It makes us a little sad to write about our last full day in Paris. We woke up surprised to hear the sound of piano coming through our open window. Someone below us was playing amazingly well, and it was a wonderful way to start the day.
We had saved a visit to the Louvre for our last day since it was our backup plan if it had rained a lot any other day. On our way to the Louvre we stopped by Le Duree for some breakfast pastries and macarons. Earlier we wrote about the amazing macarons at Pierre Herme that we enjoyed on our first day, which many claim are the best in the city, so we figured on our last day we had to try the other highest-rated macarons in Paris.
They didn’t disappoint and we’re actually a bit cheaper than those at Pierre Herme, but overall we felt they were a little milder in flavor and less creative in their flavor combination. We’d rate Le Duree a close second to Pierre, but we really enjoyed their pastries, too! I still miss such decadent breakfasts.
We arrived at the Louvre and were so pleased that it was such a beautiful day. We we’re a little bummed to spend so much of it indoors, but it made for some great pictures outside.
Once inside, it was honestly a bit overwhelming. Many of the main galleries were filled with so many people, and the paintings (at least in the Italian painter rooms leading to the Mona Lisa) were hung three or four high on the walls, so it was difficult to give each one the appropriate attention. Lynne’s art history training wasn’t used to processing so much at one time. We enjoyed the audio tour and would rotate with one of us listening and filling the other in while the other took photos.
Winged Victory, my favorite
We had a lot more peace viewing the Middle East and ancient items since it wasn't as crowded, and we found that the galleries on the upper levels had some breathtaking paintings and weren’t nearly as crowded.
We also enjoyed seeing the Napoleon III apartments, which ended our day (we literally got kicked out at 5:45pm), and the two areas that used to be courtyards of the palace which housed some amazing sculptures. This visit made me realize how little I actually saw on my short three hour tour ten years ago.
Where’s Kirk?
On the way home we stopped by St. Germain church, a grocery store for some last minute gifts and snacks for the plane, and then we tried to find a final dinner place that was just right. We were being really picky, and unexpectedly ended up back at Vins et Terroirs, since we loved it so much the first time. We indulged in some great wine, salmon tartar, lobster bisque, beef bourguignon, steak au poivre, and, of course, tons of delicious bread and butter.
When we got back to the apartment, the pianist was at it again. It was so beautiful, and we’d yell “bravo!” out our window and hear her laugh below. It was the perfect soundtrack for our last night in Paris as we enjoyed a dessert of French cheese and chocolates in our little apartment.
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