The Iron Lady















































Warning - image heavy. The day was pretty much dedicated to the iron lady, the Eiffel Tower. I thought I would be underwhelmed since I've seen it countless times in photos and movies, but wow - it's even more beautiful in real life. In total I went to the Eiffel Tower four times, two times during the day and two times at night. It was definitely a pinch me moment. You don't feel like you're in Paris until you've seen the Eiffel. I can see why it's so iconic, such a majestic and elegant monument. Something about the Eiffel Tower draws you in, you can't take your eyes off of it. 
Here's my schedule for day three in Paris (Sun):
-Woke up at 8am to get the day started! Sunrise is at 8am in Paris so I caught a glimpse of the sunrise while getting ready. 
-Took the metro to the Eiffel Tower (7th arr). The line to go up to the Eiffel Tower was short, probably because we got there early. While walking to the Eiffel we noticed that roads were blocked and the police walking around. We realized later on that there was a 20km marathon. 
-Went up the Eiffel Tower - there are two stops. One that stops in the middle and another one that takes you to the top. First stopped at the middle to get a view of the marathon. Amazing view of Paris from the top, but I think my favorite view of Paris will have to be from Arc de Triomphe
-After taking some photos from the Eiffel we went back down and had to take a detour since the roads were blocked due to the marathon. I saw swans for the first time - so beautiful! Cheered on the runners and headed towards the Jardins du Trocadéro (7th arr), right in front of the Eiffel. Ah, the carousel with the Eiffel Tower in the background was magical. 
-Took the metro to go to Eggs & Co (6th arr), recommended by Aimee Song in her Paris post. Sadly there was a line by the time I got there since it was Sunday afternoon. We decided to go back another day. Had lunch at a restaurant nearby. 
-Walked to Jardin du Luxembourg (6th arr). This has to be my favorite garden in Paris, unbelievably beautiful. Definitely recommend coming here! Even though it's fall in Paris, the bright magenta flowers scream spring. The weather was sunny with scattered clouds, perfect weather for a Sunday afternoon. Children were sailing their boats while parents were watching from afar reading their books or chatting with friends. Parisians really know how to relax on a Sunday. 
-Relaxed at the garden before heading to Champs-Élysées (8th arr). Huge tourist spot, the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Major shopping area. Only place I stopped by was Laduree to grab some tea and dessert with my friend Sarah. There was a long line for inside so we opted for outside seating, had to still wait about 30 min or so. I had their tea and sorbet and my friend got coffee, cake, and macarons. 
-Walked to Arc de Triomphe (8th arr). I would first google or ask someone how to get inside Arc de Triomphe because it took me awhile. It's in the center of the road and no way to walk straight to the monument, but you have to go under a tunnel to get there. You need to walk up about 300 steps to get to the top, but the view is stunning. Trust me, the view is worth it and the walk up isn't as bad as you think. The monument honors those that fought and died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. I would suggest coming here before sunset so you can see the cotton candy sky with an incredible view of Paris. 
-Headed down because it was getting crowded and we wanted to catch the light show back at the Eiffel Tower. It was getting breezy but we found a spot with an excellent view of the Eiffel and waited until the iron lady sparkled. The light show starts every hour from 8pm for about five minutes. Best five minutes of my life. 
-Grabbed dinner at a tapas place near our apartment. We were still hungry so we grabbed chinese food nearby...bad idea. Don't get chinese food unless you've read yelp reviews. 
-Planned for the next day and called it a night.

Day four will be up tomorrow!





Love, Sharon

5 comments

  1. This post of yours is making me Paris so much! I don't get how every single inch of it is so beautiful!

    www.ashrealasitgets.blogspot.com

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  2. These images look SO PRETTY! I haven't been to Paris in probably about 6 years but I fell in love when I went and I want to go back even more! x

    Ariadna || RAWR BOWS

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  3. It looks so fun! I would love to see the Eiffel tower in real life. All of the food and desserts looks delicious. :) Can't wait for Day 4.

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  4. Never get tired of your posts :) Photographs are so so beautiful.. x

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  5. Amazing pictures! I am head over heels in love with Paris! Gonna take your Chinese food advice seriously!
    http://www.docdivatraveller.com/

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