My New Happy: Paris Is Always A Good Idea: Day Five

Friday, January 13, 2017

Paris Is Always A Good Idea: Day Five


Ahh....day five in Paris.  Is it just me, or was this trip going way too fast?  If you missed the first four days, you can read about them herehere, here, and here.

I had been looking forward to visiting the Champs Elysees for 36 years, and this was the day.  And what better way to begin than with a trip to the Arc de Triomphe!  We made our way to the Metro and soon found ourselves in front of this beautiful monument.


After purchasing tickets, we climbed the stairs (more stairs!) to the top to take in the panoramic views.  And there she is again!


Looking down the Champs Elysees, we could see the Louvre and the Big Wheel at Place de la Concorde.

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They were in the process of taking down the Big Wheel for the season, and when we came back to visit the Louvre a few days later, it was completely gone.  

My husband could have stayed on top of the Arc all day and watched the crazy traffic going on in the roundabout below.  This poor little car had no idea what to do, and caused a huge back up.  People were honking and yelling out their windows, but he just sat there forever, until finally finding an opening and darting through.


The plan was to briefly meet up with our friends from home, who wanted to see the Arc before heading out for their flight to London.  As we were watching the traffic, we got a text from Anthony that read "how do you get across this thing?"  Looking down, we saw him at the edge of the street, trying to figure out how to cross.  My panicked hubby texted back as fast as he could (which honestly, isn't very fast), "don't cross. go underneath.  stairs behind you". Luckily he got the message before he stepped into the craziest roundabout in Europe.

After visiting with Anthony and Ciara, we said goodbye and headed back down to have lunch and start shopping. The Champs Elysees did not disappoint.  The beautiful walkway was lined with even more beautiful stores: Chanel, Hermes, Gaultier.  And then...


The flagship Louis Vuitton store. Each display was more lovely than the last.  I spent an hour wandering around, admiring everything.


And....bought nothing.  My husband offered, but I just couldn't pull the trigger.  I usually have no trouble making shopping decisions, but this one felt so big, and I could not choose.  Total fail.  But even now, I don't really regret it. Just being there was wonderful.

We wandered on, and eventually came across one of the busiest McDonald's in the world.  I stopped to take a picture for the boys.  See the man inside with the tie?  He came storming out, yelling that no photos were allowed.  I still have no idea why not. Apparently those yellow chairs are top secret.


Eventually we passed the Grand Palais and La Madeleine, and continued on to the huge department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.



After browsing a bit, and finally buying something (to be revealed later), we headed to the roof cafe for a snack.  Once again, the views were amazing.



An evening cruise along the Seine and a late dinner finished the day.  Too exhausted to take pictures, this is all I've got.


We drug ourselves home to sleep and get ready for the next day's adventure.  We were headed out of the city (hopefully more successfully this time) to see the Palace of Versailles!

22 comments:

  1. WHATT???!! HE OFFERED AND YOU DIDN"T GO FOR IT???? LANANANNANANANANA. You needed a professional enabler like myself with you. :)

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    1. I know. I actually thought of you at the time, and said "Deena will be so disappointed in me" :).

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  2. Geez girl, I would've done the same thing though. When I'm on the spot and Mr. Nine wants to buy me something I'm like no that's OK honey. We are crazy aren't we? I cannot wait to see what you did buy though and I was so excited to see more Paris fun! Have a wonderful weekend sweet lady!

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    1. It felt like so much pressure to pick just the right thing. I guess I should have done some research before I got there!

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  3. Omg, the roundabout! Hahaha. You know, the most dangerous roundabouts are in Europe and as I have just discovered, Boston! WTF?? The roundabouts here are just like that! Horrible!

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    1. We have a lot of roundabouts here, and no one knows how to drive in them. This one was on steroids though.

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  4. Oh yes...that roundabout is INSANE!!! I remember a friend driving through that circle and asking how they do it and he said...you just GO! Ha ha! Crazy Frenchman!

    I can highly recommend Rome and the roundabouts there too if you want some scary driving. When I lived outside of Milan in Brescia I saw my life pass before my eyes every time I dared step in a car.

    I can understand why you didn't buy at LV. Those stores can be overwhelming and intimidating. I don't even care to shop in them. Like you, I love to look.

    Sounds like you squeezed a whole bunch into your day. Also looks like the weather was fabulous!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. We had great weather almost every day. The LV store was beautiful but definitely overwhelming. Rome is on my list to visit one day!

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  5. No pictures.. of a McDonald's? That makes me giggle and I'm glad you DID get a photo!
    The roundabout makes my heart pound.
    Your husband offering to buy you something? He's such a keeper and I would probably have trouble pulling the trigger myself.

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    1. He's definitely a keeper. I still have no idea why I couldn't take a picture of the McDonald's. So weird.

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  6. That is crazy about the McDonalds! I think I would have laughed in his face!

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  7. I have been there 30 years ago! Haha, enjoy the rest of your Stay!

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  8. Lana, you make me want to got to Paris more... it sounds and looks incredible. I like the idea that you can go underneath and cross a street... that is much safer, I would not want to be driven through that roundabout... that looks scary... xox

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    1. It was such a dream trip - I hope you get to go someday!

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  9. What a lovely recap of what sounded like a fantastic day in Paris! I went right after my graduation (20 years ago now) and this post brought back beautiful memories! Thank you for sharing! - Brenda // ChattingOverChocolate.com

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by Brenda. It was such a great trip!

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  10. I've really enjoyed your Paris recaps! I'm going in September and cannot wait! So funny about McDonalds!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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    1. I'm so excited for you! We went in September and the weather was wonderful.

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  11. What a beautiful city! I can't wait to go there one day, but for now I'm thrilled to be living vicariously through you.

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