Past Travels: Photos from Paris, France

This summer I had a chance to go to Paris for the first time in 15 years with my brother. It was an amazing trip and the city genuinely stunning; we stayed in a beautiful hotel in Saint Germain. I am still going to say that walking is the best way to see the city, we walked just about everywhere. Sure we got lost a few times, but sometimes getting a little lost is the best part of traveling.

 Taken on our last night, the sunset on the Seine is one of the most gorgeous sights to see. The glass roof belongs to the Grand Palais.

 Walking along the Seine in Saint Germain. There are always boats docked on the river, many offer dinner cruises. Across the river is the Louvre museum.

 The Ile de Cite is one of the oldest parts of the city and is home to several historic sites including the Saint-Chapelle and Notre Dame. It was once the center of power in the city, though not anymore.

 The Pont des Arts is a walking bridge located in Saint Germain where couple write their name on a lock and leave it as a symbol of their love. The couples I saw would toss the key in the river, but I am not sure whether that is customary or even allowed.

 Some of the details on the upstairs balcony of Sainte-Chapelle. We were actually heading to Notre Dame when we decided to stop in and neither one of us has a single regret on that decision. Built in 1248, Sainte-Chapelle is home to the most amazing glass windows. They depict over 1,000 religious scenes in vibrant colours. The star covered ceiling adds a magical effect to the top floor.

 Jumping to a different day now, how can you not see the Eiffel Tower while in Paris? Sadly, it was quite miserable out the day we trekked there. We were also deceived into believing it was “near” our hotel. Invalides may have been on the same side of the river, but it was not close. It was a 50 min walk each way.  It was nice, easy walk along the Seine though.

 The Arc de Triomphe is located in Champs Elysees and began construction on under Napoleon, but was completed after his downfall.

 If you are lover of fashion or Louis Vuitton fan, the flagship store in Champs-Elysees is a must. The multi-level store is a bit like a museum with all things LV on display. If you live in the USA, the items are significantly less expensive when purchased in Paris than the States, even before the applicable tax refund (if you have any questions regarding either feel free to ask). 

 Once again back to our last night. This photo shows the Musee d’Orsay, which was my favourite museum of the trip due to the impressionist gallery on the top level. The building was originally a train station and reopened as the museum in 1986 (47 years after it closed operations as station).

 Being out at sunset is lovely; there are so many people out walking and eating outdoors at cafes. The city comes to life for night. The Roue de Paris (ferris wheel) is in the Tuileries Quarter not far from the Louvre. It was installed in 200 for the new millennium.

One last look <3 

I will save the photos from Versailles for a separate post...

Have you been to Paris? What was your favourite place? If not, where do you most want to go?