This is super late, but here's a recap of my first day out and about in Paris. I was swamped with my TEFL course in August!
I woke up around 8 and had breakfast downstairs in the hostel. It was 6 euros for croissants, coffee, and juice. I spent half the morning figuring out the metro and which lines connect to which in order to get close to the museums. I started at Notre Dame, and it was gorgeous. I’ve always been impressed with old buildings and the insane amount of details people put into them. The Notre Dame was built and updated over seven centuries! Right in front of the cathedral is a “Crypt of Archaeology” that tells the history of France, and it shows some really cool ruins of old Roman and middle aged buildings.
Since I didn’t use my museum pass on my first day in Paris, I was determined to use it as much as possible on Wednesday. After the crypt, I found my way to the Concierge- a palace turned prison by the French Revolution. Marie Antoinette was held there before her execution.
I wandered towards the Louvre and stopped for a sandwich at the local grocery store, Franprix. I knew I’d never make it through such a gigantic museum on croissants alone! I was super overwhelmed by the size of the Louvre but I did as much as I could. It’s a LOT to take in, and I was honestly frustrated by the the amount of tour groups in the way. I love the information from tour guides, but I prefer to wander alone and look up anything interesting on my own. I like being sans schedule. :)
My original plan was to hang out around the Eiffel Tower, and see it lit up at night, but my phone was dying. Luckily I found a charge station at the Louvre for 0,50 euros and mapped out a new game plan while it charged. Then I made my way to the Museum d’Orsay and was once again overwhelmed by a massive amount of beautiful art. It’s not possible to see these places in one trip, unless you literally do nothing else that day. Get the museum pass and come back to whatever you feel needs more time!
After that, I headed back for my hostel but I got lost since I’m me, so I thought I’d check out Boulevard Clichy which is supposed to be a little more “open.” That’s the nicest way I can put it, since I know who reads this blog. ;)
I got locked out of my room when I returned to the hostel, and as I was waiting to speak to the clerk I overheard her recommending French restaurants. Naturally, I asked her about my key AND dinner. So once I was semi-recovered, I headed back out for dinner. It was a cute little place called Le Relais Gascon and I highly recommend it too! I tried a quiche at a place behind the Sacre Couer the night before, and I couldn’t finish it. Nothing against the restaurant- I just suck. So this time, I tried what she suggested and it was basically pot roast with potatoes… but 100x better. She said the prices were reasonable too, so if you go to Paris, don’t pay 25 euros for a plate at dinner. You can eat just as well for 10-15 euros, before alcohol.
I did manage to find the more “liberal” part of town on my way back, and I haven’t seen that many neon lights since Vegas. This is definitely worth checking out if you’re cool with super laid back people who will happily chat up a small town girl. (Also, lots of promiscuous advertisements.) Then I went home to write and drink a bottle of French champagne in bed.
All in all, my first real day in Paris felt like a giant maze but it was successful! My Fitbit marked me at 26,915 steps and 10.3 miles. I don’t feel guilty about those carbs, at ALL.
