Paris, March 2017 (Final Entry - Museums and Michelin Restaurants)
On Sunday, our fourth day in Paris, Audrey really wanted to see two of the most famous museums in the world.
At first light, we got on the metro and headed to the Louvre, when we got to the stop, we found that the line to get in was roughly a mile long underground. It was at this point we discovered that entry to most museums in Paris was free on the first Sunday of the month.
Fortunately the line moved fairly quickly, and after an hour in line we were in.
The Louvre is massive and this point cannot be emphasized enough. The sheer number of paintings, statues, and carvings is mind boggling.
After wandering around the Louvre for several hours, we walked over in the rain to the other side of the Seine to go the Musee D’Orsay where, again, the entrance was free due to it being the first Sunday of the month.
The Musee d’Orsay holds a large collection of impressionist paintings, including works by my favorite impressionists artist Vincent Van Gogh. It was very unreal to see Van Gogh’s self portrait. The look on his face was mesmerizing. He was actually able to paint the pain itno his own eyes. I stared at this paining for minutes and was literally moved to tears by it.
After spending several hours at the Musee D’Orsay, we both felt as though we had gotten enough culture for the day so we headed back to the hotel to get an early night’s sleep.
Our fifth and last full day in Paris was going to be laid back. After 4 solid days of exploring the city, our last day was going to be dedicated to one thing: food.
Before we arrived in France, we made reservations at Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. On what was another rainy day, we took a taxi to the Eiffel Tower, where, after passing through security we headed to the south pillar where we took a private elevator up to the restaurant.
View from our window-side seat at Le Jules Verne
Once greeted by the host, we were led to our window-side table overlooking the Champ de Mars.
We were there to enjoy the three-course lunch prix fixe menu. Service was present yet not in your face, the courses were each timed well, the plating was pretty, and the flavors were very good, however, again the beef was not as tender as I’m used to in the United States. Other than that, the meal was very enjoyable.
The next day, we left our hotel and took the RER back to Charles de Gaulle airport where we hopped on an Air Canada flight taking us back home.
Paris is an absolutely beautiful city. As cliched as it sounds, it has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated. It’s a city unlike any other. A wonderful combination of art, beauty, and history.