Monday, March 19, 2012

In the City of Love...

As a belated Valentine's Day surprise at the end of February, Paul and I spent the weekend in Paris. It was his first trip and my second but more than anything, we were excited to see the romantic city of lights together! Somehow, we were able to secure a room at the always booked (thank you Rick Steves!) Hotel du Champ de Mars (http://www.hotelduchampdemars.com/), located off the famous Parisian shopping street Rue Cler. It turned out to be a lovely, cozy place in a great location.


Tres chic but *tiny* rooms-very standard in Paris.

First stop: La Tour Eiffel!


oh-so-happy about blue skies!!

looking towards Invalides




We decided not to go to the top of the tower due to time and the long lines. I was in Paris 14 years ago and don't remember it being so crowded! Our goal was really to enjoy the vibe of the city more than try to see every tourist site anyway. We walked all over on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised at the ease of moving around the city on the Metro system. We wanted to sit on the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower and eat a baguette and cheese along with some wine. Sadly, it was too early in the season and the grass was blocked off. Instead, we enjoyed our picnic on Sunday in the Tuileries which is a garden in front of the Louvre museum.

Palais Royale

walking along the Seine





Notre Dame cathedral





we couldn't get enough-the view at night
it glitters on occasion!

beautiful!
flower shop on Rue Cler

looking down Rue Cler

Paul toting our picnic lunch, complete with baguette
in front of the Louvre
looking back toward the Tuileries
in front of the Louvre entrance with his "Paul" coffee

a statue in the garden with La Tour Eiffel in distance
we decided not to do the Louvre this time around...
Tuileries, little pond with chairs-where we had our picnic

cruising the Seine, a must the next time around :)
he's holding my wild, wind-blown hair down this time...
a view from behind the clock window in the Musee d'Orsay


The Musee d' Orsay was a train station at one time 
I started photographing the art a little late, just as they were closing...
model of the musee
model of the outside of the building
arc de triomphe
inside Laudree, the birthplace of the Macaron!


the trip would not be complete without these!
...and our favorite "cheap" champagne Tsarine {dessert heaven} :)

Au revoir....Paris, je t'aime!

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