Arrondissement d'Étampes

Well, my adventure has finally begun! After staying up all night to finish prepping my house for my Airbnb guests and catching a 5:50 am Santa Barbara Airbus, I arrived in France at Charles de Gaulle airport at around 10:30 am after a good flight. I breezed through customs, picked up my one checked suitcase and caught a train headed to Paris. I then transferred to the Metro to reach my hotel near the 14th adirrondissement.

I wanted a hotel close to the Gare Montparnasse train station for ease of heading out the next morning, so I booked the Arcadia Montparnasse Hotel via Booking.com and it was adequate. Typical Parisian tiny room in an old building, but it was clean with a comfortable bed.

After settling in, I ventured out to the Catacombs of Paris, which I had previously booked. Who would have thought that there could be so many human bones all in one place, and to have them all stacked so neatly on top of that…amazing! It only takes about an hour to walk through and I highly recommend a visit if you’re in Paris.

Next up, I had booked a ride in the elevator to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. While the views were nice, I could have done without the crowds and touristy atmosphere. I attempted to take it all in, however, and enjoyed a chèvre sandwich and a glass of sparkling rose while enjoying the view. So, been there, done that and have checked it off my list.

After returning to my hotel room and taking a short nap, it was time for my boat ride on the Seine. It was tempting to skip it because I was so tired, but I rallied and headed out. The Metro is always my friend in large cities and I love the ease of getting around in Paris by way of their extensive Metro system.

The lines to board the boat felt like a cattle call unfortunately, and I was quickly questioning my choice to skip the boat ride and stay in for the night. I was at first disappointed that I couldn’t get a spot on the top level of the boat, but settled for a good second choice along the railing of the lower level. It turned out that a boat ride on the Seine at sunset is beautiful! The lights from the charming, French architecture buildings reflecting off the water is magical. And then there are the people who gather on the banks of the Seine to enjoy drinks, a picnic dinner or to enjoy conversation with friends. I’m happy that I dragged myself out of my hotel room for a boat ride on the Seine, and if you’re ever in Paris you should too.

It was after 10:00 pm by the time we disembarked and I headed in search of the closest Metro station to take me back to my hotel. The crowds were still out in full force and I reveled in the activity of tourists enjoying a city full of beauty, charm and fun!

After another Metro ride, I stumbled upon Amorino while walking back to my hotel. Call it luck, but this just happens to be my daughters and my favorite gelato chain. I, of course, had to have a rose shaped gelato consisting of three flavors on a sugar cone, topped with a macaron. Blood orange, pistachio, and white chocolate black pepper were my choices with a caramel macaron. It was the perfect end to a fun and exhausting day! 🥰Read more