Jeanne's Next Chapter: We'll always have Paris

I have not yet gotten used to how close Northern Italy is to so many special places. When Dave suggested we spend my actual birthday in Paris, it seemed a little extravagant but of course I said yes. The first weekend in November is obviously not the high season in Paris so we ended up with a good deal on both our flight and hotel room. A one hour flight and airport shuttle bus ride later, we were enjoying great late autumn weather walking down the Champs Elysees on our way to L'Arc du Triomphe.

La Tour Eiffel (1889)

We had no itinerary and only hoped to have an enjoyable weekend and decompress after a rather hectic few weeks. So we bought a carnet of subway tickets and just wandered around the city for two days. We went into a few of our favorite places including Sainte Chapelle (King Louis IX's private gothic chapel with soaring walls of stained class), Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Musée D'Orsay. Even during the low season, there is a long wait to go up in the Eiffel Tower on a beautiful day. At the top, we were rewarded with clear views and the unexpected joy of standing near a young couple as they became engaged. Everyone seems happy at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Panorama from atop L'arc du Triomphe

Paris Metro

Sainte Chapelle (1248)

Notre Dame - My girl, Jeanne D'Arc (1345)

(Photo by fellow tourist)

Looking out from the Musee D'Orsay.

Love locks overlooking the Seine River

For five minutes every hour, glittering lights add to the display.

The Pyramid at The Louvre

Sunday morning was a good time to visit Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoy the fall colors. It was filled with Parisians jogging, doing Tai Chi, sailing model boats in the circular basin and just relaxing in this historic park. As Dave and I walked to the Metro and headed back to the airport, I felt so grateful for the experiences we are able to have while Dave is working in Europe. This weekend created a memory that I will always treasure.