With both John and Logan on their own travel adventures, a friend and I decided to catch the Eurostar train to Paris and Versailles for a day trip. Paris is a little over two hours from London so it makes for an easy to get there day trip. I visited Paris once before in 2004 and enjoyed seeing the familiar sights again. We decided to go with a fully escorted tour thinking it would save us the trouble of having to deal with purchasing tickets for Eiffel Tower and Versailles nor deal with transportation. In hindsight, I’m not sure it was worth it since we got stuck in severe traffic jams several times throughout the day (train and metro would have been so much quicker) which cut-in to the time we had to enjoy Paris. Ah, well…live and learn.
The Eurostar left London at 7:00am and we were in Paris at 10:15am. France is one hour ahead. It was my first time on the Eurostar and I was impressed. It was clean, on time and there was a decent selection of food/drinks.
Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower:
Looking up the Eiffel Tower, Paris
Inside the Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower was built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle ). It was built to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution as well as demonstrate France’s technological advances in the Industrial Age. The construction took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days and the result is a very impressive technical and architectural achievement. Although the panoramic views from the 2nd floor are wonderful, I also love looking up into the inside of the tower from the ground level. Originally the Tower was built to last only 20 years but when the first radio transmissions were sent from the top of the tower, it became a permanent structure. Even for the people who opposed keeping it (many considered it an eyesore), the practical uses of the Tower outweighed the insult to the Frenchmen’s sense of aesthetics. Good thing for Paris since each year, almost seven million visitors make the trek to the Eiffel Tower.
View of the Seine River, Paris, France
View from 2nd Floor of the Eiffel Tower
View of the gardens from the Eiffel Tower
Another view from the second floor of the Eiffel tower
Statue dedicated to Gustave Eiffel, Paris
On my last visit to Paris, I was able to see the tower lit up at night but it stays light too late into the evening for us to see it this time.
A few sights from around Paris:
Statue in Paris
Paris, France
Balcony Smoke Break, Paris France
3,300 year old Obelisk of Luxor, Place du Concorde
Music Academy in Paris
Arc de Triomphe
Champs Elysee, Paris, France
After touring the Eiffel Tower and a quick bite to eat, it was time to journey to the Palace of Versailles but more about that in the next post…
Displaced Beachbums 
I’m from Paris, I love Hawaii and travels. If you are still in NoVa we could meet after September when we are settled. Thank you for your visit on travelingcat22.wordpress.com. Catherine.
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What a wonderful get-away. Great pictures as always!
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Thanks ~ it was a great day trip from London but I did need more time in the Gardens. Trying to figure out how to go back with the rest of the family before we leave London.LikeLike
My most favorite city, ever!! I’m jealous I’m not there, too! Love the photo of the inside of the Eiffel!
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Favorite city? That’s something coming from a world traveler such as yourself. I love the history of Paris. Have you read “The Greater Journey ~ Americans in Paris” written by David McCullough? It chronicles Americans who went to Paris in the 1800s. Its fascinating and I’d love to re-trace their steps in the city.
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Yes, favorite city! I almost have to stop myself from reading blogs about Paris since it makes me miss it so much. I haven’t read it, but I will! (But I’m blaming you if I instantly book a ticket to Paris!… Not that it’d be a bad thing, though…)
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I had no idea the Arc de Tromphe was accessible! What an incredible structure. I love the view looking up inside the Eiffel Tower. What a day!
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The Arc de Triomphe is accessible but it’s in the middle of a wide traffic circle which can be daunting. Glad I wasn’t driving.
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You either had more energy or patience than I did about getting up onto the Eiffel Tower. The little monkey was content to gaze at it from the ground although the pictures you took are spectacular! Some of your pictures are identical to the ones I took! We must have been standing in the same spots, particularly at the Grand Palais and the Opera House (coming out of the Metro). Looks as if you had a great day trip.
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The tour we were on secured the tickets so we were able to skip the lines. There were so many people waiting for the elevator on the way down that we decided to walk the 600+ stairs. I felt it the next day!
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Woah woah woah, it is only 2 hours + to Paris from London?!?!?!? I would be in Paris at least once a month! That is fantastic! Though I just returned your pictures make me want to hop on the next flight! It looks like you had better weather too as it rained the days we were there. Thank you for stopping by my blog!
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It’s such a easy trip to Paris but there’s so much to see here in London (and the UK) as well so it becomes a question of time and money. But I am tempted to drag my husband and daughter back to Versailles before we move back to the states.
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Paris is such a spectacular city! These are stunning photos from the Eiffel Tower. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks! Paris is a wonderful city ~ I would love to go around the city with a Parisian one day (especially since I speak very little French).
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