Lovely days in Paris

It's already two weeks ago that we've been to Paris. Sophie surprised me with this trip to celebrate our anniversary :). I've never been to Paris and wanted to see it a long, long time. From Gothenburg you can simply go with Ryanair. Problem is that the Airport in Paris isn't in Paris, but an hour bus trip away. In the end we wondered if the slightly cheaper plane trip and the queuing and bus riding was worth it, or if we could have taken a direct flight to Charles de Gaulle. But this didn't effect the experience at all.

Arc de Triomph

When we arrived the weather wasn't really welcoming. Sophie experienced this the two times she've been there before. But, nevertheless, we rented a bike and took of for the hostel. Paris has one of the worlds best maintained automated bike renting services (velib), where everyone can simply rent a bike with the credit card, for 1.70€ per day (that would be a single ticket in the Metro). The advantage is, that you see more of the city than if you would use the Metro, you're faster than walking, but you still get some fresh air, and you save money. The first half hour is for free afterwards you pay extra. But 30min. are definitely enough to get trough the city center.
Our hostel was right next to Montmatre. So right after we arrived we climbed up to Sacré-Cœur (Sacred-Heart-Basilique - anyone gets this ;) ), but the view wasn't so great, due to the bad weather. Afterwards, in the evening, we cycled, bypassing  Arc de Triomphe, towards Tour de Eiffel, where I had tickets for the 10pm elevator ride; that saves hours of queuing. Despite weather and darkness, or especially due to the darkness (?!), we had a fantastic view, alongside with a nice glass of champaign.

Louvre

Saturday the weather was already better. We started the day by cycling back to Arc de Triomph and walking down Champs-Élisée towards the Louvre. After enjoying the pyramid we strolled down alongside Seine to reach Notré Dame.
Sunday the weather was even better. We conquered the city from the east, cycled a lot and enjoyed the sunny weather. We relaxed in Parc de Luxembourg, watched kids and adults playing with toy sailboats on a fountain and walked ahead to the Pantheon. Back at the hostel we climbed again on top of the Sacred Heart church, and this time we could enjoy the view. In the late afternoon we went to the Eiffel tower, sauntered over Champ de Mars and waited on the Trocadero for the Night, to see the hourly flickering of the Tower.

Twinkeling Eiffel tower at night
(SETE – illuminations Pierre Bideau)

To warm up afterward, we got a suggestion (thanks again, Michaël) for a nice, small french restaurant right next to our hostel and Sacred-Heart. The french people showed their best manners to welcome us (attention: sarcasm). But anyway, it was a great final of a great weekend.
Paris is a beautiful city. Despite the weather (sometimes) and the people, it's a city worth seeing. I really enjoyed it, but wouldn't necessarily consider a second trip - but you never know....