If you’ve been following this blog for a while, it’s no secret that my first trip to Paris was less than stellar. On a two week trip where we visited London, Edinburgh, and Paris, that city was by far the worst of the three. When I returned I found out that I was not alone in my experience – many people have the idea of … Continue reading How to Avoid Disappointment on Your First Trip to Paris
If it’s your first time in one of the most artistic cities in the world, you’re very likely going to be visiting the largest art museum in the world to see arguably the most famous painting in the world: the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. We’ll just say that’s a given. But after you’ve braved the crowds to see the lady’s enigmatic smile and checked … Continue reading Beyond the Mona Lisa: Where to Find Art You’ll Love in Paris
After a nice introduction to Europe in London, Rebecca and I journeyed on to the artistic capital of Europe – Paris! We had five days there to see all the major attractions and art museums, and we also took day trips to Giverny and Versailles. I didn’t completely enjoy my first trip to Paris, so I was excited to give it a second chance! Day 1: … Continue reading Paris for Art Lovers
I visited Paris knowing that it wouldn’t be quite like it’s portrayed in the movies. I had friends who’d told me that the city was dirty and unfriendly, and I expected that, being one of the most-visited cities in the world, it would suffer from many of the issues that hordes of tourists bring. However, I perhaps had an even worse time in Paris than … Continue reading 5 Things That Made Me Hate the City of Love
IN SHORT It’s one of the most-visited cities in the world, and along with popular tourist attractions come hordes of tourists and the downsides they can bring too. It can be a pretty city–so much beautiful architecture, the glittering Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero at night, the stained glass in Notre Dame–but it can also be unfriendly and dirty. Many of the locals get very sick of … Continue reading Quick Guide: Paris
If you’re traveling to Paris, the Louvre should be in your Top 3 (right up there with Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower). It’s a world-renowned museum with a vast collection of art, so it can be a little intimidating to visit. I’d like to share my experience at the Louvre and hopefully give you some advice for your visit. 1. Research before you go … Continue reading Beginner’s Guide to the Louvre
I dislike Paris again. I think I must have a sort of love-hate, off-again on-again relationship with this city. Or maybe it gives a bad first impression, then you warm up to it, but then when you delve deeper you realize it really is a dirty, unfriendly city. But let’s start with something more pleasant. On our way to The Louvre this morning there were … Continue reading Paris: The Louvre & Montmartre
Well I have to say, after today my opinion of Paris has improved quite a bit, though I still think people tend to overrate it and overlook other fascinating destinations. Breakfast this morning was orange juice and two croissants. It was pretty good, though it turns out it cost about $10 from the hotel, so for tomorrow’s breakfast we just bought something from the grocery … Continue reading Paris: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe & Notre Dame
Today we said goodbye to Edinburgh, and it was quite sad–I’d enjoyed Scotland even more than I’d expected to. We took a train back to what feels like our “home” base here in Europe, London. The countryside was just as beautiful as it was on the way there, and I’ve included a few pictures. We stayed in London for a few hours, waiting to get … Continue reading Paris: Chunnel & Eiffel Tower at Night