About Paris
Ah, Paris, the city of lights. We visited Paris in March of 2016 and again in April of 2018. The weather mike a huge difference in your impressions of the city. When cold and rainy, it takes on a medieval feel. But when the sun is out, Paris really shines. There is so much to see. The Eiffel tower, the Louvre and other museums, Sacre Coeur, the Palace at Versailles and Notre Dame to name a few. We also took a day trip outside of the city to Mont Saint Michel. A medieval monastery built on a rock out in the middle of a shallow bay.
All of the sights are well worth a visit to Paris, but the real reason to visit is the food. Not the pretentious, butter laden sauces poured over everything under the sun, but the simple dishes. We've had some of the best meals of our lives in Paris. One of our favorites is a little sandwich known as Le Parisienne. It's a baguette with butter spread on both sides and topped with thinly sliced ham. That's it...and it is de-li-cious! We found the best meals when we ventured outside of the main tourist areas. There's nothing better than finding a local establishment and eating as the Parisienne's do. A slow meal, enjoying the company of your partner or friends, followed by coffee and a delicious dessert!
On or first visit, we stayed in the 18 arrondissement, near the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur. Being so close to a red light district was definitely an eye opener. If you aren't looking to get laid, then do not make eye contact with any of the guys at the front doors of the various clubs. Mike made that mistake and we were then followed for nearly 1/2 a block with the guy loudly offering Mike to "fucky, fucky, French pussy." We got a good laugh out of that experience! Of course we weren't laughing when Chris tripped in the lobby of the Louvre and face planted on the exquisite travertine floor in front of hundreds of tourists (all with their cameras out).
Paris really is a wonderful city. The people are not rude (a common misconception). They are warm and welcoming. We've had wonderful times on both our visits and look forward to returning again soon.
