bienvenue a Paris!

We took a National Rail train from Blackfriars to St Pancras International station, where we boarded a Eurostar train to Paris. The ride was quick and easy, 2.5 hours of smooth sailing through tunnels and countryside.

And then we arrived in Paris, at Gare du Nord. We managed to find a Paris Metro line to the Marais, where our apartment is located -- 23 Rue de Renard.

 

And then it was time for food and exploring. We wandered through various narrow streets with fun little shops, and went to Pierre Herme for famous macarons.

 From there, across the Seine past the blackened shell of Notre Dame, heading to Le Jardin du Luxembourg. And also croissants.

I know you can now get Orangina everywhere, and I never drink it. But the first time I ever tasted it was when I was 13 in France, so I got a bottle in commemoration.

 

Our next destination was the Eiffel Tower, where we had tickets to climb the stairs at 7:30 pm. Rather than walk or decipher the trains, we decided to rent some shareable bikes - Velib bikes.  It was mildly terrifying for Liesl, with some cars and buses cutting her off, but she did really well and we all survived the journey.

The Eiffel Tower! 

Here we are at the bottom, already hot from the 85 degree day, and tired from walking -- perfect for climbing 600+ stairs!

At the first floor landing, looking down and up.

Croissants at the top, and beautiful views out over Paris.

Back down again, and very tired.

 

W

We took a taxi home -- everyone was so tired and hungry -- and the children collapsed while Steve and I foraged for dinner. The Marais was an enormous Pride-month party -- crowds gathered and dancing in the streets outside some of the bars and cafes. It was loud and so fun to see.