City of Lights: Paris Day 1
After taking the early train from Amsterdam in the morning, we arrived in Paris in the early afternoon. It was hot! Carrying 40 lbs on your back doesn’t help either. We quickly checked into our apartment, settled in, and decided to walk the streets for some food and see if we could fit in an activity or two.
Our place was located in a really great central part of town. The Seine river is a quarter mile south and the Notre-Dame cathedral is a quarter-mile south-east. Lots of sights within a short walk as well as a metro station.
Group walking the city streets.
Cafes in Paris are everywhere. There is no shortage of a place to sit to get a drink, a snack, or a meal. Nearly all the patio seating is positioned so they’re facing the street. So while a pair may be catching up with each other, both are facing the outside for some prime people watching.
Photo atop a bridge over the Seine river.
It was blistering hot the day we arrived. I was shocked to see a temporary ‘beach’ along the banks of the Seine. Interesting idea, but it was just sand & beach furniture. No actual way to cool off since one couldn’t actually access the Seine waters. Showers weren’t in sight either. A little odd if you ask me.
Notre Dame Cathedral nearby.
Another Paris streets-café photo. This time featuring Paul, a venerable Parisien institution, with the yummiest baked goods (e.g. chocolate almond croissant).
While waiting to cross the street, I saw a girl in a pink dress atop a roof-top balcony. Made for an interesting picture.
We walked along the Saint Germain Boulevard, a very popular café and shopping street. The Ralph Lauren store looked super cool.
We learned that the Musee d’Orsay would have free admission so we made our way over there to see if we could fit it in on day 1. As compared to the Louvre, the d’Orsay features more impressionist and post-impressionist works. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, it was closed. Nonetheless, time for pictures!
Cousin Jessica in front of the museum.
Sister Kristine and her husband Will.
Me in front of the museum.
After leaving the Musee d’Orsay, we did some more walking the Seine checking out the art and souvenir vendors that dotted the riverfront.
Group walk break and chatting
Cousins Velma and Jessica atop one of the many bridges that cross the Seine.
Art vendors
While the Seine has many bridges to connect the two halves of Paris, one particular pedestrian bridge is the Pont des Arts. It’s especially iconic since it’s covered by 1000s of pad locks symbolic of committed love. This is symbolized by pad locks that feature couples’ names while the keys are tossed into the Seine.
Locks
More locks
After a good half day of walking, we were in search of our first French meal in Paris. We headed to a restaurant suggested by Ship, but once we got there, we were all a little underwhelmed. The prices seemed high and it was kind of dead. Instead we ate at a restaurant down the block called La Methode. I got the savory duck. It was PHENOMENAL!
Great neighborhood joint that had a great lively, exciting vibe. We also got outdoor patio seating!
My crème brulee for dessert. Also awesome!
