Andy and I now had a little bit of time in the morning due to our cancelled train – so we decided to walk to Halle Gate. It was built in the late 1300s – and later restored. It served as a medieval gate to the city.

We then found a place that was open at 9:30 AM for breakfast, which was surprisingly a big challenge. It was extremely simple – after we finished, we headed to the train station.

It always surprises me how easy it is to get on a train in Europe. I’m used to the airport and having to get there 2ish hours early, but you’re good to coast in between 30 minutes… or just a few minutes before departure!

After a quick train ride we were back in Paris. Jon and Yvonne had already checked into the Airbnb so we just had to meet them there. We got into the taxi queue – and had barely pulled out of the lot when the driver asked where we were going. (Normal question, right?!) And he told us that our destination was preset and going to cost 75 euro – he suggested using Uber. (10 euro!)

Next thing we know, we (and our luggage) are getting out of the taxi. I requested my Uber – and it was cancelled. And then I requested again, cancelled again! So not sure what others experience are with Uber in Europe – but it did NOT work for us in Paris.

At this point, we started to look at busses. However, this was our first real time to Paris. We couldn’t figure it out -and now I really need to pee. We decided to hoof it – with our luggage. I mean, after all – it was only a 20 minute walk at noon on a Saturday in Paris. 😂 The sidewalks were packed! After a very heated walk, on cobblestone roads and sidewalks (with luggage) dodging the locals, we finally made it! Sweaty and exhausted, we were able to make it to our AirBnb, a very cute place, but from the outside looked like an old store front, but inside super cute!

We had thought about heading to Versailles – but after our train cancellation and the hewe weren’t up for another train ride.

We decided to head for lunch – and after decided to go to the Louvre. We weren’t in for a full day – and honestly, it closed at 6 pm. However, the Louvre is massive and you could get lost in it (which we definitely did).

It was so exciting to see the glass pyramids from outside. You just knew you were in for something special!

So many beautiful sculptures, paintings, and just looking around at the architecture! The Louvre’s building was formally a fortress and was a royal residence until one of the King Louis’ moved the court to Versailles. Throughout French history, the different monarchs added on to the structure and it was in the 18th century that the idea of turning it into a museum was born.

A few of the items we were looking to see were the sculptures – Winged Victory and Venus de Milo; and of course we had to see the Mona Lisa. I’m not sure that I have any original thoughts about the Mona Lisa – other than what you’ve probably already heard. Yes, she’s smaller than she looks.

We also got to see a lot of other interesting paintings, that we weren’t exactly looking for when we originally set out. There was some cool stone art from Iran – Yvonne and I really liked the blue stone. We also walked through some extravagant galleries that had some amazing paintings.

We could have spent a whole day in there, but alas, it was time for the museum to close. Time flies when you’re having fun!

From there we walked to Place de la Concorde (through the Tuileries Garden) – which was also very beautiful and gave us our first proper view of the Eiffel Tower. This is one of the major squares in Paris. A nod at our last trip – there is a giant Obelisk located there (a gift from Egypt).

We had a dinner reservation at one of Jon and Yvonne’s favorite restaurants – Creperie Contemporaine. They have a great deal where you get a galette (a savory crepe), a dessert crepe, and a drink for 24 euro. I didn’t expect to be so full, but I couldn’t finish either of my food items!

We were also surprised at how late the sun goes down here! We are used to that in Minnesota, but we were surprised that even at 9:40PM it was dusk! It was time to head to bed, exhausted but excited to head to Champagne in the morning! We double checked our tickets, and had an early wake up call to walk to the train station.

Up next:
-Wine tasting in Epernay