Anniversary Trip: Paris!

Almost as soon as we got married, I mentioned subtlely that I wanted to go to Paris for our first anniversary. Neither of us had ever been there, but we both have a strong appreciation for wine and cheese. With some luck, things quickly came together for a long weekend getaway.

Day 1: Wandering town
I arrive from the US tired and jet lagged, and meet R at the airport. After quickly checking into our fabulous hotel, we start walking around town to get our bearings. We go through the Tuileries (the garden outside of the Louvre), down the Champs Elysees (a busy, pedestrian-only shopping area), through the Arc de Triumphe, and then pass out after a lovely dinner at a random bistro.

getting our bearings at a church near our hotel

the Tuileries and the Louvre

the plaza thing in the center of the Louvre

in front of the Arc de Triumphe, starting to look tired.

Day 2: Museums and towers
We start off with some fantastic breakfast pastries, then head to the Musee d'Orsay, which holds all the impressionist art. After a lunch break, we head up the Eiffel Tower and thankfully the sun comes out briefly. Then we walk along the Seine towards dinner.

one of many cool doors

the main hall of the Musee d'Orsay

not thrilled about going up the tower in the rain

at the top

view from the top of the tower- Sacre Coeur on the hill

8 small French desserts. mmmmm. 

Day 3: Churches and wine
The sun is out and the rain is gone for our first day of nice weather. We head up to Montmartre, swing by the Moulin Rouge (which is truly tacky, btw), and then up to the Sacre Coeur for a picnic lunch with a view of the city. Then we head back down to Notre Dame and walk around the islands. We stop for an excellent gelato and happy hour break. Then back up towards the hotel for dinner and a much needed break from walking.

our picnic: wine, cheese, baguette, blueberries and a sausage. 

enjoying our picnic in front of Sacre Coeur

Sacre Coeur

Notre Dame

full of very good gelato

love locks on a bridge

Day 4: All by myself
After breakfast pastries, R hops on a train to head on to his next stop. I wander town by myself and decide to capture the day on film. (This is my first movie attempt- have low expectations please.)

Day 5: Time to head home
Sadly, that's it. The fifth day was my travel back home (which totally sucked because of bad weather here). R arrived home a few days later, and now we're getting back to normal.

It was a fantastic little trip. Totally unexpected, but perfect. I would love to go back and spend more time there, as well as get out to the rest of the country. Now it's time to get to work!