and so did I. While I've crossed France off my bucket list of places to visit, I do however see another trip there in my future. It's a truly beautiful place and I can't wait to visit again.
Let's discuss: What are you most looking forward to visiting in France if you do visit? If you have, what did you most like about France?
We visited Paris in 2000, but I am dying to go back! I love was still in high school, so I don't think I appreciated it as much as I would now. Your pictures are beautiful and now I just want to travel!
ReplyDeleteOh Paris is so beautiful, I say you definitely have to take another trip back because I'm already planning my return.
DeleteHonestly, I would love to go to paris but not until the kids are a little older. My oldest went and they were evacuated from the Eiffel tower due to a bomb threat and I don't know if I could handle that as well with the little ones still being so young. The culture is so rich that a trip would be so exciting for sure.
ReplyDeleteSee Heather and that's what I was afraid of. It's those fears that keep us from enjoying the fine things in life but you can never be too careful, especially when you have kids.
DeleteI'd love to see the Eiffel Tower in person one day. That would be a neat experience. I'm sorry it made you feel uneasy.
ReplyDeleteYes it was a great experience and I'm hoping to go back one day.
DeleteDoes look absolute gorgeous and not going to Paris is on my bucket list for someday hopefully!! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your pics once you've made it. The girls would just love it!
DeleteI wanted to say that the Eiffel Tower image was the most beautiful one in this but then I got to the end of the post & Madison is SMILING!! Such a great post and it makes me want to visit Paris even more now. It looks absolutely gorgeous over there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat was my money shot right there Jess. You know how much she HATES to smile but she just loved Paris. To be honest with you, she loved Europe a lot more than she does the US and has been asking when she can go back. :)
DeleteI so badly want to visit France! Those macarons...they look so delicious! And the Eiffel Tower...swoon!
ReplyDeleteOh yes the macarons were my favorite and I bought an entire box of 12 and forgot them in the refrigerator. :(
DeleteWhat wonderful memories you are creating! Paris has been one of my favorite adventures! and the food... oh how i miss the food...
ReplyDeleteParis is amazing and while I would love to visit again one day soon, there is so much more countries that I want to pay a visit to.
DeleteOh, oh! Macarons! This is all a big dream of mine and I loved that you had this special time to explore. I've never been out of North America, much less my kids. It will happen, though.
ReplyDeleteI know I can totally fangirl over all the photos I can take there, but I have to stop and say that the one of Madison and her reflection is stunning. The use of light and composition gets an A+.
Oh Tamara that is such a compliment coming from you. That was a total fluke photo and I had no idea what I was doing but I loved the way it turned out as well. As for leaving North America, I've noticed that not much Americans do. I've always wondered why.
DeleteI've only visited Paris once but it lives in my heart like it was many times! Those colorful macarons are speaking to my sweet tooth this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteThe good thing about Laduree that I found out Michelle is that you can order them online and they'll ship to you. They're a little expensive but oh so worth it!
DeleteFirst off, your photos did a fabulous job of showing me the beauty of Paris! Now to answer your question, I just want to feel the air there, look at people and eat pastry! Maybe visit a vineyard or two...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Terri and I think the next time I visit I want to do all that you mentioned as well. Our trip there was to visit Disneyland so we didn't get to experience Paris as we wanted. :)
Delete17 euros for an all day train pass and not too bad actually and I love that you had a good time at the Effiel Tower. Those macaroons look divine as well!
ReplyDeleteI thought it wasn't a bad deal either and while I didn't use the entire 17 that day, maybe if I was there for a much longer time I would have, but it's so worth it.
DeleteWhat a great vacation! I definitely have Paris and other parts of Europe on my travel bucket list.
ReplyDeleteYou will love it!!
DeleteI love Paris - I've never been there but I would love to see it. Now if only I didn't have to fly to get there... lol.
ReplyDeleteOh those macarons... mmmmmmmm, my favourite French delicacy! Well, crepes are pretty darn good too.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures and reflections.
xoxo
Here's an idea, you can check to see if there's a cruise that would include Paris, that way you can go there without having to fly and enjoy those delicious macarons. :)
DeleteSo amazing. I want to go to Paris so bad! I tell my husband like every day. Your daughter is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexandria and keep telling him, maybe he might decide to go with you.
DeleteSo beautiful! I love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAw! Your baby girl is so gorgeous! And your trip looks amazing! Yes, I've always wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower but I know I would be afraid of those heights as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment. While it wasn't the height that scared me, it was what might happen while I was up there that did.
DeleteOMG! Goals!!! I would love to visit Paris someday.
ReplyDeleteAnd you most certainly should!
Deletewow, what a fantastic holiday. I love paris. I love more than you've got your own blog Madison. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThank you and Madison thanks you as well.
DeleteI've been on so many trips around Europe, yet the only part of France I've seen was Dunkerque and only on my way to Dover. Paris has been high on my to see list for ages and I hope to cross it off soon. Your photos are amazing, and the macaroons look so good, I am sure no one can say no to them!
ReplyDeleteOh you most certainly have to go to Paris. It's a once in a lifetime experience. You'll love it and yes those macarons were amazing!
DeleteThis is the reason I love travel posts...I can live vicariously through them. Beautiful indeed and thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome and I do the same thing too.
DeleteYour girl Madison is really lucky to see Paris so young! I'll bet it was an amazing trip for her! Also, I want one of those macaroons. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh she just loved it there. I think she prefers Europe over the US and I don't blame her one bit. It is beautiful there.
DeleteMy husband and I have been talking about planning a trip to Paris. I can't wait to go.
ReplyDeleteYou will love it! Can't wait to see your photos when you do visit.
DeleteFirst I have to say that Madison is such a cutie pie! I really need to visit Paris (especially so I can try those macarons!). Love the pictures and I'm glad you two had a good time.
ReplyDeleteYes we had an amazing time and thank you for the compliment.
DeleteOmg macaroons!!!!! My cousin actually just got back from a trip to Paris and that is what she brought me back as a souvenir!!!! Anyway, it looks Like you and your little one had a fabulous trip :)
ReplyDeleteWe had an amazing time and the macarons were amazing! You've got to take your own little one there soon.
DeleteParis is everyone's dream destination. I know it is mine. I can't wait to finally travel to Europe this year. And I am looking forward to going up the Eiffel Tower of course, see Champs Elysee, the Louis Vuitton shop and have several bites of their famous French pastries and breads. C'est la vie!
ReplyDeleteC'est la vie indeed! You're going to enjoy it all.
DeleteFrance will always be in my list, it's such a beautiful place to go to. It would have been nice to go up the Eiffel Tower! But I totally understand why you opted not to. I'm glad you had a blast at Champs-Elysées! There's just so many things to see in this city. Thanks for the brief tour, I'm sure this trip was a memorable one especially for the little girl!
ReplyDeleteOh we had an amazing time there and she really loved walking down the Champs. We ended up going into a few stores and buying a few souvenirs.
DeleteThe photos are so wonderful! I like the architecture and the ambiance. How I want to visit Paris one day. If that happens, I'll check your blog again for the tips and places to see. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhile we didn't share much tips there is so much to see that you won't even need to check us out. Just wing it like we did.
DeleteI enjoyed looking at your photos! I spent a semester in Paris and visited France on some other occasions and I have very warm memories of my trips. The first trip we take with my husband when kids are old enough to deal with our absence for a week is going to be to Paris.
ReplyDeleteOh but think you should take the kids with you as well. You can't let them miss out on this experience.
DeleteI was able to see Paris over a decade ago for a business trip. The place looks even better now.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't know how it looked 10 years ago, it is beautiful now.
DeleteBeautiful Paris! I've only been to the Eiffel Tower maybe a few times... on GoogleMap! Hahaha! Fell in love with macarons 2 years ago. I bake them now and sell them :D
ReplyDeleteOK I just had to laugh at your Eiffel Tower Google Map comment. You will love it there however in person. I would love to be able to make my own macarons, they are delish!!
DeleteWhat a way to cross off something from your travel bucket list! I wish I can also take mykids to Paris with me and ride Eurostar. I'm sure they'll be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteI saw a photo that shows how crowded it is near the Eiffel Tower, is that true? I understand what you mean about feeling unsettled. I'd feel the same way and would most likely whisk my kids away quickly too. :)
It wasn't very crowded on the day that we got there. We were there pretty early in the day but I'm sure that it does since it's a very popular landmark.
DeleteParis is one of my favorite places to visit. My wife and I had our honeymoon there so we have fond memories of this city. I have not been to Disney Paris, but we stopped over in La Vallee station for Outlet Shopping! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh a honeymoon there sounds very romantic indeed. Disney Paris was great but was more for my daughter. I'm all about the shopping and the food.
DeleteOh my! Paris, one of my dream place to visit. The iconic Eiffel tower is amazing, I guess everything about Paris is breathtaking.Will definitely visit this one once I pass my licensure exam.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think you should. I can totally see you having an amazing time there. I wish I could have stayed longer myself.
DeleteHope Madisson is fine now. Sadly I haven't been seen Eiffel Tower yet. Last time I visited Paris it was January and winter was foggy and cloudy. There was no point going to see a tall structure at all!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes she's doing much better now. It was also foggy on the day that we were there but we were still able to enjoy it, and although it was still winter, it wasn't too cold.
DeleteLucky you! i am so jealous here! Thank you showing glimpses of Paris. The happiness in your girl's eyes is so apparent in the pics.
ReplyDeleteThank you Frederick. She had a wonderful time in Paris and we'd love to do it again.
DeleteWhat an amazing cultural experience to give your daughter! I would so love to visit France someday. Your photos tell a tale of beauty and wonder. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes I agree Suzanne because the culture is so much different from the one we live here in our little state. I think you should just visit. You'll love it.
DeleteAlmost felt like I was right there with you! Paris is such a beautiful place! :)
ReplyDeleteYes it truly is beautiful there and we can't wait to visit again.
DeleteI'm so jealous that you got to visit the Eiffel Tower. When we visited France in 1998, I did not have time to head to Paris so I never got to visit that iconic landmark. It is still on my bucket list of places to visit in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Maria you most certainly have to visit the Eiffel Tower. It's been on my bucket list for ages as well and I finally got to check it off my list. I have a few other places to visit and can't wait to check those off as well.
DeleteParis, oh Paris! So glad that you visited it. I would like to visit as well. The photos are so nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes it was an amazing trip and we loved it there and would love to visit once again.
DeleteWow this is so amazing and always been a dream of mine. Maybe one day I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll be able to one day and when you do I would love to see your photos.
DeleteParis is truly beautiful! It's a good thing Madison still enjoyed even when you guys skipped the normal touristy stuff.
ReplyDeleteYes she did. Once she got her macarons, she was over the moon. There's nothing like giving your little one something sweet to make her day.
DeleteGreat photos. Looks like you guys had a great time. It's really sad with what happened in Paris not too long ago. It ruins the beauty of certain places and creates a lasting memory of fear and sadness. I sure hope it all stops soon. I've always wanted to visit Paris some day. Will definitely have to make that happen some day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt truly does and I think it was because it recently happened that made me so uneasy. Quite unlike NYC 9/11 which happened more than 10 years ago. I think you should make the trip. You'll love it.
DeleteI want to go there someday. I just don't know if I will make it there with my neck condition. Those photos are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't let your neck stop you from going. I'm sure you may be able to talk to your doctor who may be able to help you with whatever you need to make the trip.
DeleteYou have captured the place so well and felt like i am just there exploring the place.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Maybe you'll decide to go and visit for yourself one day. You'll enjoy it I'm sure.
DeleteOmg! I love Paris and I wish that I can go back there. The place is so beautiful in spring and the macaroons.
ReplyDeleteI am wishing the same thing. I would be in Laduée every single day, well almost every day, eating their macarons. They were absolutely delish!
Delete