We arrived in Paris, the city of Lights, late at night at the Gare Du Nord. We rented a 2 bedroom flat in the 11th arrondissement – the Bastille District through VRBO. It was in a residential neighbourhood, so we quickly felt less touristy and part of the community. We had a number of markets and shops at the top of our street so it was great to pick up baguettes from the local bakery on the way home from our tours☺
Lucky for us, we had been able to contact a couchsurfer in Paris – Louise and her wonderful daughter Jossya (12 years old).
We wandered around the area and saw the George Pompidou centre and lots of fun places that we haven’t seen before or haven’t seen for 16 years, (Ollie and I honeymooned in Paris back in 1998). It was the first day of school so there were kids in their uniforms playing in the parks. We also went to the Victor Hugo museum…a free museum in Paris. It was neat to see his house and the lovely area where he lived.
Of course it was great to see all the bridges covered in locks of love…almost all bridges are covered – so much so that the railings are falling off. The city has decided to take them all down due to the safety hazard. So if you wanted to get your lock on – you better do it soon!
It was great to have a local show us around and see the sights…it gave us a neat perspective on the city and we saw some gems that we wouldn’t have on the tourist track – like the Princess Crepe shop. The girls loved it at first sight…not French at all, but a Tokyo experience in the middle of Paris. It was like Hello Kitty cute with chocolate crepes and whipped cream.
After exploring neighbourhoods around Notre Dame, Louise brought us to a nearby French restaurant for dinner, Quasimodo Notre Dame– she knew the owner and said he used simple ingredients, but made them come alive. The adults ate tartines – Oliver had duck with potatoes and camembert cheese, while I had tomato, olives and anchovies. The girls decided on stewed lamb – which they gobbled up with gusto.
For dessert Louise kindly bought a variety of pastries that were absolutely delicious! The one that I fell in love with was a pear and chocolate tarte…absolutely divine! The girls put 24 candles in the pastries for my birthday so there was a small fire happening! It was a great day in Paris and so much fun to see it with some new friends.
Paris was off to a great start!
Comments
18 responses to “Paris – The City of Lights!”
An apartment! Great way to experience Paris. Did the same in 2011 with my niece. Walk everywhere and enjoy parley-ing en Francais! You are there at a great time, but I am sure that this was the plan . Watch out for those street ‘corners’ with 5-6 ‘ intersections’ !
Hi Herta,
You are so right about the 5-6 intersections – I’m not sure who did the city planning – but it certainly is interesting to try and cross the street sometimes. The weather is absolutely perfect…a sunny 23-24 everyday. We couldn’t ask for anything more!
We are having so much fun reading up on your adventures. We are both so excited to see everyone this week in Berlin!!
HI Lydia and Pete,
It will be great to connect in Berlin – we look forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers!
Hi Katina, it was nice to hear about your day in Paris. It is one of my favourite places to visit. I love the culture, architecture, and emphasis on the arts. It was great that you got a local perspective – I’ll have to check out couch surfing for a future trip. I haven’t known anyone who has tried it before but it sounds like it is working well for you. BTW happy belated birthday. I didn’t realize you are only 24!
Harriet
Hi Harriet,
Couchsurfing has been a game changer for us. We love to travel – but surfing brings it up to a whole new level. We have met the most wonderful local people on our travels and it has enhanced our time in the city. It’s great to see all the sights – but honestly – what we are remembering are the people and the fun we have had interacting and learning with them. You would love it!
As for being 24 – I started counting backwards years ago!!!
Cheers!
Je t’aime Paris:)
simply beautiful 🙂 locks of love must be incredible to see in person!!!! Absolutely love the Hello Kitty crepe shop:) I would be there all day lol
Jeannelle
Hi Jeannelle,
This is your kind of city – you would fit in right away. There is so much of an emphasis on the Arts you would be inspired by the buildings, parks, bridges – all of it. As for the crepe shop – it was the cutest things I have ever seen – and the crepes were yummy too!
Cheers!
How exciting! I am loving travelling with you. I look forward to hearing & seeing all the places I wish to go. You really are having an amazing trip so far & more to come. Can’t wait to see some French recipes!
Bonne chance
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
WHy wish – you should come here before the cut the love locks….it’s an amazing city that everyone should visit at least once! The recipes are coming soon….the food here is amazing!
Cheers!
Amusez-vous bien dans la Ville Lumière! Quelle beauté!
Merci Laura,
Nous avons le temps de nos vies!
Au revoir!
K:)
Hello Katina
Oh to be 23 (assuming the 24th candle is for good luck) again 😉 Happy birthday, and many more!!!!!
I’ve been reading your family’s posts, and enjoying them all.
Be safe and keep on posting.
Warm regards,
Marina Dukas
Hi Marina,
It’s great to hear from you…I hope all of family are keeping well. The girls send Zoe A. a big hug!
Thank you for recognizing my true age – and yes – I need all the luck I can get!
Cheers!
Sounds amazing! Paris like locals must be magic. I am in Iowa today…..doesn’t even begin to compare. Keep the stories coming
Scott
Hi Scott,
I would have to agree that Paris trumps Iowa every time! We all hope you had a wonderful birthday last week!
Safe travels home!
Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday in Paris Katina. Hope you got that glass of wine in front of the Eiffel Tower! Love reading your blog. We are following along every step of the way!
Hi Kim,
Not only wine, but crepes too! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate…together with my little family in one of the greatest cities in the world!
We’re glad to hear you’re enjoying our blog…it’s fun to share our adventures.