paris, france

After our morning/early afternoon in Tours was over on Friday, we headed to Paris by car. Below is our itinerary and what we did for our short time in the city!

Friday March 6th:

Once we got to Paris, we all checked into our hotel, MEININGER Hotel Paris Porte de Vincennes. It was such a nice place, and I would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Paris. The first thing we did when we got there was buy metro passes and rode the metro to The Louvre before it closed for the night. It was free admission for most of us on the trip since it was the first Saturday of the month, they do a free admission night for anyone 25 and younger! The Louvre was an experience unlike anything I have ever experienced before, witnessing some of the most beautiful works of art that exist. We got to see some of the most beautiful artworks and architecture, including The Mona Lisa. Pictured below are some of the most beautiful things in this museum in my opinion!

The ceilings in this place were stunning, and the architecture was unreal! I recommend anyone to go if they have the chance and are traveling in Paris! We then stopped at a McDonald's for a quick supper before heading off to do the rest of our agenda for the evening.

Next, we went to see The Arc de Triomphe, which was so stunning to be able to see. We stopped long enough to marvel for a moment, take our pictures, and then hop back on the transit to get to see the Eiffel Tower before the night was over!

Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night was one of the most surreal moments of my life. It was as breath-taking as you imagine, even more spectacular and flawless than a picture could capture. We spent time here, getting pictures, but mostly just staring in awe. This moment was the highlight of the whole trip. Stunning and amazing, I have no words.

We then headed back home for a late bedtime, getting the minimal rest we needed to tackle the biggest and most scenic day of our trip so far the next day!

Saturday March 7th:

We started out our morning with an amazing breakfast! We then headed out at 8:00 a.m. to go see Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the most amazing cathedral! Inside was beautiful and sacred, with a worship service happening when we went, being led by nuns, with the most beautifully angelic music I have ever heard. The early morning view was also the most beautiful and surreal thing, such a wonderful early morning trip. We then stopped to do a little shopping on our way to the Eiffel Tower for the next thing on our list for the day.

The Eiffel Tower from the ground was so stunning, but we paid a fee to travel by elevator all the way to the top. It was so beautiful, and I would absolutely recommend doing it if you have the funds and the chance. Seeing Paris from the top, was the most beautiful view to take in this incredible city.

This picture of me was taken from the first platform, the middle of The Eiffel Tower, the top being even more beautiful of a view.

Pictured is the group I traveled with throughout this trip! And the picture on the right is me in awe of this amazing thing. Such a wonderful opportunity I will remember forever.

We then went to The Rue Cler Market, a hidden gem in the heart of the city! This was an experience that was so authentically French, feeling so much less tourist-like and more local. Featured here were little shops, where we bought fresh juice, sandwiches, and desserts and ate on little patios or walked and ate. It was one of the best experiences of the trip, and one everyone should have if they go to Paris.

It was a quiet and simple experience, but one I will remember forever. I had a cheese, spinach, and tomato sandwich and a chocolate cream filled éclair with mint tea. It was delicious, but more importantly it was one of the most memorable meals I had there, even in its simplicity. The following are my favorite pictures captured from the little street:

We then went and explored around Paris walking along seeing amazing sights, ultimately ending up at Musée d'Orsay where we saw pieces by many amazing artists, including Vincent van Gogh. We then traveled to see The Seine and Notre Dame. Although we couldn't go inside due to the recent fire, it was amazing to be able to see this place, even from a distance.

We went and got walking nutella crepes, and kept walking the city, with our day being almost over and wanting to take in everything we could. I could eat a nutella crepe everyday I must say, they were spectacular! We then stopped at a fountain, took some pictures, and headed to the Luxembourg Gardens.

The Gardens were stunning, filled with life. We took a seat and sat awhile to appreciate them, and then walked to get some supper. We ate at a little Pizzeria for our last French meal before hopping back on the train to get back to our hotel. My roommates and I changed into our pjs and went down to the hotel bar to have mojito and do homework, and then closed our last evening in Paris at about midnight, knowing tomorrow we would be going home.

We got up the next morning, packed up all of our things, ate breakfast, and loaded up our things into vans, heading to the airport. We flew out in the morning, and with the time change, ended up back in MN around 12:30 a.m. ready for school on Monday.

This trip was amazing, and one I will remember forever. It was the best experience, that I am very fortunate to have had. I absolutely recommend visiting this beautiful and historical city. It was a trip of a lifetime.

you are blessed. you are gifted. you are loved and appreciated, just as you are.

mindfully, molli