Jan 4

Jan 4 Our Paris honeymoon

It’s not often your honeymoon suite is actually an old French bakery within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

Disneyland Paris

Yes we stayed in an inexpensive hotel for a night near Disneyland Paris. But then we stayed for a week in an old boulangerie found through AirBnB.

While “paying homage to the Mouse" we took full advantage of the hotel’s shuttle to get to and from Disneyland Paris and the Walt Disney Studio Park. As a military veteran we qualified for discount tickets which had to be purchased at the main ticket office at these parks. We visited in January when the lines were short and stopped for hot cocoa and sweets whenever we felt the need for a treat. You’ll find quite a number of fast food restaurants throughout the park and if you’re in a hurry, by all means pick up a hamburger and fries between attractions or the shows.

NOTE: By far the most impressive food for both price and taste is found in the street vendor booths near the Ratatouille attraction.

The Real Paris

Julia and I prepared for our honeymoon vacation for several months. We tried to watch as many movies as we could find On Demand that featured the City of Lights. We studied French using Duolingo in the hopes of not getting lost and not offending any Parisians we might meet on the boulevard. And we spent countless hours on line researching this or that to maximize our time while touring the capital of France.

Entire books have been written about Paris. And Rick Steeve’s has featured Paris in many of his television shows on European travel. That said, here are a few suggestions:

Yes, buy that multi-day Metro Pass!
Yes, buy the Museum Pass too.
Plan your days by neighborhood or administrative districts simply referred to a arrondissements.
Yes, the view from atop the Arc de Triomphe is better and less crowded than the view from atop the Eiffel Tower.
Pack some comfortable walking shoes as strolling around the city will help you keep off the weight you may gain sampling the absolutely delicious French cuisine.
Ask the locals for their favorite bistros and restaurants and follow the lead of your waiter when pairing wine with your meals.