Paris... The City of Lights!

This trip to Paris was pretty last minute, but so worth it! We had originally thought about going sometime toward the end of the school year, but the stars aligned and somehow we were able to find an open standby spot on the nonstop flight from Salt Lake! It was only a short four day trip, but we were able to see everything we wanted to! 

It just so happened that Aaron and his friend Cory left for Paris the day before we did (for the start of their 2 week tour of Europe), so we were able to meet up with them the day we got there for an awesome bike tour around the city. We packed in a lot of sights in four hours!

At the Louvre...

Nick and his crafty way of filming-while-biking... haha

In front of the Eiffel Tower...

The best dinner crepe I've ever tasted - grilled chicken, sauteed tomatoes, and gruyere cheese. yum.

Got to see the light tour before we went to the top!

At Notre Dame

One thing I love about Paris is that there is a beautiful view no matter where you are... whether it's right in the middle of the city or up on a hill. Even the apartment buildings are beautiful!

At my favorite patisserie near Sacre Coeur.. the best macarons I've ever tasted! 

Again.. my beloved macaroons along with Orangina. Probably the best dinner... ever!

Arc de Triomphe

They are in the process of restoring the stained glass at St. Chapelle, and you can see the difference on each side of the cathedral. The restored glass is SO brilliant in person.. pictures just don't do it justice! 

One of my favorites at the Louvre -- David's Coronation of Napoleon

Napoleon's Tomb

We took a good two hour nap on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower. I had never seen it so packed with locals just enjoying themselves with their wine and baguettes! Definitely a prime location for people watching :)

Probably one of the best recent additions to the city... rental bikes! For a few Euros you can tour the city by bike... and return it at any kiosk throughout the city. Such a great idea!

Our audio tour at Versailles

Sadly, our camera died right after this picture at Versailles, but we were able to tour the entire palace along with Marie Antoinette's gardens as well as the Grand Trianon. This place never ceases to amaze me... every detail is plastered in gold or marble. So beautiful!

Leaving our hotel for the airport... we found a cute little hotel just a few minutes outside the city and it worked perfectly for us! We had such an amazing (and exhausting) four days in the city. I don't think my feet have ever been that tired.. but I definitely wouldn't trade it. We can't wait to get back to Europe!