written by Coeur de Saigon
Despite how brief my trip in Paris was, I was still able to explore the city at its best.
Day 1: Modern Paris
It was brief indeed, because I arrived so late at about 7:30 PM. Arriving in Charles de Gaulle Airport and hitting La Défense to get to my friend’s house were all I could do.
However, I was amazed by long day light until 8:30 PM, which I had never experienced before in a tropical country like Vietnam. It was Spring after all. Day is longer, people are hotter.
Where I stayed was only a 10 minute walk from La Défense Metro station. Blessed with modernity from the skyscrapers, the neighborhood gave me a different view on Paris, since I only thought of Paris as a old and vintage kind of city.
However modern it is, this place still owns its glory. Typically depicted as the icon of the whole La Défense area, the statue La Défense de Paris stood proudly like defending the city.
I could see here, the harmony of history and modernity.
Day 2: A Touristy Day
Brand new to the city and had less than 48 hours to explore it. So I wanted to check off as many attractions as possible. It wasn’t a bad idea.
Arrived in Les Sablons only 15 minutes after catching the first metro line. I was already in love with the French architectures on the street of Paris.
Fondation Louis Vuitton was the first place I decided to go to since I am a big fan of Louis Vuitton’s heritage. The place didn’t fail to amaze me. With a slide of water flowing down to the Frank Gehry’s architecture, the place was blessed with a unique sound of water.
The building is the big exhibit itself but not to mention the beautiful Picasso works which I failed to photograph due to strict internal photography restriction.
l’Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile was my next destination. Done with some touristy shots, and jaw-dropping moments. It was best to move on to some other place, like having lunch at Chez Clement on the prestigious avenue Champs-Élysées.
Walking around the city was the most enjoyable activity in Paris. I was always have to look up to the buildings surrounding me.
And here I was at La Tour Eiffel, after passing Pont l’Alma, I could see the tall tower. All I could recall was how huge this pointy tower was. I was totally lost. But I didn’t rush to the top to see the aerial view of “City of Light,” instead, I laid on the grass, read my favorite Murakami book and bathed under the sun which I always neglected to enjoy.
Day 3: Indulging and Louvre
By indulging, it means I ate a lot. Starting off the third day with lunchie by the Seine, at Le Comptoir du 5ème. Foie Gras maison, and panned sea food could make me happy.
Having Paul baguette at Jardin de Tuileries, and finish the day with a sweet salted-caramel crepes at Saint Michel. I was in heaven.
But that’s not all for that third day in Paris. It would be a waste without visiting the King Museum. Spent 4 hours here but could not contemplate everything, not to mention a deep contemplation.
All the sculptures were like soulful creatures that are frozen there in the museum for eternity. And who cares about Mona Lisa painting, because the Louvre had so much to offer tourists and art enthusiasts
Besides the above listed attractions and activities, I also visited Grand Arche, Jardin Luxembourg, Jardin de Tuileries, Notre Dame de Paris, shopping at Les 4 Temps, enjoying the street arts of Paris.
And this video is likely to sum everything up, which I am really excited to share.
Note from the author:
Can’t wait for the next entry? Me neither. I can’t wait to post it.
So it’s an extra entry to celebrate June. Stay tuned 😉
Lý Thành Cơ 