I first thought I had lost my photos from Paris and the Beaujolais wine region but have just discovered that I haven’t so I’m very relieved.
Paris was our very first city to experience on our Contiki tour and it surely didn’t disappoint. The city is oozing style, fashion and of course love – it is the city of love after all!
On our first night, we were treated with a driving tour of the city to see the sights by night (daylight – sun doesn’t set until 10.30pm) where we saw the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and drove down the famous and very stylish Champs Elysees.
The following day we ventured up the Eiffel Tower by stairs, as there was a 2-3 hour wait to queue up for the lifts. Nothing like a bit of exercise to get the heart pumping! We made it to the 1st and 2nd levels where the views were just breathtaking. Afterwards, Daniel and I decided to walk the distance to Notre Dame Cathedral which took a lot longer than what we expected. Though, the best way to see a city is to walk through it, so we didn’t complain. The Notre Dame Cathedral is magnificent with the gargoyles perched high on the external walls. Later that night we enjoyed traditional French cuisine where we dined at a French restaurant – Daniel had escargot (snails!) for entree. Afterwards, we strolled past the Moulin Rouge and attended a Caberet show which was very entertaining. Of course, the French can can girls entertained us with singing and dancing, and it also included various comedy and other acts while we sipped on French champagne.
The following day we went to the Louve where we viewed heaps of artwork, including the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The Eiffel Tower
On top of the Eiffel Tower
View from the top
Notre Dame Cathedral
Gargoyles
Yum - snails!
French restaurant
The Moulin Rouge
The Louve
The Mona Lisa
The Venus de Milo
After Paris, we travelled south to the Beaujolais wine region where we stayed at the stunning French Chateau. We were told about the particular way wine is made in the region and tried a sample of a red. We ventured off for a walk through the area where we got lost Blair Witch style, but finally found our way uphill to the magnificent views of the vineyards where we enjoyed a picnic lunch of French baguettes and fruit.
Great view of the Beaujolais wine region
The vineyards
