At the start of last year, Jason’s parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. As a gift, the family always intended to arrange a little weekend break for them. With health issue and work commitments last year, we couldn’t arrange a time we were all free. And it looked like this year was going to be similar. So, we picked a date at the end of the summer and all agreed this would be when we went! So, this last weekend, we finally headed to Paris!
Parisian Highlights
It ended up being a very quick trip, but we found time to do some sight-seeing, eat some yummy food and drink wine! We arrived early on Friday evening and had enough time to check into our hotel and freshen-up. After that, we wandered around the neighbourhood where we were staying (Grands Boulevards). Before finding a quirky micro-brewery to eat and have a drink.
Because of the short time in the city we planned on doing a hop-on-hop-off bus tour on Saturday. This worked out well as Jason’s mum had hurt her foot the week before and didn’t want to walk a lot. We also found a deal online that included a boat trip with the bus tour. And so, we got to see a lot of the famous sights from the river.
I am a big fan of hop-on-hop-off buses especially if it is my first time in a city or travelling in a larger group. They normally take in all the major landmarks, are a safe way to travel around. And if you wish to visit spend more time at one of the landmarks en route. You can jump off at your own leisure and then continue with your journey.
As we had all been to Paris before (and the short time frame) we opted not to visit any of the museums. Instead to only hop off for the more touristy places. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysee (I was very good and did not buy anything in the boutiques).
The boat trip was fun (even in the rain). And gave me the chance to get some interesting photos. But, it was sad to be up close and see the full aftermath of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral.
Sunday morning, we decided to enjoy Parisian café culture. And have a leisurely breakfast and people-watch in Montmartre. Followed by walking up to the Sacré-Cœur, for the stunning views of the city! Shockingly that the view of the Eiffel Tower was obstructed by a building. And it was only on our walk back down that we got to see the famous landmark and take some photos.