Paris, Day 1

We were so sad to leave Bruges, but at the same time we were so excited to get to Paris! The cold/rainy days of our trip were now behind us, and we were ready for some sun! We took an early train directly from Bruges to Paris, and it was quite nice. 

Once in Paris, we arrived at our B&B on Rue Saint Honore, right in the 1st arrondissement. The location was superb. We were able to walk and bike everywhere! This B&B was more like an apartment rental, although it did include a light breakfast of toast and tea or coffee in the mornings. 

Right in front of the building was a historical landmark sign. We took this picture, and had our French-speaking friend Andrej translate it for us. It turns out that an early feminist/playwright named Olympe de Gouges lived in or near the building we stayed in, and she was sent to the guillotine for her radical views in 1793. 

We loved the entrance to our building! We looked so Parisian, typing in the code and entering the courtyard! 

Our room was on the third floor, in the picture it's the window on the far right, three floors up. 

The bed was small, but the price was right! 

And we had a nice window with a view of the courtyard. 

After dropping off our things, we set off to explore Paris! Our first stop was the Jardin des Tuileries, not far from our apartment. They have chairs surrounding the fountains so that you can sit back and relax. 

The fountains were beautiful! 

And so were the gardens! 

After purchasing our museum passes and touring the Musee de l'Orangerie, we walked around in search of lunch. 

Oh, to be in Paris... 

so amazing!

We searched and searched for a McDonald's, but none were to be found, so we settled for a panini shop. We really enjoyed the sandwiches, and then we headed out on the New Sandeman's Free Paris Tour. It was the same company we used to tour London, and we really enjoyed the tour. We learned some French history, and saw many interesting sights. 

The love lock bridge was cool to see, 

and one of the highlights was standing outside of the Louvre! 

We took a quick break from the tour to stop to get a coffee and croissant. We found the cutest little shop... 

You won't believe it's the McCafe! We need this in the US! 

We finished up the tour, and enjoyed a lovely dinner outside at L'Auberge Cafe. The duck and the wine were superb! We got the real French experience, though, sitting outside with the smokers! 

After dinner, we finished the evening by visiting the Musee d' Orsay. It was a lovely museum, and we enjoyed listening to Rick Steves' commentary as we toured. 

We enjoyed the rest of the beautiful night, biking past the Louvre back to our apartment...