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Paris in the off-season and during the week was quiet, emphasizing its small-city vibe, particularly the sights that could all be reached on foot. The myth of Paris and the reality of the city are way apart. For instance, there is nothing about it to suggest it is the city of lights or that the food is worth writing home about, which was hit or miss. But I did wake up at the crack of dawn to be first in front of the boulangerie to taste the freshest croisants, which is an experience that shall never be missed in France. The Louvre was extraordinary, as was the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, and the serene float down the Seine. Day 1 is all about getting acquainted with Paris by walking it. |
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| The famed Avenue des Champs-Élysées is all about the brand-name stores... |
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| ...despite the big names, the stores don't have the variety that US stores tend to have. |
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| The general |
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| The Hotel des Invalids across Port Alexander III |
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| Immortality racing ahead of time and harmony triumphing over discord - the crown above the Grand Palais |
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| The first vision |
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| A much-needed selfie across the Pont Alexandre III |
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& one last one taken from the Trocadero
 We take a ride down the Seine, taking in the sights along the river, including the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d'Orsay as the sun sets over Paris.  Dinner is at a delightful neighborhood restaurant about a 20-minute walk from the Tarcadero called Le Petit L'Or, one we highly recommend not just for the food but for the ambience and friendliness...Yes, despite the popular narrative, Parisians are friendly and helpful people. |