Paris Is Always A Great Idea * Age of Grace

The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris — The iconic Eiffel Tower

Paris Is Always A Great Idea

What a difference a year makes! In August 2012, I embarked on my first of many European vacations. I traveled to Paris, France, with my daughter and her BFFs. It was so lovely of them to include me, huh?

We all mapped out our spaces and places we just had to experience. Our self-guided tours allowed us to cover the 14 different sightseeing areas during our 12-day stay. Since learning about France in elementary school and re-watching some of my favorite French movies like An American in Paris, Midnight in Paris, and Paris When It Sizzles, I was ready to explore all my eyes could behold.

Who knew that August is when everybody and their mother enjoy a European vacation or “holiday,” or at least it seemed that way? I now understand why Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities, seeing its internationally recognized monuments and museums. Journey with me as I go down memory lane–minus the masses of people waiting in long lines and how expensive. I want to relive the fabulous art at the Louvre, lunches at chic sidewalk cafes, exploring all the artistic treasures, unbelievable architecture, some exquisite retail therapy, and the pleasure of biting into a truly French-made flaky croissant every morning.

Arrival at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and mode of travel, "The Metro" — Arrival at the Charles de Gaulle Airport and mode of travel in Paris: “The Metro,” AKA the subway!

Alba Opera Hotel, home away from home in Paris — Alba Opera Hotel, home away from home

Mont Montre Paris Street Cafe Dining — Sidewalk Cafe Dining

My fave, the Eiffel Tower

1,000 -ft iron structure — The Eiffel Tower is a global cultural icon. It is a 1,000-foot iron lattice structure that was erected in 1889 as the arch to the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair.

Notre Dame Cathedral, excellent example of French Gothic architecture — Notre Dame Cathedral is an excellent example of French Gothic architecture

Sacré-Coeur Basilica, located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city of Paris. — Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in Paris.

Internet photos of Versaille (massive amounts of people, could not get clear shot of front of Versaille or Hall of Mirrors)

Galeries Lafayette, upmarket French department store on Boulevard Haussmann. Beautiful glass and steel dome and Art Nouveau staircases. Nighttime on Champs-Élysées, one of the world's most famous boulevards — Galeries Lafayette, the French department store on Boulevard Haussmann: beautiful glass, steel dome, and Art Nouveau staircases.
Nighttime on Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous boulevards

my daughter, Channing at the Lady Di Memorial, Ladurée, home of luxury sweets and inventor of the double-decker macrons and Angélina tea salon. — My daughter is Channing at the Lady Di Memorial, Ladurée, home of luxury sweets and the inventor of the double-decker macrons and Angélina tea salon.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, We took River Cruise on Seine, and Musée d' Orsay ( Old train station) — Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, We took a River Cruise on the Seine, and on the last day, we went to Musée d’ Orsay ( Old train station)

at Palais-Royal Gates, and at Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs Exhibit at Les Arts Decoratifs — at Palais-Royal Gates, and at the Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs Exhibit at Les Arts Decorat

Paris is such a great place. How many times have you been there?

Merci beaucoup Serena, Arianna and Channing