Paris in 72 Hours

At the first mention of our trip to Europe, our children listed Paris as something to which they were especially looking forward. For as long as I can remember Emilie has talked about eating crepes in Paris, Annelise has had a Paris themed bedroom planned and Sophia wears a necklace on which hangs an Eiffel Tower charm. When we arrived in the city, we had three fully packed days ahead of us during which just about all of our Paris dreams were fulfilled.

Day One

1. We climbed to the top of the Arc d'Triumphe 

2. We walked the entire length of Champs-Elysees, stopping at stores that caught our attention.

3. We reviewed the history of the French Revolution in the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine stood that was used for thousands of 18th Century French men and women, including Marie Antoinette.

4. We wandered around and then through the Madeline church. Sophia wondered why some chairs were roped off. I told her it was for those who had come to pray. Since Sophia doesn't take "No" for an answer, she said that she was there to pray, and found a spot in the prayer section.

5. We ate crepes throughout the city.

6. We loved the Invalids museum and Napoleon's Tomb. It was especially perfect for the boys. In one room there were miniature soldiers throughout France's history. It was interesting to look for the types of warriors that we had learned so much about. We especially liked the World War II Museum. We found a helmet that our Great Great Grandpa Ebert wore in an photograph that we have at home.  

7. We wandered the bridges and boulevards, admiring this grand city.

8. We took a boat ride along the Siene. It was a great way to get a different perspective of the Paris.

8. We found the eternal flame that marks the spot where Princess Diana was killed in 1997. Because Sarah's family comes from England, it has been fun to get to know the British Royalty better through her excitement and knowledge.

9. We wandered over to the Eiffel Tower, but decided not to wait in the two hour line to go to the top, especially since we saw the city from the Arc de Triomphe earlier in the day.

Day Two 

1. We began our day at the Louvre. The kids were excited to squeeze their way up to the front of the crowd surrounding the Mona Lisa. Ezra loved hearing about how she was stolen in 1912 and the thief just carried her home on the bus. It was especially meaningful to see this famous painting because we had learned so much about Da Vinci in Florence and also saw where she was finished in Ambroise, France. Although the museum was a little overwhelming for our group with 6 children, we loved finding the world famous pieces, such as Vermeer's Lacemaker. 

2. We wandered the cafe packed streets, picked up picnic foods and found the Luxembourg Park for our lunch. Unfortunately the well known boats for the children were nowhere to be seen.

3. We slipped back through quaint neighborhoods, lively with the afternoon cafe scene. Our favorite find of the day was the most adorable macaroon shop, Laduree.  

 

4. One of our highlights in Paris was the Musee d'Orsay. It was packed with one world class painting after another. I love that my children are so excited to find the Van Gogh's and Cezannes and they race to the Degas statues.

Day Three

1. We had watched the Hunchback of the Notre Dame, so even Ezra knew what we were seeing when we arrived at the Notre Dame Cathedral. With a little additional history, a climb up to the top to hang out with the gargoyles and see the bell tower and a visit inside to appreciate the stained glass, the kids enjoyed this stop.

2. We ducked into the Concierge, the prison where Marie Antoinette was held. We had studied so much about the French Revolution, it was interesting to see how much the kids enjoyed this stop. Sophia gave an entire sympathetic explanation regarding Marie Antoinette and how she should have been spared the guillotine. (My camera batteries died at this point, so some photos are courtesy of Google!)  

3. We oohhed and awed in the Saint Chapelle Royal Cathedral. The stained glass was magnificent and the chapel was like that of a storybook.

4. We wandered Isle St. Louis, eating ice cream at Berthillon, with flavors such as rose water and blood orange ginger, along the way.

5. We relaxed in the Place des Vosges, watching the little ones play on the playground, squeezing out any last bit of energy before our train ride home.

We all loved Paris. When Steve joins my for a trip to Europe in the future, Paris will be one of our top destinations, I am sure.