We took off from DFW in Dallas around 3pm in the afternoon local time for a direct flight to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Ken had recommended strategies for how to avoid the jet lag situation which we tried, but the key was when you get on the other end (in Paris), you have to stay awake until bed time local time there. That can be a challenge. Air France was great and the flight over was fine - had a couple meals and beverage service, and tried to sleep. Arriving over Europe there were some storms so some turbulence coming into the landing, not too bad. Once we arrived we had to go through customs (that was fun) and find our transportation guide to the hotel. This was all arranged by Viking, very efficient. We had about a 45 mins ride into downtown Paris and got to see some of the city, with our driver pointing out some things through small chit chat. Once at the hotel (L Hotel Du Collectionnneur) we checked in with the luggage and met our Viking reps to get some basic info. We booked extra days in Paris on the front of our cruise so we got information on planned excursions we set up and went exploring - it was about 9am local time in Paris at this point.
First thing - the architecture. Very distinct, and French, obvious were New Orleans was patterned after :-). I loved it. Lots of facades, and rot iron - very beautiful. We walked around the corner from the hotel and found a small cafe off another hotel and stopped in for breakfast. Need to give the staff credit, they were very patient and courteous with us as we fumbled through the menu and asked many questions. I made the first tourist mistake when trying to find the bathroom downstairs - misreading the signs and trying to get into a storage room, not the bathroom :-( I'm sure that brought a laugh to the staff. The coffee was strong (as expected) and we were able to navigate the menu ok to get some good food. As I recall, I think there was house cat running around the restaurant, kind of their mascot? Afterwards, we went back out to the street and continued exploring.
We headed towards the Arch de Triumph, which was amazing. The round about has its pedestrian challenges, but as long as your quick you can make it out there. Somewhere we finally found an underground passage over to it but what the fun in that? :-) Its a vert impressive monument to French independence and past wars. Again, the facades and statues are amazing, and the carvings, etc. We then continued walking the streets to explore - again, the architecture in this district was amazing.
In the early evening, we ventured out to find dinner. We were in search of a cafe with outdoor seating - you know what the French are known for. We walked a few blocks from the hotel and found a corner cafe which looked interesting and has a seat. The food was good, and the people watching was even better. Tried the French onion soup (superb) and Ken got a noodle bowl. The bread was very French as well. :-) Lots of hustling and bustling - lots of moped riders with food deliveries I think. Assuming this is fallout from Covid. As the sun set, we headed back to the hotel and called it a day ( a looooong day) to get some sleep and prepare for day 2.
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