Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Spring is here in the northeastern US, and the season was stunning when I was in France two weeks ago with so many colorful flowers in the towns, cities, and gardens.
Picking up where I left off in last week’s newsletter, from Avignon on the Rhône River I took the high-speed train to Paris. The last time I was in Paris was two years ago, and it was very noticeable how much the city was spruced up for the summer 2024 Olympics. In the sunshine, the city was sparkling from the Seine to the skyline.
To recap, this trip report will be in four parts:
1- Southeastern France’s Rhône River towns (last week)
2- Paris in the springtime and Notre Dame visit (this week)
3- Normandy’s villages (including Giverny) and D-Day landing sites
4- The charm of the Loire Valley
Read on for the France scoop part two about Paris in the springtime…
Springtime Strolling
Each day, I strolled the streets of Paris both on tours with locals and on my own in between meetings to better acquaint myself with the many arrondissements and their hidden gems. What was remarkable was the ideal temperature (crisp mornings and warm afternoons), abundant sunshine, and many pops of springtime flowers. I hit the weather jackpot for much of the time.
In the past, I hadn’t spend a good deal of time in Le Marais or Montparnasse, so I made a point of doing so this trip. These are areas that most first-timers to Paris don’t explore but are well worth a visit!
On a balmy Saturday, I enjoyed observing Parisian life in Luxembourg Gardens. Between the small boats sailing in the Grand Bassin and tai chi exercises using colorful fans, it was a feast for the eyes into how Parisians enjoy their weekends. I wished I was one of them!
💎Hidden Gem Tip: How to best get around Paris? Walking is a must – you’ll need sneakers or similar walking shoes – you will get in your steps! The metro or batobus will help you get to where you want to go more quickly. Taking taxis/rideshare will often take longer due to the traffic. While I was in Paris, there were multiple areas where they are widening the sidewalks which by all accounts will make traffic worse.
Behind-The-Scenes at the Opera
Palais Garnier, aka Opera Garnier/Paris Opera house, was built at the order Napolean III in the later 1800s. A competition was created to select the architect which was won by Charles Garnier, hence the name. The project was challenged by the discovery of an underground lake which I was lucky to have a tiny glimpse of during my behind-the-scenes tour. This inspired the “Phantom of the Opera!”
The inside of the opera house is incredibly ornate with over 30 types of marble. The Grand Foyer reminds me of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. I highly recommend taking a tour and seeing an opera or ballet here. The concert hall, with its Marc Chagall ceiling and red velvet seats, is truly magnificent.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: I work with a Parisian company that arranges special access, behind-the-scenes tours in Paris. For anyone with a keen interest or extra-special trip, these are once in a lifetime opportunities. Reach out to me for more information.
The New Notre Dame
At the time of my visit, you did not need a ticket to enter Notre Dame. Yes, surprising and there’s misleading information online (one of the reasons to work with a trusted travel advisor with local connections).
In the late afternoon, the line was long, but it moved fast and only took 20 minutes to get inside. A service was going on adding to the vibe, and to one side I saw the Crown of Thorns, which thankfully survived the 2019 fire, and is on display at very specific, infrequent times.
The inside of the cathedral is stunning. Votive candles flicker, light streams through the stained glass windows, and the elegant ceiling is bright. You can’t help but think about the fire and what it’s taken to bring Notre Dame back to life.
To travel is to live… here’s to 2025 being an unforgettable and amazing year for new travel adventures! Let’s go…
Susan
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