cinquième enfant de surprise!!
Paris| What We Brought Home- SURPRISE Edition!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Staying in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris leads itself very naturally to a lot of shopping. It’s home to two of the most famous department stores along with Rue after Rue of shops. Here are a few of the places we visited this last trip.
This place was so cool. Who even knew Zara had a home store? Of course, the prices were cheaper in Paris then here!
One of the most famous department stores in Paris. The Galeries LaFayette is beautiful. This trip my Mom bought an exclusive perfume only available in Paris by the French brand Guerlain.
Not only a luxury beauty and fashion department store, the Galeries LaFayette also has an entire store (over 3 levels) devoted to food, grocery, dining, and cooking. It’s a must stop on my Paris itinerary.
Boulangerie’s specialize in the baking and selling of bread and they are very important to the French way of life. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have your own favorite boulangerie where you stop in daily to pick up a freshly baked warm baguette. This one has been voted best baguette several years running.
Patisseries are shops that bake and sell pastries and often bread as well.
One of my favorite chocolate and macaron shops in Montmartre. Everything is beautiful here.
Beautiful seafood markets
Affordable flower shops
Famous designers are abundant in Paris. I tried on a necklace here and pretended for a moment it was an option.
Champs-Elysées
Historically one of the most famous avenues in Paris, today it has some of the worlds most upscale shopping and the worlds busiest McDonalds. Probably not what Allied forces would have imagined when they marched down it in 1944 declaring victory over the Germans.
The lines to even get into some of the luxury stores are insane. It’s rumored that if you hang around you will be offered cash to go in and buy items for oversees shoppers who have maxed out their shopping limits.
One of the perks of shopping high end is sipping champagne while you browse. Maybe we didn’t look like serious shoppers, because we weren’t offered any, but with all these people it was hard to find a sales associate who wasn’t busy.
Stay tuned this week to see what we brought home.
Friday, October 09, 2015
Ideally, one would have weeks to explore Paris and the surrounding areas. Our mere 4.5 days wasn’t nearly enough time. I’m not ranking these in any sort of order. Obviously, the Eiffel Tower is pretty amazing, but I do love so many other famous sites in Paris, too.
I personally am very moved every time I see the Arc de Triomphe. To think of the lives lost and wars fought for French freedom is pretty powerful.
The tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I.
We spent so much time last trip in the Luxembourg Gardens that we never made it to the Tuileries. This large garden runs between the the northern and southern wings of the Louvre.
The French appreciate a good arc like the Italians do a good fountain. Not to be confused with the Arc de Triomphe this is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
3. Louvre
I’m sure we have committed some serious art felony, because we have never (GASP) gone into the Louvre. I know. I know. We will get there. So much to do. So little time!
The first time Brian and I walked by this we were like, “What’s this?” I could smack my forehead with the palm of my hand. Gah! It’s only the burial site of Napoleon surrounded by other military and war hero monuments.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t open this trip. It’s such a wonder to imagine the tenacity of a people who had such passion for building a place of worship, they did it for free knowing that it would take a thousand years and not even their great grand children would get to see it completed.
6. Eiffel Tower & Champs de Mars
The Eiffel Tower is breathtaking. What’s also fun is people watching and making sure you don’t get pick pocketed.
This group of cyclists were finishing a charity ride from London. It was pretty fun to see them coming and toasting the 2 day ride.
Also, because they were English speaking we got to chat with them a bit and enjoy a celebratory toast.
7. Seine River
8. Montmarte
The 18th arrondissement in Paris sits high above the city giving it a great view. It’s also a fun mix of art and cafes. Beware, it’s a sweaty climb.
Can you imagine Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh sitting here and painting?
I’m kicking myself for not buying a small canvas for my travel wall.
9. Sacre Couer
My all time favorite church I have visited so far.
10. Moulin Rouge
Somewhat underwhelming, but still fun to walk by at least. The neighborhood known at Pigalle is famous for being a seedy district filled with sex shops. American World War II soldiers nicknamed it “Pig Alley”.
Places we haven’t been to yet, but are definitely on my bucket list and a must see!