Day 17 - Lyon to Paris💕

Paris! Probably my favorite city in the world💕 We took a very uneventful train ride 2 hours from Lyon, and this time had reserved seats - yeah! We even scored putting our carryons on the luggage rack as we are smarter now about getting on the train as fast as possible. When we were getting off the train there was still a huge pile of luggage at the door but a young man getting off just moved some of it out of the train so hopefully those passengers found it outside.

We took the Metro to our hotel easily. Have I mentioned that the public transportation in Paris (and actually Lyon too) is excellent and easy to use? I have a previous blog post on my top tips for Paris so consider referring to the archive to find it. I have tips on what works best for me and maybe you too!

In an example of what a small fun world it actually is Julie had friends from Chicago in Paris for the day, so we headed out to meet them for a late lunch. They are actually vacationing in London, but took the Chunnel from London to Paris for the day. We met them at a legendary brasserie in the 6th arrondissement called Brasserie Lipp.

Julie and Molly in front of the restaurant looking like two French girls in their cute hats. A selection of cheeses to share for starters, Niçoise salad for me, and a dessert to all share that was amazing.

Julie and her fun friends! Libby, Linda and daughter Molly who is studying abroad in London. Our devilish waiter who admitted to be smirking since he was trying to grab an ankle😊

We said goodbye as the ladies were heading off to see a museum before heading back to London, and Julie and I went a little exploring in the 6th which is a beautiful arrondissement.

One of my favorite things in Paris are the incredible doors you see everywhere. I love the blue ones best!

One of the main historic buildings in the 6th is St. Sulpice Church. It is right on St. Sulpice Square and is the second largest church in Paris after Norte Dame.

Beautiful fountain on St. Sulpice Square.

The church is massive. And because it is right on the square there is no way to get a picture of the entire church so here are a few from the beautiful inside. With the fire at Norte Dame much of the activity is being done at St. Sulpice instead.

St. Sulpice modeled after St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Next up a visit to the spectacular Luxembourg Garden. Jardin du Luxembourg is a lovely 60 acre garden that makes you feel like you are in a Monet painting. The Luxembourg Palace is on one end and it’s filled with lots of pretty light green chairs where the French enjoy the beauty on a regular basis. You see lots of people visiting or reading and it’s perfect for just sitting and people watching. And that exactly what we did!

We took our time walking back to the Marais which is the 3rd arrondissement where we are staying, and just enjoyed the buildings, fountains and statues that are everywhere you look.

We crossed the Seine right by Norte Dame, so here are current pictures of the renovation that has begun post fire. Still so heartbreaking but it will return.

Norte Dame from the side. So much different since I was here in May shortly after the fire. Now the intricate scaffolding is everywhere and the entire area is full of construction buildings. I’m amazed that they even knew where to begin!

We had a big late lunch so just stopped at a cafe for a glass of wine and light bite before heading to bed. The snack was pea croquettes which sounded super weird but actually weren’t bad. Julie reprimanded me strongly for forgetting to take a photo to post, but they actually looked just like a croquette. Who knew you could make them from peas?

Lots more to see and do here in Paris so check back again. Mais je suit a Paris pour le moment et je vis!