May 15th Tours, Train to Paris

Our day began with one last French breakfast at La Jucherie BnB. Then packing all our belongings back into the tiny Fiat. Double checking the cottage for any left behinds. Farewell to Justine and Jean-yves. Hugs and handshakes all around, We said "We will see you next time!". Waving our goodbyes as we headed down the lane. I have a feeling someday in the future we will meet again!

*Goodbye La Jucherie, Chef Justine, Sean-Yves and Napoléon! The best memories were made here. Thank you for everything you did for us!*

Paris bound. Our train is scheduled to depart at 10:39. First things first, setting our GPS for the Hertz drop off location at Saint Pierre de Corps train station. Everything went smoothly with the drop off. We are sure going to miss her. She was a Jazzy little thing. Back on our own two feet with no little Fiat to transport us around, we made the short walk to the train station.

*Train station Saint Pierre des Corps near Tours. Several rental car options close by quite convenient.*

Here we spent a bit of time people watching while we waited on a platform to be assigned for our train to Paris.

*Train assigned to platform 2 shows on the monitor.*

*Patiently waiting the arrival the train*

*Roller bags stuffed to the bursting point.*

Once assigned we made our way out of the station to platform 2 to await our train. The layout of the train was on a screen nearby. We were looking where wagon 3 would board . It is nice to know the correct location for boarding the right wagon instead trying to find the correct wagon once on board;) It was super helpful.

The Train arrived on time. We were settled in and soon on our way. (Tip: Train travel in Europe is highly recommended but be on time waiting for the train of choice. It only takes roughly 5 minutes to load and then the train will depart on time.) A short one hour train ride to Paris. Train travel is a relaxing way to go. Quietly gliding along watching the scenery through the large windows and the whoosh of a fast passing trains on the opposite track. Our train had no stops. Straight to Paris we went. Upon arriving in Paris we navigate our way burdened with our luggage and a baby through the bustling train station, to a waiting line of Taxis to be transported to our hotel. Costing about 15 Euro. ( No car seat needed for the baby when catching a ride with a Uber or Taxi, we would just hold Téo.)

Upon arrival at what would be our home in Paris for the next two days, we were greeted by the door keeper at Hotel San Régis. He took care of our luggage and ushered us inside to the beautiful foyer and to the amazing receptionist, Jerome. Jerome greeted us warmly, welcoming us to Paris and to this stunning family owned boutique hotel. Which is situated ideally in the 8th Arrondissements, close by the Champs de Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, River Seine and only a 20 min stroll to the Eiffel Tower. After Jerome checked us in and explained our room would soon be ready for us.

In the meantime, he showed us to the lounge area with the most relaxing cozy atmosphere. Introduced us to the waiters and made sure we were well taken care of. He asked if anything was needed while we waited for our room. We settled for hot tea and cold water while letting Téo crawl nearby.

Soon enough our room was ready for us. Again Jerome kindly led the way to the tiny elevator we all crammed in and up to the 6th floor we went.

Up one flight of stairs we found ourselves 7th floor standing before room number 71. What awaited behind this door? We were in for a real treat.

Jerome opened the door, welcoming us to our beautiful Paris suite. First he lead us to the beautiful terrace with a small table and chairs overlooking the streets and sights of Paris. A perfect place for enjoying a breakfast or a dinner while taking in the fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower! We can't wait to see the Iron Lady sparkle this evening. Jerome proceeded to show us the makeup of the room, the amenities, etc… A very thorough reception indeed, we felt welcomed and very much at home. It wasn't hard to tell Jerome enjoyed what he did and had cultivate excellent PR skills. Thank you, Jerome for your kindness and warm hospitality you showed our little family.

By this time it was high time for the baby to take a nap. Soon he was fast asleep is the baby bed. Mandy and I took this opportunity to go downstairs to the hotel restaurant for a quick relaxing lunch in the cozy dining room.

We were impressed with the selection of the menu options. I settled for the Truffel Risotto and Mandy went with the San Régis Salad with Quinoa and fresh Julienned Vegetables garnished with a Carrot Orange Sauce. Fresh bread and an espresso to top it off the meal. So good, the perfect lunch on cool rainy day outside.

This was great place to plan the rest of the afternoon of what to do before our Eiffel Tower tour at 6:30 pm. High on our list of the many things to do in Paris was to visit Laduree on Champs De Elysee Boulevard which was only a short 10 min walk away. Let's go! First we headed back to our little Parisain Oasis to awake the baby and pick up the umbrella provided for us.

Out the streets we headed off with Google maps leading the way. Destination: Laduree the home of the delicate pastry called the Macarons. The very drippy day had we three huddled under the one sturdy umbrella. Rain or shine Paris is still beautiful, passing many opportunities for window shopping along the way.

Crossing the Champs de Elysee Boulevard you can get a great view of Arc de Triomphe in all its Grandeur.

*Laduree obviously the shop front was being worked on with the front being covered, inviting none the less.*

We made the Laduree destination to find line of people waiting all with the expectation of deliciousness. The thing about lines you have to use the three feet apart rule to keep Téo from pulling on other people's clothes:) Once we reached the counter we picked out a pretty box to be filled with six macaroons of our choice.

The flavors we chose were: Orange Blossom, Pistachio, Marie-Antoinette Tea, Strawberry Poppy, and two Coconut Lime. We kept them in the pretty little bag and continued shopping the boulevard. We enjoy savoring them, eating one at a time. Thinking upon the memories made!

Passing many end stores, the high end store we went into was Tiffany's (jewelry). Admiring the many fine pieces. I may need a bigger penny bank to make a purchase. We took note of the Gold and Silver intertwined locks they had on display.

A store on a bit lower spectrum was Monoprix. Here I bought an outfit for Téo and a dress for myself. Still dripping a bit outside we made our way back to the hotel to prepare for our next outing in the rain. Destination: Eiffel Tower

Finding ourselves ready to go once again, we headed down to our awaiting Uber. Along the drive taking in the bustling city of Paris and with anticipation catching glimpses of Eiffel along the way.

Our driver dropped us off at a small store front where we huddled out of the rain with the rest of the group awaiting our tour guide for the Eiffel Tower. (We used a guide to help get us through the security lines quicker and access to the top floor.)

The weather seemed to worsen and the wind picked up as we made our way to the Tower for our 18:30 time slot.

*Dark and formidable in the cloudy weather but still majestic*

The less sturdy umbrellas others had bought were blowing inside out. I was Thankful for the sturdy San Regis umbrella. I held the baby all bundled in a blanket and Jeff held the umbrella over us trying to keep us as dry as possible. My leather shoes didn't fare as well, the rain put a soakin on them. Finally we made it through the security checkpoints and ticket scanners.

After a short history brief we found ourselves tightly crammed on an elevator enroute to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. You had to get off the elevator and board another to the top. It was so cold and windy. Not sure I wanted to go to the top with the baby. Jeff went ahead while I tried keeping the baby out of the wind. He must have stayed a little warm. He fell asleep! Jeff found his way back down. Telling me it was enclosed and warm up top and I should go. We both went and the lady kindly let Jeff backup with his ticket that was already used.

Wow! We made it this far for such a view from the top of the Iron Lady in all her glamor and glow who stands watch over all of Paris through grandeur changing over the years Though the day was cloudy and cold, the love of Paris burning within us kept us warm!

*View of Jardins du Trocadero. An excellent place to view the Eiffel Tower from ground level*

Back down and finding ourselves back out in the rain again, we searched for a cozy spot on the way back to the hotel to have a warm bite for supper.

*A wonderful meal awaited us at Linette*

We found the perfect spot, warm, cozy so welcoming with Parisian vibe! Jeff ordered French onion soup and a Burrata tomato salad. I had a veggie Lasagna with a salad along with fresh bread. Bon Appétit! The table was so small we had to use the table next to ours as well. Which led to a conversation with our bysitters. A chatty group of young folks. Interestingly one of the boys was from GA not far away from where I grew up. The funny thing being we had them fooled for looking French they were surprised to learn we were from America and spoke English.

This brings us to quick tip suggestion. (Tip: Jeff has this thing to try to blend in with the crowd when in another country/culture to avoid pickpockets etc…clothes matter! Basically if a person looks like a tourist likely be treated more like a tourist. Interestingly, it must of been working for us, along our travels in France we had people come to us asking for direction or conversation in French only to be disappointed we unfortunately weren't fluent in their language. We do want to learn this beautiful language and encourage anyone thinking of traveling, to at least learn some of the language prior, it will help. Jeff knows more French than I and we managed alright. We unfortunately didn’t study the language like we should have )

Everyone of the waiters seemed to have made friends with Téo. They all had to say their goodbyes to him at the door when we left. So fun to intact with the locals and I will say, traveling with a baby has opened the door of conversation often, a big plus! We walked across the river enjoying the river traffic.

We walked some more in the evening glow all the way back to the hotel. Every step taken is a bit more of Paris explored.

*Walking the streets of Paris in the evening glow.*

On arrival to Hotel San Régis, we were greeted at the door by a wonderful kind-hearted gentleman named Seydina. He took to Téo immediately and conversation flowed easily. We looked foward meeting him in the lobby each day after, one of our many new friends in France. Téo was shy to to begin with but Seydina would always try to get him to smile and soon had won him over.

We made it back to our terrace just in time to view the Eiffel Tower putting on the light show of the night and she did, all glittering gold.

*The Iron Lady sparkling in her golden glow*

What a magical ending to a afternoon spent in Paris. Paris we love you, bon nuit!

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