And then, Paris!

We just got back from a 3-day weekend in Paris. It was our first trip there as a family (Bob had been briefly before), and we had such a fun time. Graciously, one of Bob's colleagues let us borrow an apartment for the weekend. We were relatively close to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

We took the TGV train from Basel to Paris, which was about 3 and 1/2 hours. At times, the train felt like a plane ready to take off on a runway -- the boys called it a "super-fast" train compared to the fast trains that we have taken for day trips in Switzerland. Landon was all dressed up for the trip, and was so proud to be wheeling his own luggage for the trip. I'm not sure if he was dressed up for the train or Paris, but he thought a shirt and tie was appropriate attire!

Once arriving in Paris, we had to check out the Eiffel Tower. It really is a sight, and I found it difficult not to keep taking pictures of it. Along with everyone else in Paris! We were really surprised just how busy the city was with tourists, and this is supposed to be low-season. We didn't wait in line to go up in the Eiffel Tower with the kids; perhaps on another trip. The weather wasn't great either with clouds and some rain.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The city really feels big after spending time in Basel. It's comparable to Rome or New York City, and walking everywhere just isn't an option. We decided to use a tour boat that made stops along the Seine River at the major tourist attractions. We saw the massive Notre Dame Cathedral with pretty stained glass and gothic details. We visited Jardin du Luxumbourg (Gardens) with a huge playground and lots of space to play for the kids. The gardens throughout the city must be beautiful when everything is in bloom. On the way back to the apartment, we walked the Champs-Élysées with its luxury shops and glamour.

Jardin de Luxumbourg

Louvre

On Sunday morning, we had time to take the Metro to the Louvre. We didn't go inside the museum, but the courtyard and gardens are open to the public. Again, this was a massive space with fountains and gardens. The museum is one of the largest in the world, and was originally a fortress built in the 12th century. It was also a royal palace prior to becoming a museum. I was tempted to try to go inside, but I feel like it really needed the proper attention or rather, no kids. And at least a day!

Of course, we enjoyed local food and drink while visiting: crepes, macaroons, onion soup, quiche and wine. The bakery around the corner from the apartment was a good place to grab a Parisian baguette. It was so soft and warm when we carried it home, I couldn't even hold it upright!

This is definitely a city that we would want to visit again. There is so much to see and the French atmosphere is unique. For example, we passed a group of schoolgirls at the Louvre that looked just like they were out of the book "Madeline". Or there is the architecture that can be so over the top and beautiful at the same time. Landon and Willem were great travelers for the weekend, and they're getting old enough to keep up with sightseeing (and then they need to catch up on sleep with a good nap after 2 days). I also realized that perhaps we should upgrade our camera -- I think it would be worth it to remember our special times here in Europe.

We'll be in Basel for the coming weeks getting back into regular routine after the 2-week Fasnacht school holiday. Bis später! (Until later!)