When in Paris...

Today was the first full day we spent in Paris. The sun finally came out and it felt like the city was bursting with life! There were so many people walking about who, like us, were taking advantage of the awesome weather. My mom and I walked from our hotel, past the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysées, to the Petit Palais where "Belle Époque" is being featured. However, the line to purchase tickets was ridiculously long so we skipped it - taking mental note that we should buy tickets in advance - and walked through the Place de la Concorde to the Jardin de Tuileries. It was the first time I had been to the garden and it was absolutely incredible. It was enormous, but still intimate. The little side gardens/squares provide people with a sense of privacy and quiet, whether it was to read their books or share a moment with their company. It is the perfect place to picnic and relax on a warm day.

Place de la Concorde

The Louvre behind the Jardin de Tuileries

After walking around the garden, we decided to go to the Musée de l'Orangerie. (PSA for college students: don't forget to bring your license or passport to get discounted prices on museum tickets!) The exhibitions were incredible. My favorite paintings were obviously Monet's waterlilies, but the lower floor also featured beautiful works of Matisse, Rousseau, Cézanne, and more. By the time we were done seeing all of the rooms, it was mid-afternoon and we were starving!

And what better place to go for lunch then Ladurée? (Highly recommend the Club Saumon for an entrée and macarons with a cup of tea or a cappuccino for dessert!)

Having gained some energy after our macaron break, we decided we had enough strength left to climb the Arc de Triomphe! (Another PSA: bring your ID or passport if you are 25 or under for a free ticket.) The view on top was absolutely breathtaking.