We were fortunate to have prebooked our trip on the Eurostar from London to Paris, so last Saturday we embarked on our journey by train. It is a lovely trip but we wished that they would make some sort of announcement when you are actually going in the tunnel, under the Channel. Our apartment was near The Louvre, in the 1st arrondisement and we had 5 flights of stairs to WALK up, that’s right, no lift – and 114 stairs. With 3 suitcases plus hand luggage etc, it was very interesting! However after our five days the walk to the top of the stairs was much easier and achieved without huffing and puffing (as much). We had a small balcony – small table and only 2 chairs –and we had to climb out of our bedroom window to access it.
The view wasn’t that picturesque, mainly rooftops and chimneys but it was still nice to sit outside at the end of the day, and for breakfast. We had amazing weather – sunny every day we were there. We still haven’t had a day where we have had to put on a raincoat or use an umbrella. Even in London, there wasn’t any rain.
Our first adventure in Paris was a “If these walls could talk” walking tour. The tour group is called Paris Muse and they aim some of their tours at children . We had a personal tour ie just us and tour guide “Carrie”. She introduced us to the history of Paris and showed us interesting sculptures, features of buildings etc.
Our first adventure in Paris was a “If these walls could talk” walking tour. The tour group is called Paris Muse and they aim some of their tours at children . We had a personal tour ie just us and tour guide “Carrie”. She introduced us to the history of Paris and showed us interesting sculptures, features of buildings etc.
The boys had compasses and a workbook that they had to work through and find clues to take us to the next destination.
We ended at Notre Dame Cathedral where Carrie taught us how to read stories contained within some stained glass windows. 
It was a fascinating afternoon and a great introduction to Paris. The next day I had a macaron cooking class, so we all took off to the 18th arrondisement, early in the morning. Whilst I was doing the class, Iain and the boys wandered around the area of Montmarte.
and visited Sacre-Coeur the Roman Catholic church located on the highest point of Paris.
My macaron class was good fun – we made two different types – chocolate and plain – with 3 different fillings - raspberry, salted caramel and chocolate.
We then filled the macarons with the various fillings and also tried combining the fillings eg salted caramel with chocolate or chocolate with raspberry. The chocolate ones were the first we made and you will see by the photo that they didn’t turn out as well as they should have because we discovered the laser thermometer wasn’t working properly. The second batch (plain ones) were perfect. The photo below was after they had travelled for 2 hours and got bumped around so not as good, as when I left the cooking school. 
There were just 4 of us doing the class – a Kiwi, a French woman, and 2 Australians – the other girl from Australia lives in Melbourne and works for “Koko Black” ! For those who don’t know, Koko Black is a must visit Chocolate store in Melbourne. In the afternoon we had our second walking tour – this time “Muse Clues “ – our tour guide this time was Mary.
Both of the tour guides that we had, are Americans living in Paris and they also have PhD’s – so very knowledgeable and great with children. The tour was based at The Louvre and again the boys had workbooks to complete. Mary also does a Da Vinci tour so when booking it, I explained Nicholas’ fascination with Leonardo and she was able to combine some features of both tours. 
From the answers that the boys gathered it formed a french phrase which they then had to use to obtain a ‘treasure’ that had been left for them in a secret location. The treasure was a game about Paris. 
It was lovely for Nicholas to finally see the real Mona Lisa painting – and it was larger than what we expected. Apparently it used to be displayed next to some huge paintings which made it look really small but it is now displayed on a wall by itself , and behind glass. As the ash cloud had upset a lot of visitors plans to Paris, Mary explained to us that we were extremely lucky to get so close to the Mona Lisa – usually the room she is displayed in, is full (approx 400 people) and there would have only been 30 or so, when were there.
To Be Continued............................
It's so hard to believe you are actually there. You all look relaxed and happy. Nic - the real Mona Lisa!!!! Was it fantastic? You guys are so lucky. Egypt next. You'll have so much to talk about when you get home.
Just caught up on the last couple of posts - I remember loving the wax museum and was especially keen to have my pic taken with Tom Baker as Doctor Who - what a nerd I was/am! I just loved that scarfe! I can't believe the swaovski car! The ash seems to ahve been your friend - personalised tours and only 30 people viewing the Mona Lisa gal! Fantastic! I found it to be very small but then again, I was expecting it to be huge! Fantastic to tailor the tours and great that they are directed towards kids - you certainly did your research and it has paid off! Glad to see you and hubby sharing a glass of wine in Romantic Paris! Travel safe!
Great to see the photo of you two on your much anticipated balcony!!!
I think it wouldn't have mattered about the view..."Its the vibe of the thing" (to quote the castle!!!)
VERY lucky to not have a crowd there, sounds like from your other posts there is usually big crowds everywhere!!!
The cooking looks great....I think we might be in for some treats when you get home!!!Well I hope so anyway!!
Christina your Macarons look excellent! well done. You will have to run a baking class when you get home. With all of those stairs you will be very fit for Egypt (no need for a Wii workout Iain).The photos look great, Good one of Nick and Mona, almost a private viewing by the sound of things.
We have a visitor in one of the sheds....he is small and woolly and says, "baa"...no prizes for guessing.
Waiting in anticipation for the next post. By the way you all look well and relaxed.