Arriving in Paris

We take the TGV fast train back to Paris and stop for a few days.  After checking into our hotel near L'Etoile and the Arc de Triomphe, we stroll along the Seine to Place Saint-Michel, passing by the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay and ending up across from Notre Dame (now with signs that politely say, "temporarily closed").  The sun is setting and the city lights up as we stroll along the river.

 Along the Seine

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Arriving at Place Saint-Michel, we wander through the narrow streets across from Notre Dame and pick a favorite fondue restaurant for dinner, sharing an escargot starter and two fondues:  savoyard (cheese, served with meats and potatoes) and mixed (duck and beef cooked at the table in a pot of boiling oil).

 Street near Place Saint-Michel

 Escargot, fondues

After dinner, we walk back along the Seine.  Night has fallen and the city is lit up on a beautiful, crisp evening in Paris.

 Lights of the city

It's great to be back!