Hey, gals!
Let’s start off this post with one big fat apology for keeping this gem from you guys for 18 months! I have no other excuse for the delay of this travel guide except that life is crazy, messy, and unbelievably busy and I haven’t had a chance to sit down and write about the last leg of our Europe 2018 trip until now! Better late than never, right?! Normandy and Paris were absolutely incredible. In fact, so incredible that Paul and I are going back to Paris for honeymoon in May! It’s full of romance, charm, and history – everything I love when traveling abroad.
DAY 10
We left our Venice hotel and took a water bus to the airport to catch our flight to Normandy! As much as we loved Italy, we were ready to get to France!
Once we landed in Normandy, we grabbed an Uber and headed to our hotel. Normandy was so picturesque. Flowers lining the road, cute little shops, and crisp 65 degree weather + sunshine! We arrived at our hotel around 3 o’clock and we were blown away! We stayed at Chateau La Cheneviere – WOW! There is simply no words to describe how beautiful this hotel is! We felt like we were walking around a movie set. So dreamy. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see much outside of our hotel as I came down with food poisoning. Needless to say, it was there with vengeance. While I was hugging the porcelain throne, Paul and his parents were able to see Memorial de Caen (D-Day & Cold War memorial + museum) and Normandy American Memorial & Cemetery. It was obviously a little somber to see where so many American soldiers lost their lives but a must see when visiting Normandy. We were only in Normandy a day and a half so we didn’t get to see all that there is to offer, once Paul and his parents got back we headed to the train station for Paris. My vomit bag and all.
DAY 11
We arrived in Paris around 4 o’clock and as you can imagine I was still feeling pretty sick but was so elated to finally be in the City of Light. Hailey and I have been in a long love affair with everything and anything Paris. We took French for four years in high school, watched every movie that was filmed in Paris, and dreamed of going our entire lives. I pushed through being sick so I could sink it all in.
We checked in to our adorable boutique hotel, Le Cinq Codet. It’s located in the very chic 7th Arrondissement, smack dab in the middle of the Eiffel Tower and Invalides Museum. We loved it so much that we’re staying here for our honeymoon. To save my energy for the next few days, I stayed in while Paul went to a soccer game with his dad. I took a hot shower, ordered room service, and put on a movie. I honestly couldn’t complain!
DAY 12
We hopped out of bed bright and early to see the city! We grabbed breakfast at a little cafe and walked to the Eiffel Tower! Tears ensued at the sight of the most iconic landmark in the city. We walked from one side to the other in awe of it’s beauty. We then walked around the city for about an hour and met Paul’s parents at Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triumph. I purchased my first Louis Vuitton at the flagship store and I have to say it was a surreal moment! I had waited all year to purchase my purse in Paris! From there we went to Sacre-Couer Basilica and Montmartre, easily the most beautiful view of Paris. We then walked to The Louvre to watch the sunset. Pretty magical first day!
DAY 13
We woke up early to see Notre Dame (so sad that it caught on fire!) and toured inside the church. It was gorgeous as you could imagine! We also saw Saint Chapelle!
We then went to back to The Louvre! We got to see the Mona Lisa (totally worth the hype) and centuries of art! Paul and I both love history and museums so it was a great afternoon!
After The Louvre, we walked back towards the hotel. We had some time to kill before the sun went down so we hopped on in to a super market, grabbed a bottle of champagne, Pringles, and a cheese and prosciutto pack and headed towards the Eiffel Tower lawn for a little picnic. It was probably one of my favorite moments of our time in Paris. Paul and I got to talk about whatever, people watch, and just simply enjoy a calm moment. We had been going nonstop and it was a much needed moment for the both of us.
DAY 14
We spent our last day in Versailles! It was everything I had hoped it to be and more! Travel tip: get your tickets before or you will be waiting in line for a year! It was absolutely wild to see where Marie Antoinette lived after obsessing over the history and movie since it came out. I took a TON of pictures, I was in awe of the architecture and design of each room. After we toured the main palace we took a golf course tour around the gardens and grabbed lunch at one of the restaurants. A must see when visiting Paris!
Our last evening was a treat, for sure! Paul’s parents treated us to a fabulous boat dinner down the Siene River. The food was excellent, the views spectacular, and amazing service. We highly recommend Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise.
This brings this to the end of our Europe 2018 adventure. I had to finish this travel guide up before the wedding so I’m feeling accomplished. I’m so excited to go back and experience things and places we didn’t have time for on our honeymoon. Till next time!
