August 13th-20th, 2022
Flying across the wide, cold and wild Atlantic Ocean from Portland, OR to Paris, France was mildly intimidating to my husband Ben, but he did it for LOVE on our 15year wedding anniversary.
Our trip began in the Stiles customary style of preparing for a 6am departure flight on the morning of Friday, August 12th, 2022, so having to rush to the airport at 3am after a few hours of tussling "pre travel sleep". As usual, I had my ginormous pink and blue suitcase packed to the brim a month in advance, and Ben threw a couple shirts and shorts in his bag the night before.
After arriving at PDX (Portland International Airport), we had to stand in this line and that line and another line... finally, to sit in the very last 2 seats at the back of the airbus. Ben and I had flown many times over the years, but never on a plane this big, and never this far.
We both fell in and out of sleep, listening to the pilots occasional rambling in English and then again in French, watching movies, eating snacks, drinking wine, until landing at Charles DeGuelle Airport in Paris, France. A whole day had passed while we were on that plane, and it was now Saturday, August 13th, 10am! Whew! As we made our way down to the exit, we had to pass through customs and kept hearing the announcement "Beware of pickpockets". Ben ordered and Uber and off we went to our hotel "Royal Regency", in the quiet, peaceful and clean city of Vincennes called, located just 20mins outside of downtown Paris.
The next 7 days were filled with some of the most amazing eats, drinks, adventures and sights. I offer you our TOP 8 favorite things in Paris. I have also linked them to the correct pages to buy tickets... don't fall for fake websites or buy Groupon/packages. You will regret! You will need to purchase tickets AND reserve a specific time/day in advance for EVERYTHING on this list. I suggest making a travel itinerary and planning out each day as you start making reservations. You can purchase a copy of the itinerary by emailing TheShireTravel@gmail.com
❤️Top 8 fave things in Paris❤️
Eiffel Tower at sunrise from down below & night from above at “Le Ciel” restaurant on the 56th floor.
Disneyland Paris 🏰 Short lines for rides & the rides were AWESOME! Spent less than $300 for park hopper tickets + train ride to get there. Clean park grounds, clean free bathrooms and real air conditioning (All 3 a rarity in Paris). Captain Jacks restaurant & Remy’s Bistro did not disappoint.
Seine River Cruise 🚢 Great price for outstanding food and service! Was nice to see a lot of sights while we ate.
Moulin Rouge 💃 Fun show! It was stuck in the 90’s but hey I’m old, so I enjoyed! Was a little pricey (more than Disneyland) for the show with no dinner and only 1 bottle of Champagne. Wouldn’t do it again but fun to see once!
Palace of Versailles 🏰 HUGE! So much to see! Loved the labyrinth gardens and the dance hall inside. Stopped at “Sisters” for lunch the first time and dined inside the castle the second. Both places were delicious.
Big wheel in downtown. Amazing views for a great price! Was fun to go in the morning, definitely want to make sure it’s cool outside! Must purchase tickets in person with Euros.
The Louve museum. Wow, what an amazing cultural experience! So huge and beautiful at night! Too many things to see. We stuck to the lower floors as upstairs was very hot and sweaty. Saw the Mona Lisa, that was really incredible!
The food and the patronage of the restaurant staff. I don’t think I ate one thing I didn’t like! From the patisserie next to our hotel with the best lemon tarts, to the country side restaurant with the best homemade lasagna, and all you can eat sushi/wok/Japanese bar for $19 a person. All was super amazing!
It wouldn't be fair or honest of me to only highlight all the amazing things, and not disclose some of the minor inconveniences we had along the way (Happens to the best of us, right?) . Below are a few negative reviews: 1. NO AIR-CONDITIONING any where except Disneyland. Not even in our hotel. It was SO HOTT everywhere. We melted. Next time we go to Europe, it will NOT be in August. We will definitely try for Spring Break.
2. Everything, everywhere downtown smelled like urine. The metro, the streets, every corner of every building (even inside some!). There are very few restrooms and if you do happen to find one, make sure you keep coins with you, because you have to pay to use them!
3. Traffic is crazy. Don't bother renting a car or taking Ubers to get around. The metro, a scooter or walking are the only ways you will get anywhere in a decent amount of time.
4. The metro is crowded, hot, stinky, confusing, and lots of pickpockets! Ben had his wallet swiped in an instant out of his front pocket! Keep everything in a closed purse/front pack and keep your hand on it at all times. Don't carry any more cash than what you need, and only take 1 of your credit cards out of the hotel at a time. Never take your passport out to town unless you're going to or from the airport. If that is stolen, you will not get to return home without a fuss. Make sure you have online access to your cards so you can quickly turn off if they are stolen. Don't go anywhere alone... especially at night!
All this being said, we will be back in Europe soon, my loves!
"Not all those who wander are lost.." -J.R.R. Tolkien
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