Paris Day #1

Paris Day #1 – Train from Blois to Paris had a little hiccup too. Our original train straight to Paris was canceled and we had to take a train in the opposite direction to St Pierre des Corps in Tours and then catch the TGV back to Paris. Things were less hectic and we had seats on both trains – yeah! Checked into the Marriott Champs Elysees in Paris – it is a very subtle hotel next to a VERY busy Sephora store on the main shopping drag in Paris. Very spacious and beautiful room. Very expensive breakfast included with the room which is nice – it is a traditional European buffet but also has made to order eggs and omelettes.

We didn't get in until late afternoon so after dropping our bags at the hotel we headed out into the cold weather to see some sites. First stop was supposed to be the Eiffel Tower. We made our way there but it was windy and cold and the line was outrageous. Then while we were waiting there were lit signs saying that the top was closed due to congestion (like too many people). I didn't know how long that would last but didn't want to wait in line for an hour and then not be able to go all the way up. I remembered reading in my book that you could reserve a time online so we decided to do that and walked to Notre Dame because admission is free (going to pick up a 4 day museum pass while we are out and don't want to blow one of our “days” at 1600! )

Notre Dame cathedral is 700 years old and is a very impressive example of gothic architecture. It took almost 200 years to build (1163-1345) and most of the labor was done for free by the medieval parishioners – hauling stones from quarries, digging a 30 foot trench for the foundation and lifting stones to build the 200 ft towers. Very pretty, nice flying buttresses – I remember learning about those in junior high.

Right across from Notre Dame was a kiosk to buy the museum pass which was convenient. From here we rode the metro back to our hotel and walked the Champs for a little while before eating outside at a little cafe next to the hotel. We had a caprese salad and a pizza with ham and cheese or something.