I want to start off by thanking all the wonderful people who post their advice and experiences on this site, it made my trip planning much easier. Am 60 and had been to Europe several times but never on my own. My trip included 8 nights in Paris, 2 nights in Metz to visit a colleague who retired and moved there, 3 nights in Germany visiting a friend who is working at the US army base as a civilian and then back to Paris for 2 nights before flying home. The trip started off with some excitement as we had snow in Seattle on my departure day. Many flights canceled but we made it out 2 hours late after waiting to get the plane decided. Luckily I had a 3 hour layover at Heathrow scheduled so no problems making my connection to CDG.
I packed carryon only as usual with a small backpack as my personal item. After the long trip I decided to spend the money on a taxi to Hotel Left Bank, my home for the next 8 nights. I picked this based on its great walk ability to major sites and recommendations on this forum. Loved it, room very quaint with wallpaper and wood beams but a good size bedroom and bathroom. The staff were all very kind and helpful. Breakfast was only 5 euros per day if you book direct. I did have breakfast there several days and enjoyed it. They had a large selection including scrambled and hard boiled eggs, sausage, pastries, yogiurt, cereals, heeded, etc. once I checked in, I wandered the neighborhood to get familiar, took a walk along the Seine, stopped by the store for snacks and picked up a sandwich at a shop for an early dinner and bed.
My first full day I got up and walked to St Sulpician for mass as I wanted to hear their organ. Lovely, thanks to Cuolingo able to follow along with a good portion of the service. Walked to Boullion Rancine and had a good lunch. Had my first floating island for dessert, it was amazing. Went back to my room for a siesta and then to St Chapelle for an evening classical concert. The musicians were very good and having the sun going down inside all the stained glass was a great experience. Picked up a crepe on my walk back. My plan was for bigger lunches and something casual or quick for dinner as prefer to not eat late.
On Monday I had a 2 hour tour of Louve masterpieces scheduled at 915 but due to scheduled protest they didn’t open until 1130 so tour moved until 1145. The tour was very good, covering a lot of ground, would definitely recommend. After the tour I spent another 2+ hours wondering on my own. Am happy I went but found it very crowded (can’t imagine what it’s like in summer) and hot. Luckily I had put my coat in a locker. Picked up a salad and flan pie for dinner.
Tuesday I took the Metro to the Marais and did a walking tour with Paris Walks. After the tour went to the Carnavalet museum. Found it very informative and they have a good cafe as well. Wondered around for awhile and then metro back to the Saint Germain. Went into a store looking at chocolate and got a few mini kouign amann. Oh my gosh, so good had to go back later in the week for more.
Wednesday I had a small group tour to Fountainbleau and Vaux le Vicomte . The chateaux and grounds were wonderful and best of all not crowded. Our group was myself and a family of 4 from Canada. Our guide was Brune from Brie, she was very kind and informative. Our meeting and drop off was near the Arc de Triumph so visit there and took some pictures before catching the metro back. Truffle pizza for dinner, yum.
Thursday I had a croissant making class. My husband loves pane de chocolate so thought I would see how to make them. Spent the afternoon/ early evening at the D’Orsay and preferred the more manageable size and set up over Louvre.
Friday I spent the morning doing laundry at a little self service lavrie near the hotel. Had some wonderful beef bourginon for lunch and then walked to Norte Dame. Truly beautiful. More on another post.