Notre Dame and our last day in Paris

 Notre Dame! I so badly wish that the restoration was finished for us to see, but sadly it is still under construction from the fire that damaged it in 2019.  They are hoping to open its doors in time for the 2024 Olympics.

Look how beautiful it sits along the river.

Can you believe this Cathedral started construction in 1163!! and it took nearly 200 years to complete. Notre Dame was built in the Gothic style and is meant to symbolize the power and influence of the Catholic Church.  Notre Dame has also played a significant role throughout history.  It is even at the center of one of the most classic books, Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.  For me I mostly know it from the Disney movie.

Notre Dame remains a symbol of French resilience through centuries of wars, revolutions, and natural disasters.  I'm so happy that throughout all of that (and the recent fire) that it still still stands.

The Gothic architecture is unmatched.  So cool! From were we stood it was hard to see the famous gargoyles, but we were able to see them through pictures.

Next up, a walk to the catacombs!

The Catacombs of Paris are a vast underground ossuary that houses the remains of over six million people. Located beneath the streets of Paris, the catacombs were created in the late 18th century due to overcrowded cemeteries. In 1786, the city began transferring bones to the abandoned limestone quarries below Paris, consolidating the remains from several different burial sites.

This is the sign above the entrance to the catacombs:

“Halt! This is the Empire of the Dead”

Descending into the Paris catacombs feels like stepping into a hidden, eerie world beneath the glitz and glamour of the city above.  It's a completely different feeling.

After heading down a winding staircase, you're suddenly in these long, dim tunnels that stretch for miles with walls of bones stacked neatly in rows.  It's quiet, a bit cool, and feels a little creepy, but fascinating at the same time.

It was fascinating how organized and dare I say creative how they lined up all the bones.  It really was mind boggling to think that these millions of bones were actually people. It was also morbidly tempting to want to touch them.  I obviously refrained out of respect for the dead, but I will admit there was a slight temptation.

🤍💀

"They were as we are

Dust, the wind's plaything

Fagile as men

Feeble as the void"

It was such a labyrinth!

This was so cool.  Don't know how they could make something so pretty out of something so morbid.  The catacombs are something I definitely recommend to any going to Paris! It makes you think about how old and full of history Paris really is. It's an experience that is both haunting and humbling.

To end our trip in Paris we just lost ourselves to the city and explored while also grabbing some treats along the way.

Angelina's.  Their hot chocolate was highly recommend by almost anyone who has been to Paris, so I'll admit I was very disappointed when I had it.  It was way too thick and rich for my taste.  It was almost like drinking straight up chocolate syrup.  Maybe I was just spoiled from just being in Belgium, but Angelina's was not my fave.

I mean you have to have an eclair when in Paris?!  I think it would be blasphemous if you didn't.

Such a beautiful city

Grabbed some carmels from Jacques Genin that a friend asked for us to bring home, and omg they are the absolute best!

Walked by Notre Dame at Night! This is the backside, but as you can tell its brightly lite up for all the construction work.  It looks almost like a Christmas tree!

Town Hall!  All decorated for the holidays as well as getting ready for the Olympics!

Our last dinner in the city. Bistrot de L'Ouette such a cute small intimate restaurant with a great atmosphere.

While in Paris we got the French onion soup as often as we could (and it never disappointed!), this time however at this restaurant the soup of the day was pumpkin and honestly it was probably the best soup I have ever had.

Leaving Paris was bittersweet, and I would go back in a heartbeat. This trip has easily been one of my all-time favorite vacations. I’ll admit, I had some reservations going in—I’d heard from several people that Paris might not live up to the hype. Some said it was dirty, others complained about rude locals, and I started to worry it wouldn’t match the picture-perfect image in my head. But honestly, I didn’t find any of that to be true. Whether it’s because the city has cleaned up for the upcoming Summer Olympics or not, it didn’t matter to me—Paris felt absolutely magical. The charm, the history, the energy of the city… it all far exceeded my expectations. From strolling along the Seine to sipping coffee at cozy cafes, every moment was an experience I’ll cherish forever. And being with my love made it all the more special. Au revior Paris! Till we meet again!

Arc de Triomphe/Seine

Traditional breakfast crepe! I mean when in Paris right? 

We used our museum pass during the first few days in Paris, trying to visit as many museums as possible. With that out of the way, the remaining days were more relaxed, focusing on sightseeing and enjoying the city at a slower pace.

First up we went to a perfume making class!

We got to take home the small sample size perfume that we made, and Brad loved the scent so much that the next year for Father’s Day I bought him the bigger size. We also got each of the boys some cologne as souvenirs. It was a fun activity!

Next up the Tour de France finish line! Aka the Arc de Triomphe.

So fun to see this historic moment up close! The architecture is stunning as well as the views. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon as a grand monument to the French army. It’s located on the Champs-Elysees and has become a symbol of national pride. Brad loves it because it is the finish line of the Tour de France the world’s most famous bike race.

Following WWI the Tomb of the Unknown soldier was placed here and an eternal flame has burned here ever since.

Such beautiful architecture.

12 avenues/streets radiate from the Arc de Triomphe creating a star like pattern. Its nickname is called the “Square of the Star”.

Beautiful views of the city!

Pointe Alexander III bridge. Connects the Champs-Elysees to the Eiffel Tower over the river Seine.

Boat River Tour down the Seine. Carson said this was one of his favorite things he did in Paris. For me it was a little bit of a let down. It was rainy and cold so they wouldn’t let us go above deck and it was just kindof hard to see everything where we were at. It was nice to see a different perspective of the city though.

Going under the Alexander III bridge!

The Louvre 

The Muse de Orsay

This one needs no introduction

I’m writing this post months after our trip in December, but I can’t help adding this little side note. This summer, the Olympics were held in Paris, and the opening ceremony along the Seine was truly unforgettable! The athletes arrived on boats cruising down the river, with performances staged in historic landmarks like the Conciergerie—the very place where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution. One of the most striking moments was a metal rock band performing alongside headless figures dressed in red, representing the fallen Queen. An opera singer delivered a breathtaking rendition of the national anthem from atop the Grand Palais, but the highlight of the evening was Celine Dion closing the ceremony from the Eiffel Tower, singing as fireworks lit up the sky. I had literal goosebumps. It was surreal to see these iconic landmarks, which we had just explored, transformed into the backdrop of such a spectacular event.

After our boat tour Brad and I went to a French cabaret! It was very classy and so well done. Definitely a highlight!

Omg he was the absolute best! The Maître de: I mean he just looks the part right?

And Brad found this gem in the men’s bathroom! I about died 😆 

And if our evening couldn’t get any better I had the best dinner of my life at this restaurant along the Champs de Elysees. It was a lobster risotto. To die for! France really does have some of the best cuisine!