The City of Light (Paris, FR)

Last week, we took a getaway to Paris without the kids. I'd consider this as my first real international trip. The only other time I took an international flight was as a kid when I went to The Bahamas. I was a bit stressed. I was worried about the language barrier. I was worried about leaving the kids at home with the head of the household being only a junior from high school (Andrew). But in the end, everything worked out fine. My only regret was not staying a bit longer. Three nights in the City of Light was not enough.

The beginning of our 9+ hour direct flight to Paris (CDG).

We landed the following day shortly before 8 a.m. but it took time to exit the airport and time to get into Paris (via taxi).

"Your home away from home"

Dropped off our luggage at the hotel and hit the ground running.

Let the exploration begin. Love all the architecture.

Inside Galeries Lafayette, looking up at the glass dome.

View of  Palais Garnier and the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette.

Getting Elliot a little something at the Jellycat Patisserie.

Long line outside but I made a reservation. 😉

Our first dinner in Paris (Bouillon Pigalle).

Walked down the street to the Moulin Rouge.

Brunch at Angelina.

We had to get their famous hot chocolate.

Fueled and ready to go again.

I felt like a giant standing next to this ridiculously small car.

We both picked up something at Goyard.

Colonne Vendôme.

Hôtel de la Marine.

Place de la Concorde.

Fontaine des Mers.

Pont Alexandre III.

Rue Cler.

Eiffel Tower.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre.

The view from the top at Montmartre.

Added our own love lock.

Waiting in line to enter the Louvre Museum.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The French Crown Jewels.

It's so crowded around the Mona Lisa.

As close as I could get to this relatively small painting.

Liberty Leading the People.

Coronation of Napoleon.

Napoleon apartments. 

My favorite sculpture, Aeneas escaping Troy carrying his father. Just like my drawing from high school.

Venus de Milo.

Taking a break at Pont Neuf to enjoy some pastries. 

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

Evening eating, shopping, and walking.

Au revoir, France.