It's our first time in Paris, so our plan for day 1 is to ride the Hop On Hop Off bus to get a nice overview of the city and its highlights.
But we have time on our hands, so we decide to check out our surroundings on foot. Within just a few minutes of our hotel, we come across a market where we pick up some cheese: Marché Baudoyer, Pl. Baudoyer, 75004 Paris 4e
On our way back to the hotel, we find this boulangerie (Boulangerie du Marais, 2 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France) just doors down from our hotel. We pick up a chocolate croissant because I can't resist.
Before we head to the Hop On Hop Off bus, we enjoy a few bites of cheese, chocolate croissant, and coffee in the lobby of our little hotel.
Now let the touristy day begin!!
The Parisiennes love their dogs. One does not have to be a service dog to be welcomed into restaurants. And some are lucky enough to have their owner carry them down the street. But the dogs in Paris seem to accompany their humans everywhere. It sheds light on why our dog Nikki (a French hound dog) does not like to be left behind...
We cross the Seine to get to the nearest bus pickup point.
There are plenty of bike rental places throughout the city. This one is outside a partk across from the bus stop we wait at, just across the river from the Notre Dame.
It's a cold but beautiful day for riding in the open-air upper level of the bus. We decide, given it's our first day in Paris, that we'll ride the entire route of the bus to get a nice overview of the city.
Ahh, Champs-Élysées, a famous broad road lined with luxury retail stores where you can shop till you drop. (For the record, we actually did not step foot on this street). This song has been written about the famous Champs-Élysées.
This photo gives you a sense for the location and the scale of the luxury brands presence in this part of town. Louis Vuitton is building its first Paris hotel next door to its retail shop. But they don't want an unrefined construction site (that would be inconsistent with their brand, right?), so they surround the construction with massive temporary LV trunk facade made of wood and aluminum.
The Arc de Triomphe is at the center of a large roundabout intersection that was previously called Place de l'Étoile (or square of the star) - as there are 12 avenues that radiate outward from this point. Apparently it's now called Place Charles de Gaulle, being named after President Charles de Gaulle died in 1970.
The Arc de Triomphe is 50 m (164 ft) high, 45 m (148 ft) wide, and 22 m (72 ft) deep. Construction was completed in the 1830s, and the tomb of the unknown soldier was installed under the Arc de Triomphe on November 11, 1920.
The bus stays at the Arc du Triomphe stop for awhile, and it's a great people-watching spot. There's a small strip along the busy road that serves as an island, allowing people to line up for selfies with the Arc in the background. The selfie culture fascinates me - check out this woman with her friends.
Next major landmark in Paris: Eiffel Tour (Tour Eiffel)
Finally, a rare selfie of us - with the Eiffel Tower. Don't worry, there will be very few of these throughout the trip.
Cafés are everywhere! It seems like there is a café at every corner.
A few more views from the bus...
The Grand Palais construction began in 1897 for the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in 1900. It now serves as a museum complex and exhibition hall.
We disembark the bus at the Louvre (stop 2) - the stop before our starting point near the Notre Dame (stop 3) - and walk back to our hotel in Le Marais.
Walking along the Seine, we pass many stands selling books, artwork, posters, and souvenirs.
Before returning to our hotel, we decide to warm up in the nearby cafe with delicious soup.
We have dinner at a place known for their Burgundy cuisine and specifically beef bourguignon: Au Bourguignon au Marais, 52 Rue François Miron, 75004 Paris. This place was recommended by a French colleague of mine.
It's a short walk back to our hotel. We really like this Marais neighborhood.
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