J'Aime Paris: Le Premier Jour

The Misegades have family friends, the Mayembas, who let us use their extra apartment for the 4 days we were in Paris...it was such a blessing and a HUGE cost saver for us! Each morning we woke up and walked across the street to take a quick 15 minute train into Paris.  It was nice being in a quiet neighborhood right outside of Paris but close enough to zip over whenever we liked. Day One was by far our best weather day and we did a lot of walking.  We started the day off at Notre Dame.  It was beautiful with the large Christmas tree in front and it was pretty surreal seeing the Nativity Scene set up at one of the most famous churches in the world.  






After Notre Dame we walked over the Seine River (no big deal) to the Latin Quarter for lunch.  The great thing about the Latin Quarter is that you can't really go wrong in the food department.  It is swimming with family run businesses.  Sheri (My MIL) told me to just find a "cute and inviting" atmosphere because all the food is great.  My mom had her very first escargot and if you know my Mom (No bones, fish, meat cooked extra extra well done, etc.) this was a very BIG feat.  I am not sure she will ever order them for herself, but we were proud that she tried. 






After lunch, we headed over to the Lourve.  We had high hopes of visiting, but it turned out being closed.  Note to all future travelers: The Lourve is closed every Tuesday.  No wonder there was barely a line outside! Oh well- we still got some great pictures. 



After the Lourve, we headed over to Galeries Lafayette.  I had heard all about this store from my job at Neimans and Bergdorf Goodman so I was excited to see the holiday windows and impressive interior. It did not disappoint, but it was like Northpark at Christmas... on SPEED. I cannot even begin to explain how packed it was! 




We headed to the Subway so that we could walk the entire Champs Elyssess starting at the Arc de Triomphe.  The first half was full of stores like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and I made a quick pit stop in Zara for a few fun purchases :) The second half was a Marche de Noel full of handmade goods, crepes, vin chaud (hot wine), and other authentic local foods. While we were walking, much to our surprise we spotted Pere Noel (Santa Claus) flying in his sleigh above the Champs Elysses singing Jingle Bells in French. As his sleigh pulled forward, little fireworks shot out the back...it was SO cute! 






By the end of the Champs Elysses we were beat tired and wandered blocks and blocks trying to find a place to have dinner.  We ended up eating Italian food across from the Lourve and then headed back home.  It was a very full day and so much fun... we slept VERY well that night!