Having settled in to our flat, we were keen to get started…to soak in all that Paris has to offer. But where to start? On the internet, of course. After some research, Katina found what sounded like a fantastic 3 hour walking tour of Paris, through a new company called Wego Walking Tours.
Our Tour started at 10:30 am right outside Notre Dame Cathedral. We were met by the company’s owners Paul and his wife Paulina. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we have never, ever, experienced a guide like Paul! He has the most amazing amount of energy I’ve ever seen in a human being. My first question was “Where do you get your coffee?” and his response: “This is all natural, no caffeine added”! I didn’t believe him. Three hours later, I asked if it was chocolate covered espresso beans…
We learned all kinds of neat things along the way:
The world is measured from Paris, right outside of Notre Dame (or at least it should be!). This bronze star in the pavement right outside of Notre Dame is the “point zero” for Paris…measuring distances between Paris and any other place starts here. Some superstitions: stand and spin on the star and the number of times you spin will be the number of times you return to Paris. Jump up and down on the star to get some luck to meet your future mate…
From here we headed off at a brisk pace, and our tour was officially under way!
We saw a broad spectrum of the sights…Click on the gallery below to be able to ‘click through’ larger sized photos.
Beautiful…what else can you say?
Here’s an interesting fact! The Institut de France is made up of several “academies”, one of which is the Académie Francaise. This is the governing body for the French language and are the people who determine what words are added to the language. There are 40 members in the académie, and they have the most impressive job title ever…Les Immortels!
The tour was full of “fun facts” like this!
We had picture-perfect end to our tour at the foot of the Eiffel Tower…it doesn’t get any better than that! Anyone who is going to Paris absolutely has to take Paul’s tour…it is fantastic!
Comments
19 responses to “Paris in a day!”
Hi Oliver, As I read through your adventure in Paris, I am so jealous! I am currently sitting in a room without a window, looking at the world map and wishing I too was on a world tour! None the less, the excerpts and pictures take me to a day dream far away from the hustle and bustle of the TO. I love Paris with all it’s art, history, cafés, shopping! Keep posting, keep the day dreams alive!
Hi Jomel,
I knew you would appreciate Champs Elysees among the other things in Paris! I had the most ‘interesting’ GPS adventure when I picked up our rental car and drove back to our flat. I had joked to Katina that I was going to “drive around the huge roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe, down Champs Elysees, and then just for fun through the roundabout at the Bastille”. Well, what started as a joke ended up as reality and some extremely white-knuckled driving!
Oliver
Can’t believe that you are still in T-Shirts and capris! Looks as though you are planning to miss winter all together! Savour savour savour! How many times will Zoe return to Paris?
Hi Herta,
I really enjoyed wearing capris for our tour…they were very comfortable.
Oh, that was for Katina… 🙂
Oliver
Just love this posting, especially the photos, brings back wonderful memories. Looks like the weather cooperated and that makes Paris an even more beautiful city. Thanks for the memories.
We were told that the weather had been awful up until the week we arrived. We keep getting told that wherever we go! Hopefully that trend continues!
🙂
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for your ‘Paris in a day’ it’s very informative and the points of interests you highlighted are definitely going on my agenda for when I plan my trip to Paris. I hope your travels will take you into Normandy, two places to visit are St Malo and Le Mont St-Michel. Both cities are steeped in history and have their own breathtaking attractions.
At Mont St-Michel, if you get a chance visit the Abby at the top. The view is amazing
Hi Caryn,
We did make it to Normandy, but approached the trip there with a different theme. Watch for our upcoming blog posts for the exciting details!
Oliver
Oliver, bet you can’t wait to hop onto a motorized bike! Wouldn’t that be an exciting way to travel along the coast!
So glad to hear that you are having such a great time! I, too, enjoy experiencing the cultures when I travel. How wonderful it is that you have connected with so many people, who have been able to provide greater insight and understanding of the places you are visiting.
Hi Aunt Mary,
I keep on telling Katina I’m getting a motorcycle when we get back, but the girls remind me that I’m a mini-van driver! 🙂
We have met a lot of wonderful people while on the road, and this has been the reason for our travel. While we love seeing the sights and digging into the history, we truly have gotten the most out of our travel when we have engaged with locals and experienced the culture first hand. It’s been absolutely amazing.
Oliver
Hello Oliver!
Is one of those pictures of stained glass windows from Sainte Chapelle? (I’m not sure I’m remember the name correctly. It’s the small(er) church on the island—not Notre Dame.) Easily my favourite thing in Paris, or at least what I saw of it. I was there for a week many years ago. Looks like you packed a whole lot into one day.
Warmest wishes, and safe travels.
Dimitra
Hi Dimitra,
The stained glass window photo is from inside Notre Dame. We got there relatively early in the morning (about 930) and there was absolutely no line up, so we were able to walk right in. I couldn’t help but snap these photos…it’s so beautiful in there. When I’m in a church like that I can’t help but think of Ken Follet’s book The Pillars of the Earth, a historical-fiction about a master mason on a quest to build the ultimate church. This was a book I could not put down!
Oliver
I see a math measurement problem just waiting to happen in that last photo of all of you! 😉
This sounded like such a beautiful day; such fun!
Yes, the ‘pyramid’ just happened…no planning involved at all on that one!
🙂
Hello Oliver!
Your Photos are breathtaking and the city of Paris looks amazing ! I hope you find your favorite coffee shop soon!
Love,
Mom and dad P.
The coffee in Paris was great. Strong…but great! Kept me up and energized as we toured!
Hi Oliver
Enjoyed revisiting Paris through your text and photos.
You are all looking great! I think the girls have grown a few centimetres too!!!!
Safe travels wherever you may be now!
Doreen
Hi Doreen,
I think you’re right about the girls…they’re almost blocking us out on the photos! We’re going to have to go on a clothes-shopping spree when we get to Thailand…hopefully their clothes still fit until then!
We’re truly doing great and really enjoying our family time together.
Oliver
It is wonderful to see such beautiful photos of Paris and congratulate you for having taken the best tour Paris has to offer, Wego Walking Tours with Paul and Paulina is an extraordinary experience which I have had the honor of taking on 2 different occasions, although Paul has all the background historical data which he undoubtedly masters and enjoys conveying, I recommend if you are still in Paris you contact him and get some good info on Thailand, he and Paulina spent some time there with the local people and had a fantastic time. May you enjoy your trip with your family in good health and happiness.