France: Day 8 - Paris

Our final day was in Paris, and it was truly a dream. We had brunch at Immersion, splitting one savory and one sweet French toast. 

We then walked to Arc de Triomphe in the rain since we hadn't laid eyes on it earlier in the week. 

Next, we headed the north side of Paris to the Flea Market (Saint-Ouen). Getting there is a little... interesting. I was certain we had typed in the wrong address. But thankfully, Max as my guide, we persevered, and we stumbled into the maze of vendors and stalls. J'ai adoré. I am so glad we took this trek outside of tourist-Paris to see this eclectic market. 

 I had one 'oopsie' scheduling error during this entire trip, and thankfully, it was just the two of us. I had booked both the Eiffel Tower and our dinner at 9:15p. Neither could be moved. We sat and discussed what to do over a drink (of course) and proceeded to take our chances of going to the Eiffel Tower early. At first, we were turned away, but as we turned, the attendants changed their minds and waved us in! No words to describe how magnificent this site and sight are. Truly an iconic thing everyone should do at least once! Max stayed away from the perimeter as I gazed out, taking in my last bird's eye view of this amazing city.

Our hotel was within walking distance to Montmartre which was our dinner spot, Refuge des Fondus. I had reserved this iconic fondue restaurant weeks prior, as they only open reservations for two dinner services, three weeks in advance. Thus why it couldn't be moved. It's energetic, loud and whimsical! Climbing over the table, sitting among strangers at one long table, drinking bottomless wine from a literal baby bottle 😅 Singing, drinking, fondue-ing, and chatting with other diners was a wonderful way to end our trip. 

It quite literally was only a few hours until we had to be at the airport. 

In reflection, this was one of the best trips I've ever had the pleasure to plan and experience. I'm not sure if it was our friends and family, the magic of Paris, or all the wine we were consuming... but I reminisce on these memories with a full. I am so glad we turned my dream into reality.

Au revoir xx Paris, j'ai adore.

France: Day 7 - Épernay

Today was for bubbles and bubbles only. Max planned all of our endeavors in the champagne region and our first stop was Moët & Chandon. Épernay is considered the capital of the Champagne region of France and is known for its famous Avenue de Champagne, which is home to many famous champagne houses like Möet & Chandon, Mercier, de Castellane, and Perrier-Jouët. 

I loved tasting the samples of their imperial brut and rosé champagnes. 

We needed some food to soak up the champagne after that...

Next, Mercier. This champagne house also has a fascinating history! We rode a little electric train through the chalk tunnels as they told a story of the man who wanted to make champagne for the people, something affordable! We then indulged in their classic brut in addition to a Vintage Champagne. 

We all went our separate ways; Max and I meandered through the Christmas Market on our way back to turn in early for the first time on this trip. Tomorrow was our solo day in Paris today and our final day in France xx

France: Day 6 - Reims

Dad said that the tour of Fossier Biscuits reminded him of a homeschool tour 😆 I hope he meant the fun kind. We spent an hour sampling sweets, listening to the history of Fossier, and then seeing the biscuits in production. It was a unique and memorable experience!

We then went to our first champagne house: Veuve Clicquot. Madam Clicquot was certainly a notable figure in the world of champagne. She was the first to make champagne dry and also invited the disgorging process (removing the yeast from the wine). 

Loved having the samples in the depths of the chalk caves.

We took a stroll to the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Reims. NOT to be confused with Notre-Dame in Paris, which is still closed for restoration post-fire in 2019. This cathedral is larger and older than the Paris Notre-Dame and also served as the traditional location for the coronation of kings of France.

One thing I wanted to do was host a dinner at our Airbnb. Max and I grocery-shopped, and everyone brought a bottle of wine (a birthday tradition for me, of sorts). We grazed and ate and drank! 

Dad also put together a very special birthday slideshow that he shared 💓 It was our final night all together before we started parting ways, so it was fun to go around and talk about our favorite moments from the trip thus far. So many memories! It was the first time in France for myself, Max, Theresa, Tina, Madeline, Linda (and also Kasey, John, Kylene, Matthew and Abby!), so that made it even more special to share those memories!