Visiting Paris (the City of Lights) as a Teenager
- Bridget Rackley
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
In November 1998, a group of friends went with our Foreign Language Teacher to the City of Lights. Our teacher was a native of Nice, France, so lucky for us, she could speak the language and knew all the best places to go. She had our itinerary all planned out for us teenagers, right down to how much to allot for each activity and meal. There were 12 of us total, 5 adults and 7 juniors and seniors in high school.
We left Raleigh-Durham International Airport on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and flew overnight to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, with a nearly three-hour layover in Philadelphia. Back then, we flew USAir, before it changed to American Airlines-not a good change in my opinion, but that's not for this post.
After our overnight flight, we arrived in Paris around 7:30 the next morning, Thanksgiving Day back home in the states. It was chilly and rainy!!!! We took a taxi to the Hotel de Sevigne. Our rooms were doubles and sort of on the small side, but the hotel has changed over the years to be sure.
We dropped off our luggage and set out on foot, walking to the Arc de Triomphe, which is located on the western end of the Champs-Elysees. The monument is an arch, obviously, that honors those who fought and died for France. Our group did not pay to go to the terrace, but it is a really pretty spot in Paris. I've included a link at the end of the post for the website.
We walked by The Ritz Paris, a five-star hotel and the hotel where Princess Diana stayed during her last days alive. At the time of our trip, it had been just a little over a year since her tragic death in a car accident. Our group also saw the Flame of Liberty, which people thought for a long time that it was a memorial to Diana since it overlooks the tunnel where the car crashed. Turns out, it is not meant for her at all, but at the time of our visit, there were pictures of here and flower bouquets all around the monument. It actually looks like a candle's flame, reminiscent of the song Elton John sang at her funeral in her honor, "Candle in the Wind."
That afternoon, we went inside Le Louvre Museum and saw the famous Mona Lisa painting. This museum is massive! I believe their collection is over 500,000 items!! Of course, we didn't spend a huge amount of time here, but we did see the highlights.
We had an early night that day and got up bright and early that Friday to see more of this beautiful city. Our first stop was none other than the Eiffel Tower-my favorite!!!! It's just so recognizable and truly a magical landmark! It was such an overcast day that we did not go up to the top for the views, but we enjoyed seeing it up close.
After spending some time at the Eiffel Tower, we made our way over to Les Invalides. This is a very prominent sight in the landscape of Paris; its gilded dome is very noticeable. This monument houses many collections and the Tomb of Napoleon.
That evening, we attended the Le Moulin Rouge. This is an institution in Paris, having been in operation since 1889. The show includes dinner and is composed of artists from all over the world. The cabaret show also features the French Cancan. I had never seen so many feathers in my life!!!
During our last day, we visited two of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is absolutely amazing. Upon entering the doors, I immediately felt the peace this cathedral has provided for eight centuries. Remember, should you visit, wear modest clothing with the shoulders, thighs, and stomach covered. No hats!!!
The second place we visited was the Le Sacre Coeur. Now, this was a sight-looked like a castle up on a hill! This basilica sits up on the hilltop of Montmartre and is a Shrine of Perpetual Adoration and Divine Mercy, dedicated to Jesus' sacred heart. The mosaics inside the chapels are truly gorgeous. This place is truly gentle and a very popular place for Christians to pray.
This trip was a whirlwind, and we saw a lot in four days. From walking along the Champs-Elysees, you will immediately get a feel for Paris. Seeing the shops filled with pastries and the small bistros, it is definitely not what we are used to here in the states. I never thought I would get to go back, but I did, over 15 years later!!! Until next time...and there is a next time! I will be making a post of my second trip to Paris in the near future (with pictures)!!!!
Links:
Comments