Paris is, undoubtedly, the most visited European capital as it receives about 26 million tourists yearly. I've been to Paris many times, yet each time I discover something new or something exciting. Paris is magical and romantic.... What's more, you can never have enough of Paris.
Day 1 - Monday, January 2 2012
The taxi was on time. At 8:30 am, we were driven to Larnaca International Airport and 2 hours later we boarded Cyprus Airways. I was even allowed to visit the cockpit in an effort to overcome my fear of flying. Say that I was shocked would be an understatement! The pilots were simply relaxing enjoying coffee and chatting... The Captain said I could ask questions and I did. I couldn't see a stearing wheel for instance. He said that was necessary in emergencies only and that the Airbus 330 or 320 (not sure) is meant to fly by....itself. We had stuffed turkey for lunch and just before landing we were offered melomakarona and kourabiedes! Four hours and thirty-five minutes later, Cyprus Airways landed...safely at Charles De Gaule Airport in Paris.
Just arrived at Opera-de-Noailles Hotel.
Alkis helped me unpack - that was fast because I had only packed a couple of jeans and jumpers. Then we had café-crème and galettes royales at L'Entracte.
The Opera
Day 2 - Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Soon after breakfast, off we went to rediscover Paris. We took the bus to Trocadero and Eiffel Tower.
Trocadero - Eiffel Tower
Trocadero - Eiffel Tower
When in Paris - the grand capital of fashion- it is simply impossible to resist shopping at Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette
Day 3, Wednesday January 4 2012
It was a sunny day and so off we went for a leisurely walk at one of the world's most famous avenues - les Champs-Elysées.
L'Arc de Triomphe - Arch of Triumph
On a sunny day in Paris, we enjoyed lemon tea and apple pie at Pomme de Pain on Champs- Elysées and later had lunch at Fouquet's - a legendary restaurant in Paris. That's where I had the best coq au vin ever!
Fouquet's - Champs- Elysées
Day 4 - Thursday, January 5 2012
In the morning, we went sightseeing again. This time we stopped at The Louvre - one of the world's most visited museums. Originally a royal palace, the Louvre became a public museum at the end of the 18th century. It is located in the 1st arrondissement.There are about 35.000 objects on display, spread out over three wings of the former palace. The museum has a diverse collection ranging from the antiquity up to the mid 19th century. A large part of the collection consists of European paintings and sculptures. Other rooms contain Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Oriental art. There is also a section with 'Objects d'Art', where objects such as clocks, furniture, china and tapestries are displayed. Some of the most famous works of art in the museum are the Venus of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake, the Dying Slave by Michelangelo and of course Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
The Louvre Museum
In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at the Japanese Restaurant Nikko. Here's what I had - a boat filled with sushi, sushimi and maki! AND ...citron givré (iced lemon) for dessert. That was a kind of japanese sherbet in a lemon!
Day 5 - Friday, January 6 2012
Today we hesitated between visiting Eurodisneyland or Notre Dame. We both agreed that it would be a pity to leave Paris without visiting Notre Dame de Paris
Next stop: Notre Dame
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris
We had our last dinner in Paris at Le Petit Colbert - fillet steak with sauce bearnaise and green beans wrapped in bacon and served with chips.
Day 6 - Saturday 7, 2012
Last day in Paris. How sad! After breakfast, we walked down Opera Avenue and had a last brioche and coffee at Entracte, then we got croissants, brioches and baguettes to take home! Then back to the hotel to ...pack!
At Charles de Gaule Airport - reading the newspaper before flying back home.
Cyprus Airways landed at Larnaca International Airport on time and by 8:30 pm we were back home. Yet, my heart is still filled with ...Paris!