Rick Steves' Best of Paris In 7 Days
HUNT'S TRAVEL JOURNAL ON DISCOVERING PARIS
“On a cold windswept street, this was a warm, cheerful place with a big stove in winter, tables and shelves of books, new books in the window, and photographs on the wall of famous writers both dead and living." ~ Ernest Heminway
Bonjour
Welcome to my Rick Steves' Best of Paris in 7 Days Travel Journal
Paris the City of Lights. From the moment I began thinking of a tour, I knew my first trip would be to Paris would be unforgettable. Hi my name is Michelle (je m'appelle Michelle). I traveled to Paris with a friend from church (Linda). The tour was a trip I had wanted to take, for what seems like a lifetime. My first encounter with Paris began when I read Charles Dickens, "Tale of Two Cities" in college. It begins with French Revolution and the scene when the wine spills onto the cobblestone. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” Charles D. A Tale of Two Cities. London: Chapman & Hall. 1859.) This encapsulated and captures the turbulence of the era within two cites. Which entails with watch "Sabrina" with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond. The dynamics of time within both characters seeing the other in a different light then when they were younger. As the lives of the characters in Tale of Two Cities and Sabrina, Paris opened each characters perspectives on live. With both the historical aspects and the cultural aspects shaping my desire and drive to get to know more about Paris. In the movie, there was such an transformation of characters Linus and Sabrina. One of my favorite lines the resonates most is when Sabrina returns to the mansion and David is waiting to have his conversation with Sabrina and realizes what he had thought no longer exists, but can see how Linus has begun to exhibit human tendencies and David realizes Linus is in love with Sabrina. Once alone David asks she's going back to Paris and she realizes and says, "I'm going home". These words rang true in wanting to discovery see and walk on the cobblestones and see Paris and see the history of a country over 2000 years old. I began researching Paris and as I learned of the different monuments, I knew I wanted to see and experience them myself. This was the first of my European travels but definitely not the last. From the moment I stepped off the plane, the adventures began. We arrived in Paris on December 1, 2024. And what an adventure I would experience. I was there for 7 days, but 7 days was not enough.
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“Though you may leave Paris, Paris never really leaves you.”
~ Janice Macleod
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Explore
After arriving in Paris, we became acquainted with the hotel, we ventured out for a couple of hours to explore the neighborhoods. I had Googled many different areas prior to my visit, Rue Cler, The Eiffel Tower and de la Concorde. With my google maps on my phone, the neighborhood had awaken so many senses within me. I had not imagined all the sights and sounds, and even the daily noise of Paris rang true from some of the movies I had seen, which were translated to English in the United States. From our navigating this unknown territory, I soon found landmarks to help with returning to the hotel.
As our tour guide Virginie Moré was exceptional in giving us some special tit bit about Paris history, culture and economy. She was well versed in all thing Paris, she would use her famous, voilà, when she's emphasizing a place where we've arrived. If you want to experience wonders of Paris, check out the official for more information for an amazing adventure.
As in one of Rick Steves' videos, the village "vibe" is one of the many facets I discovered while visiting Paris. He said, "Paris is peppered with pockets of what you could call "village Paris": neighborhoods that retain a small-town charm, where you can sample the Parisian love and appreciation for community. That's especially true in the fresh-food purveyors that line Rue Cler, as shopping for groceries is the backbone of daily life in Paris. Rue Cler's small specialty stores are brimming with fresh produce, meat, bread, seafood, and smelly cheese, providing a feast for the eyes and nose as well as the stomach. And don't forget the wine — an essential part of any French meal. Bon appetit!" "Rick Steves’ Tour Du Rue Cler." YouTube, 27 May 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v_5nOC33LM.
What a joy to take a stroll through the streets of Rue Cler. It was a village and the locals were out in abundance. When we arrived on Sunday, I had no idea the stores would be open, but they were with the exceptions of the chocolatier. The Sundays we arrived, the local market was open from 7 am. to around 2:30 pm. The local store Franprix was open until 11:00 pm, so we were able to grab some late night snacks to nibble on during our stay. When we made our way back to the hotel, other guests were arriving and later that afternoon, we became acquainted and off to orienting ourselves with the neighborhood and our "Welcome" dinner. I was a little jet lagged and decided to make it an early evening, but in the back of my mind, I really wanted take in a walk on the Champ Elyse's, but that would come soon.
Why a Rick Steves' Tour
In the ever changing world, solo traveling takes far too much time and planning and when looking for a hotel, visiting sites and getting around Paris, I discovered Rick Steves' Tours, plans, organizes and provides the historical aspect of touring another country. When you book your tour Rick Steves' team of knowledgeable travel agents takes the worry and planning out of your hands. They are so knowledgeable of the tour, they are able to provide suggestions on personal excursions and museums. When I had to cancel two previously set dates, Jen, from the office, contacted me to reschedule my tour for a later date. Rick Steves' Tours knowledgeable tour guides who are experts in their fields. Virginie Moré, our tour guide in the Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour, was so awesome and knowledgeable. She told us about her younger years growing up in Burgundy, France. Even expounding further on her stay in the United States and her love for travel. Being a teacher in the United States allowed for her to mesh in with the American culture from Wyoming to Florida. It would have been awesome to have had her as my French professor in college.
Another more fascinating experience when I chose Rick Steves' Tour came when I saw how the tour groups were the small family was we explored Paris. The sense of family from our gathering for our "Welcome" session with our guide and everyone in the tour. Our tour consisted of 28 fellow travelers. During the tour, be became close friends who were able to experience Paris from a truly historical aspect and enjoy every moment along the way. It allowed me to relax and enjoy new friends and experience the Paris, from around the 3rd century, BC, on Île de la Cite when the Parisii, where a Celtic tribe, settled on the banks of the Seine. The history of France came alive during our 7 days tour in Paris.
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Check out our tour family below because visiting Paris as a family is an unforgettable experience filled with culture, history and fun for all ages.
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Meet My Extended Parian s Family
Thanks to all who were helpful during my Best of Paris in 7 Day Tour. I am so appreciative of all you knowledge. I learned so much about Paris and can't wait to return. I give it ***** Stars.
Virginie More'
Rick Steves' tour guide for the December 1-7 Tour Group. She is such an amazing individual. I ejnoyed all taught during the tour and the historical facts were outstanding. I am so happy I got to meet her. I can still hear her.
"Elisabeth"
Such a wonderful young lady. I really enjoyed her speaking at Versaille and at the Lourve. She was well versed in the French history and remember all the dates in time. What and extraordinary lady. I want to wish her a happy retirement.
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Joelle
Such an inspiring guide. While touring d'Orsay, Joelle, had humor and curtesy for other group in the Musee. There were moment when she had finished discussing s particular piece of art, she asked if she could switch. This allowed for ease in viewing and kept my attention as she touched on a piece my Monet.
Hotel de Londres Eiffel Staff
II holy have high praises for the entire staff at Hotel de Londres Eiffel. My stay was magnificent and the breakfast and hotel service was awesome. The ladies in the morning were extremely pleasant and helpful. I could say more and more, but let me say, "Thank You" for making my stay a home away from home.
"Bridgette"
I truly admired Bridgette's storytelling. She brought character to the life and time of Le Marias. She took us into the city center and neighborhood to capture a part of history but also the present time of Le Marias. I even took a picture of a row of birdhouses set on display for the birdwatchers.
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Travel Forum
​The forum is helpful din asking questions about upcoming tours. It's also a good way finding helpful information on do's and don't on the tours. Even down to the tour buddy system. Genius idea!!! Click here to read more and join in the conversations and discussions:
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