Tag: grand-plaise

After our wonderful time in Brussels, it was time to board the train for Paris.

Of course, no travel day would be complete without a little excitement.

We had several snafus trying to get a taxi to the train station and were convinced we had missed our train. Just when we were resigning ourselves to figuring out new tickets, I received an email saying our train had been delayed. Talk about relief!

The taxi driver was wonderful. Knowing we had a mountain of luggage and that the train station entrance was surrounded by uneven cobblestones, I asked if he could help us get everything closer to the door. He happily did, saving us a great deal of effort.

As it turned out, our train was delayed nearly 50 minutes. Then, just before boarding, the railway combined two completely full trains into one. It instantly became a mad dash for seats. Mom quickly found a set of seats while I loaded all of our luggage aboard. Had she not claimed them when she did, we would have been standing for the entire two-hour journey to Paris.

When we arrived, we were greeted by our wonderful driver and guide, Nesrine. Instead of simply taking us to our apartment, we had arranged for her to spend the afternoon showing us some of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Considering the oppressive summer heat, climbing into her wonderfully air-conditioned van felt like heaven.

Our first stop was Montmartre.

I had hoped we would somehow make it to this famous hilltop neighborhood but wasn’t quite sure how we would manage it with Kiya and all of our transportation needs. Thanks to Nesrine, we didn’t have to worry about any of that.

Montmartre has been the artistic heart of Paris for centuries, once home to famous painters such as Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Its winding cobblestone streets, cafés, artists painting portraits in the square, and panoramic views over Paris make it one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.

At the summit stands the magnificent Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. Built from a unique white travertine stone that actually becomes brighter over time, the basilica almost glows against the Paris skyline. Inside, one of the world’s largest mosaics depicts Christ in Majesty, and visitors from around the world come to admire both its beauty and its breathtaking views across the city.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was all of the outdoor cafés equipped with cooling mist systems. With temperatures soaring, the gentle mist made sitting outside surprisingly comfortable.

One fascinating thing we learned was about the guest rooms operated by the basilica. Pilgrims and visitors can stay overnight for a modest donation—far less than a typical Paris hotel. The accommodations are intentionally simple, often consisting of little more than a bed and basic furnishings, providing an affordable option for travelers and those seeking a quiet place for reflection in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

From there, Nesrine drove us to the Arc de Triomphe.

Pictures simply cannot prepare you for its size.

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, the monument honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The massive relief sculptures carved into each side depict scenes of courage, sacrifice, and victory, while the names of hundreds of French generals are engraved into the stone. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, where the Eternal Flame has burned continuously since 1923 in remembrance of those who never returned home. Standing beneath the enormous vaulted ceiling and looking up at the intricate carvings was truly awe-inspiring.

The rest of the afternoon felt like a whirlwind tour of Paris.

We admired the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose stunning Gothic architecture once again dominates the Île de la Cité after years of restoration. We stopped at the Eiffel Tower, which somehow manages to be even more impressive in person than in photographs.

We crossed the beautiful Pont Alexandre III, often considered Paris’s most ornate bridge. Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, it is famous for its gilded winged horses, elaborate Art Nouveau lamps, and magnificent sculptures celebrating French art, science, commerce, and industry.

We also drove past both the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, two architectural masterpieces also built for the 1900 World’s Fair. Their magnificent glass roofs, grand columns, and richly decorated façades showcase the elegance of Paris during the Belle Époque.

Everywhere we looked there seemed to be another famous monument, another beautiful boulevard, or another breathtaking building. It was an incredible introduction to one of the world’s great cities.

Eventually Nesrine dropped us off at our VRBO.

Unfortunately, the apartment itself was a disappointment. It was extremely hot, and we quickly discovered there were several issues—including not having any toilet paper for three of our four days there. More on that adventure later.

After such a long day of travel and sightseeing, we were exhausted. Rather than heading back out into the heat, I ordered groceries and dinner through Uber Eats, and we settled in for the evening.

Despite the apartment’s shortcomings, our first afternoon in Paris had been unforgettable. Thanks to Nesrine, we had already fallen a little in love with the City of Light before we’d even unpacked our suitcases.