Paris, je t'aime

So two weeks ago my friends Rachel, Jenny, and I went to Paris, and like every cliché study abroad student, we fell completely in love with the city. Paris has a little something for everyone: interesting history, beautiful art, wonderful food. You name it, Paris has it. Here are the highlights of the trip:


1) The Eiffel Tower by night

Rachel, Jenny and I have not been all together since May of 2012, so it was so amazing to be able to reunite in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Our first night back together we grabbed some sandwiches and wine from a local grocery store and went and sat in front of the Eiffel Tower. After dark, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour, and the spectacle is simply stunning. While we were watching it, a man next to us PROPOSED to his girlfriend, and they asked us to take their very first picture as an engaged couple. It was so wonderful and romantic and adorable. The perfect Paris moment.

2) Crepes and Cidre

This is probably one of the best culinary combinations ever. The best meal I had in Paris was a ham, cheese and egg crepe with a glass of cidre, followed by a nutella crepe for dessert. Simply heavenly. 

3) Art

Walking around Paris for even just 5 minutes will give you a clear idea as to why it became such a huge art center. There are so many beautiful corners and areas of the city; it's not that hard to become inspired. During our time in Paris, our trio made it to the Rodin Museum and the Musée D'Orsay, both of which are definitely worth the trip. We failed to make it to the Louvre, which is a shame, but at least I have an excuse to get back to Paris! 

Tip for traveling students: DONT go to the Louvre on a Sunday. On Sundays the Louvre is free to everyone, and the line to get in is hours long, hence why we did not end up going. As a student, the Louvre is free to you any day of the week, and  you will be guaranteed to have less of a wait if you don't go on Sunday. 

Rodin Museum

Rodin Museum

Musée d'Orsay

4) Churches

Visiting churches is a staple tourist activity when visiting any city, but both the Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur are wildly impressive. I especially enjoyed the Sacre Coeur because they filmed a scene from the movie Amelie in front of it, and I had a mini freak out moment. If you haven't seen that movie you should watch it. Right now. 

Notre Dame

lovely trio!

Sacre Coeur

view from the Sacre Coeur

5) Pont des Arts

So this is probably the most cliché thing I love about Paris. Haters can hate. The Pont des Arts is a bridge covered in love locks. Thousands of locks with thousands of names of couples declaring their love. Talk about a feel good moment. I mean, I got POOPED ON by a bird while on this bridge, and I still thought it was the best thing ever. (Shout out to the lady who gave me a tissue, and shout out to Jenny for wiping poop off my back) 

Pont des Arts

And there you have my Paris top 5. I spent more time in Paris than in most other cities I have been in, and it still was not nearly enough time. I will be back!