Paris, France

Entering the Cathedral of Notre Dame

This blog follows our whirlwind tour through the famed French capital and what was our first trip to France together. Paris, a global centre for gastronomy, art, fashion and culture is enchanting and picturesque, famous as the city of lights. Sophisticated and historical the magical aurora pulls travellers from across Europe and the world. A hub for the misty romantics, inspiring novels, heart spoken poems, films and plays, Paris enchants and inspires.

Invited to attend the annual MBAT sports tournament we were jumping in our shoes at the opportunity to see and experience the magic of Paris. Pairing up with two other couples we rented a small cozy local flat through Airbnb just a short walk North of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Although the weather forecast predicted gloomy weather, the fear of thunderstorms didn't deter us at all. 

Aside the Love Lock bridge

In fact, we arrived early on a beautiful blue spring Thursday  making our way from the Beauvais airport by transfer bus we caught a bit more shut eye. (Note: Don't fly to Paris with Ryan air. The airport is almost actually in Belgium).
Then after dropping off our bags quickly at the flat we were straight out the door. First stop the impressive Cathedral of Notre Dame, an 800 year old National treasure. We aren't sure what was better the inside or outside! Although... we looked, we never saw the hunchback.  The cathedral has over its years experienced glory and tragedy - from the crowning of Henry sixth to falling in a state of disrepair later refurbished by Napoleon.

The rest of the afternoon we walked and walked! Down back roads and along main roads, aside the canals and over bridges we walked as the sun warmed our backs. Although we've read that Paris isn't well known as a walkable city we were surprised how flat it is (but yes, its quite spread out).

All of the love locks

Eventually, we all met up for lunch about 3pm (still on Spanish time) at a small French pub only a stones throw away from the famous and struggling love lock bridge for salmon baguettes.

Views from the second balcony of the Eiffel tower

Strong, dark and iconic

Arc de Triomphe

Next up - the Eiffel tower. Widely recognised as one of the worlds most important landmarks! But truthfully the tower was a little bit smaller looking than we anticipated, however still magnificent. It's amazing to think it was built in 1889 as the entrance to a world fair, with the intention to later dismantle it. It's certainly come a long way from its humble and highly criticised beginnings. Being a mid week day the crowds weren't too bad (also considering the tower is the world's most visited paid monument) within 40minutes we had our tickets and were marching... or perhaps panting up the 600+ stairs.
We could go as high as the second platform which is about the middle of the tower, because the top was closed. It was considerably chilly up there and as the rain clouds loomed in we quickly took in the amazing views across Paris and motored back down! 

After slowly coming down and feeding our hunger bug we waltzed toward the Arc de Triomphe, adorned with a huge flag to celebrate Victory Day (end of WW2) the following day. It was here that John informed everyone that this is one of the most dangerous roundabouts in Europe and that insurers wont cover for an accidents occurring here.... 1....2.... bang! A truck drove straight over a small car in front of us! Oh dear! After a quick visit we headed back to gorge on the French cheese and duck paté.

Winners at the MBAT rugby tournament!

Slightly injured but hanging in there

When our second day rolled around the guys were up and out very early heading off to their tournament. We followed several hours later by Uber taxi with a call from the injured! Drama aside the venture to Je jous was stunning as we drove through Paris's smaller suburbs, were we stopped several times for the local Victory Day parades to move through.


While we waited we watched the elderly idily chatting with each other sitting with baguettes in their bags and flowers in their hair. We passed colourful florists, French cafes, churches and monuments. After checking the sickly at the hospital we manage to weasel our way into the event and spent the rest of the day on the HEC campus quite happily watching a multitude of drunk adults from around Europe participate in highly competitive sporting pursuits (we also had quite a good spot to watch the fortitude of ambulances coming in and out). It was a stunning campus with hiking trails, lakes, fields and of course classrooms!

By the time we got home we were knackered (some of us a bit bruised and broken) but that didn't stop us from getting up early for breakfast of cheese croissants before marching off to explore the Montmartre district.

Waiting patiently for our crepes! 

Outside the stunning Sacré Coeur Basilica, Montmartre

Eiffel tower by night! 

This area of Paris was bustling with visitors and packed with cafes, quaint restaurants and artists. Originally home to several famous artists such as Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali and more the area is now very hip and contemporary. Here, behind the Basilica we watched several artists draw portraits and tried our first French crepe filled with ham, cheese and egg. Yummy! The huge white domed Sacré Coeur Basilica (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) which sits proudly on Paris' highest summit, was stunning with fantastic views but maybe a bit touristy. 

The adventure continued towards Versailles (separated into our next blog) and we returned just as the sun set.
After a long relaxed dinner we returned to watch the Eiffel tower twinkle in the evening darkness like being blown by pixie dust, before walking home. Although it was late, we took our time enjoying the fresh evening air and walking slowly over the canals and past the old lit up buildings.

Restaurants down Av. Montaigne

Cloth markets down the streets of Place Saint-Perre

Outside the Louvre 

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel 

Sunday was a busy day and the warmest yet. After checking out we ventured towards the famous Louvre through the Tuileries gardens and up Champs Elysees. We stopped for something special at the bakery and bought olives and more paté at the supermarket before heading home. Paris really surprised us, the people were far friendly than we anticipated often stopping and asking if we were lost and compared to the Spanish the general level and English ability was so much higher. If we got another chance we will be back to Paris in a heart beat to continue exploring the amazing city. 

Fancy a seat at the Tuileries gardens? 

Musee de Louvre

Tot Siens,
John and Kara