I knew I wanted to get to the Louvre early in the morning to try and beat the crowds, so I headed out of my hostel early and took the Metro again with all the morning commuters. I stopped for some coffee since I was a little early and then made the rainy walk over to the Louvre.
On my way I crossed over the Love Lock bridge, which was so much cooler than I’d imagined. Couples come to the bridge and attach a lock that they’ve carved their initials in, and then throw the key into the Seine. Something about everlasting love.
The bridge was completely covered, and there were locks on top of locks on top of locks! More than I’d ever imagined.
When I arrived at the Louvre there was already a long line formed, but luckily it moved pretty quickly and I made it inside in about 25 minutes. Perfect amount of time for way too many selfies.
Once I’d purchased my ticket, I hightailed it to the Mona Lisa. I knew this piece drew the most number of visitors so I wanted to get there early before there was a huge crowd.
Tada! Proof that I saw it! Haha
Once I’d seen that, I circled back around and started making my way through the whole museum. The building itself was absolutely beautiful, even if you ignore the art on the walls:
I also saw a few pieces that I recognized from AP Art History in High School:
By the time I was finished walking through the Maze that is called the Louvre, I was hungry and ready to find some lunch!
I’d been dying to go to Café Breizah, which was recommended by a reader! I walked through Marais to get there only to find out the wait was about an hour and a half. Since it was my last chance to eat there, I decided to wait. Verdict? Totally 100% worth it. I did not, however, take any photos… oops?
After lunch I headed down to Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cite. I have to say that this might have been my favorite site that I visited while in Paris. I loved walking through the Cathedral imagining all the church services and weddings that took place there over hundreds of years.
Once I’d walked through the Cathedral, I headed over to Ile Saint-Louis to walk around. I absolutely loved this little island because it wasn’t crowded and seemed very quintessential Parisian to me.
After that it was time to start walking to the Arc de Triomphe. I knew I wanted to be up there when the Eiffel Tower lit up and I wanted to beat the crowds, so I ended up arriving at 8:30 and waited for 1.5 hours, but it was totally worth it!
And then back to the hostel for bed!
When was your last vacation?
Do you like visiting churches and cathedrals? What about museums?
OH I LOVED PARIS as well.
and it was grey and damp and chilly and gloooomy outside when I was there—but not inside 😉
LOVED the museums.
What was the favorite thing you saw at the Louvre?
Oh gosh, that’s hard! I’d have to say all the rooms with the beautiful gold molding and paintings on the ceilings! They were just stunning to walk through!
It rained a little while I was there, but was mostly nice!
YESSSSS i would loooove to visit all of that!!!!!! thanks for sharing love
On the first night of the Bachelorette one guy mentioned the lock thing and did it with Andi! I thought that was so neat, haha.
I’ve never heard of the Love Lock bridge, but I like it! Might have to drag the boyfriend there one day…
you should, such a cute place!
Oh yes, I saw that! So cute
Of course, glad you liked it!
Awww, I love Paris! You did a great job navigating the city alone! My fiance and I were engaged there last December and do you believe the next day we wanted to go put a lock on the bridge but were so excited and had so many other things to do that we 100% both forgot! We have to go back now to do it. So sad 😉
WOW. WOW. This gave me chills! What an incredible day you had!!!
LOVE the Mona Lisa selfie!! hahahahaha
Thanks, it was so cool!
That’s so cute that you were engaged there! Haha you’ll HAVE to go back!
Omg I am totally jealous right now! I have been wanting to visit Paris/France since middle school…hopefully one day. I’d love to visit all of the places you listed. I’d like to also go to Mont St. Michel, and the south of France beaches! Ahhh I hope I can make it one day!!
oh I bet Mont St Michel would be so cool to visit!