Our first stop (after popping to the cat cafe to make a reservation) was the Louvre which is actually French for ‘good luck with finding your way out’. We’d both heard so many good things about this museum but in reality, it was crowded, hot, badly organised and a waste of time. We had to traipse through most of the museum and look at a million statues of naked greek men (who apparently had really nice bottoms) before we found the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo and then when we tried to get out by following the ‘SORTIE’ signs, we reached an exit that was blocked off. We could have cried. We did eventually get out though, and got to enjoy the fresh air, saw our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and were harassed by men selling €1 souvenirs and calling us Lady Gaga.
We then walked alongside the River Seine towards Notre Dame and got to watch the sunset over the Eiffel Tower which made for some great photographs. We also stumbled across the love lock bridge which was a lot bigger than I expected and was jam packed with padlocks. It was lovely looking at all of the padlocks but it does make you wonder how many of those couples are still together. After sitting at a bus stop opposite Notre Dame for a while, we decided to head to the Latin Quarter in search of food. We decided on a little French bistro called Le Village Ronsard which did amazing food and cocktails. We were also served by a lovely Portuguese waiter. Afterwards, we headed to a little shop opposite and purchased a Nutella crepe each to warm us up on the way back to the hostel. They were delicious and the guy who served us was hilarious. We were both so tired that we just got into bed as soon as we got back, we’re so old.
Keep an eye out for Day Two!
Fabulous pictures! I never went into the Louvre when I visited Paris, I would love to go in and walk around!
I have been to the Louvre shame to see the Mona Lisa has been put under a screen, but the flash from cameras was damaging it. I took a picture before the ban for cameras was taken. I adore Paris, but then my husband asked me to marry him there nearly 20 years ago so I do have fond memories. We should have put a padlock there as we are still together. Thanks a great post. xx
Aaah this makes me sad. We were meant to go paris over new years but it worked out too expensive. On a brighter note though we might be going elsewhere so all is not lost. Sounds like a hectic first day especially in the louvre! Look forward to the rest 🙂
amazing photos!
Wow it looks like you had an amazing time, I’d love to go one day 😉
The lock bridge looks amazing! I’ve heard about it before but never seen a picture 😀 Did you put a padlock on? Or are you not allowed? (I’m really uncultured lol). I went to Paris with school but it was awful, they took us to one street and we saw the Eiffel Tower from a distance. I would love to go again one day
Louise x
I’ve bene to paris before but I wasn’t old enough to appreciate it. I’m jel!
And I wouldn’t recommend them either, me and Tom stayed in one in brim and there was a used jonny on the windowsill
xx
I totally agree with you about the Louvre, I was very un-impressed! xxx
i really need to visit paris!!! 🙁
Love CF x