Paris in Fall

Paris in November was partly cloudy, mostly sunny, in the mid 50s. Only once did it rain. And it stopped raining right after I bought an umbrella. 

Fall is an ideal time to visit Paris because the air is crisp and perfect for walking. And Paris is the world’s greatest walking city. Wandering around with direction or lost, you can’t go wrong. Because everywhere you turn, you encounter beauty. 

This month, I decided to get lost with direction. I chose to hang out in the Marais neighborhood in the 3rd Arrondissement because of a few small (free) museums I’ve been wanting to visit. 

On my first layover, I went to Musee Carnavalet. This museum showcases the history of the city. It’s housed in a beautiful old palace with a stunning formal garden. 

In addition to the garden, I also wanted to view their collection of personal effects used by King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette while they were being held in captivity, awaiting the guillotine. 

I never considered that their children suffered the same fate until I stood looking at their toys. 

On my next layover, I went to Maison de Victor Hugo (Hugo’s former apartment…and now museum)

Victor Hugo was an author and politician. He wrote plays and poetry, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserable. And he lived in one of these apartments surrounding Place des Vosges.

Here’s what he looked like when he was young. 

There were several busts displayed in his image. I’m curious if they were there when he occupied the apartment. 

Every room was opulent and gorgeous. But my favorite was the Chinese room. 

And my favorite bust was by his contemporary, Auguste Rodin.

Paris in November was a pleasure.

And the trips were made sweeter by our passengers, who brought the crew very generous gifts. We received lots of chocolates, including three boxes of La Maison Du Chocolate.

One passenger brought macarons from Laduree.

Another gave us caviar! The cost is unknown, but I’m sure it was a lot.

I ate mine on break, in my bunk, as a bedtime snack. Which only added to the decadence.  

Paris was good to me this month. It’s only fitting that I’m writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving. My schedule and my passengers are a few of the many things I’m grateful for this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving!