Bienvenue a Paris! 

Despite the fact that both Vlad and I have visited Paris in the past, we decided to add it to our itinerary for two reasons: one - to meet and spend time with Vlad's family, and two - to experience this romantic city together. Leaving Montpellier on Thursday, September 4, 2014, we boarded the super fast TGV train towards Paris, 760 kilometers away, which translated to only about 3.5 hours of traveling. Vlad's cousin Lyndsay, who has lived in France for over a decade, was kind enough to pick us up from Gare de Lyon train station upon our arrival. This was such a treat and a welcome change from our usual initial wondering around town, trying to locate for our airbnb rental. We arrived at her apartment shortly after, and met the rest of the family - her husband and two adorable baby boys who spoke the cutest version of French.  

After spending the night with family, we set out to explore bright and early the next morning with Le Marais as our first stop. We strolled around a part Jewish / part hipster neighborhood and admired the rich architecture, while making our way towards the magnificent Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame Cathedral. We finished our first full day in the evening with a dinner of delicious duck (Vlad) and a completely non-memorable vegetarian dish (me). 

The following day, we headed to the Les Halles neighborhood to meet with Vlad's old Montpellier classmate Laurent, who after meeting Vlad in Montpellier, decided to do the exchange program in Winnipeg (so brave - not afraid of the Winnipeg winter). With Laurent as our authentic Parisian guide, we walked the city and popped in for some coffee and beers. The best part of our afternoon was day drinking out in the open on the edge of the city's canals, without worrying about getting an "open container" ticket. What a treat to be able to drink outdoors - if only we could ever do that in the States. We wrapped up the evening with a family dinner at a local spot. 

On Sunday morning, we got a glimpse into the life of a typical Parisian family and headed to the local fruit and veggie market with Lyndsey and co. We picked up some produce and paused our browsing to listen to a 10 person band with various instruments singing and playing upbeat songs. We were taken by surprise when we heard them perform a well known American folk song "This land is your land"; a piece of home away from home. They definitely earned their 2 euro donation ;) 

Later that day, Vlad and I visited Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) Basilica located on Montmartre hill - the highest point in Paris. This was my first time visiting and I was overall very impressed with this magnificent building. Personally I prefer the outside of the basilica to the inside (which is too modern for my liking), however, it is still a sight that is well worth visiting when in Paris. Tourists can especially take advantage, as the top of the dome is open to view a spectacular panoramic of Paris. 

On Monday, our last full day in Paris, we started the day with a mandatory visit to the Arc de Triumph - Vlad's second favorite place in Paris, following the Eiffel Tower (understandably). We then walked down Champs d'Elysees, through Tuileries Garden, the Place de la Concorde and eventually ended up at the Louvre. We had some delicious Amorino ice cream while enjoying a bit of people watching and discussing the next part of our travels. We ended the night with a pasta dinner made by Lyndsay and taking some family shots. 

I don't think that Vlad and I will ever get tired of Paris. It's one of those cities so full of magic and energy that it keeps you coming back over and over, and each time you're there you are guaranteed to discover something new. Our stay in Paris was made especially lovely by Vlad's cousin Lyndsey & the fam. Thank you Lindsey and Simon for being such wonderful hosts! We had a blast with you and the boys - hope to meet again soon. 

Hotel de Ville - this beautiful building currently hosts various administrative offices and serves as a venue for large receptions. 

Vlad in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. Since both of us visited this landmark before we skipped the lines and admired it from afar.   Hotel De Ville, Paris, FranceHotel De Ville, Paris, France A wrap to our evening - relaxing by the beautiful Hotel de Ville. Can you see Vlad? For sure listening to his podcast. 

Le Marais, Paris, FranceLe Marais, Paris, France Le Marais was our favorite neighborhood where we returned to three days in a row.  There is no shortage of beautiful buildings in France.  Roses in Paris, FranceRoses in Paris, France Or gorgeous fresh flowers. 

Welcoming decor at a local cafe. 

Clever bags.  Paris BarParis Bar Vlad and Laurent ordering beer and catching up on whatever sport was on TV.  Vlad and Laurent - drinking outdoors by the the canal. 

Sunday morning at a local market. I don't think this guy was ready or too pleased to have his photo taken. 

Delicious fruit.

Vlad and Simon enjoying the music.  This band was really awesome!   Everyone enjoyed the music, especially these two adorable kids. 

Bonding time with uncle Vlad.

So much fun bouncing around!   Area near Gare de Lyon, Paris, FranceArea near Gare de Lyon, Paris, France  Buildings near Gare de Lyon. 

Sacre Croeur BasilicaSacre Croeur Basilica  Sacre Croeur Basilica is an impressive sight. It was built between 1875 and 1914 on the highest point in Paris. 

Sacre Croeur BasilicaSacre Croeur Basilica  Inside of Sacre Croeur - not my favorite church but still very impressive.  Relaxing on the hill outside of the Basilica.   View from outisde of the basilica (zoomed in). You can see Notre Dame Cathedral in the distance.  Sacre Croeur BasilicaSacre Croeur Basilica Sacre Creour dominates with its size and beauty. 

 You can see it peaking through at various points throughout the city.  Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge The Moulin Rouge cabaret was a much smaller building than I imagined. This place is best known as the birthplace of the modern can-can dance. A show here cost 112 euro while dinner + show is around 170-215 euro.  

The Eiffel Tower at Night is probably one of the main reasons why Paris is the number one tourist destination in the world. As corny as it may seem, seeing the tower lit up and twinkle in the dark is an amazing and unforgettable sight. There's something very special about this mountain of iron. 

Trying something new with my camera. Paris Eiffle Tower & Carousel Oh yes, this really did happen and I am not ashamed to admit to it hehe. Best.Time. Ever. 

Vlad under the tower. 

At Arc de Triumph. 

 Walking down Champs d'Elysees  Trivia time: Guess what store resides in a building that looks like a museum, behind these ornate gates and beautifully manicured bushes? You're in for a surprise. Click here for the answer.  

 La Petit Palais - art museum. Taking a break from walking on this sunny day.  Tuileries Garden. Some weird stuff happening with pigeons here. Vanessa T - you're welcome ;-)  World famous Louvre museum.

 Louvre Museum. 

Streets of Paris can be quite colorful. 

 Parisian fall fashion.  Last evening with the family. The boys played with their favorite toys.  Looks like someone may be developing a new hobby.  Family photo - thanks for this pic cousins!