Travel Review: Luxury France Vacation, Paris, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Cecile Cure Basilica, Culture & Cuisine

Our guides were fantastic.  Warm, kind, so informative and such knowledge of all things Paris. It was as if we have known them our entire lives. On the day we left it was all I could do to keep from crying when telling our guide goodbye and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  She took us thru so many amazing places with stories that made us ask for more information. Paris history was alive each and every moment with her.  She told us about each and every historical site in such detail.  You could feel the era, the people, and relive history thru her knowledge.  It felt intimate and up close with every king and queen, every statue, art, artist, every detail of living life itself during the lives hundreds of years ago.  The air of aristocracy came to life while walking with Isabelle while she told us about so many details of the people that lived within the walls.  To walk thru castles, buildings, and gardens that were built hundred of years ago without  electricity, modern technology was awe inspiring.  The intricacies, the craftsmanship, the art, the detail in every square inch were mind blowing.  The fact that these beautiful places are still in existence and in such pristine condition is unbelievable.  The structures were actually hand built, hand drawn, hand carried for miles, and has beauty that modern cities lack; elegant beauty that surpasses all time. Our trip to Cecile cure basilica was so uplifting.  The artists painting on the hilltop were so kind, friendly and beautiful. Once again, at the chance of sounding redundant, Paris, its people, and historical sites are magnificent and inspiring. 
 
Our day with a French chef and his cooking a meal at his home was so enjoyable. He showed us the fresh markets of meats, cheese, fruit, vegetables in his neighborhood.  The freshness, color and quality were photo worthy…..I even found a display of cheese with one named “olivia” cheese.  He picked up items for french pepper steak, coquilles St Jacque, strawberries and cream, shortcake, salad, duck pate de fole’, and sharing a delicious wine made by his inlays at their home. Any tourist looking for a fresh, color filled meal, filled with laughter and stories will definitely love our chef and his wife we met.  I recreated the fresh strawberries, almond shortbread cookie, fresh whipping cream and basalmac vinegar to top it off already……they literally disappeared from the serving plate when our son and his friends took a look!
 
We swiftly went thru areas of the louvre’ with grace and intrigue.  Long lines of crowds were not an issue at anytime. Whether visiting historical significant sites, or just riding (or walking) from point a to point b the conversations never stopped.  Wherever one guide left off, the other picked up. They clicked and meshed so well as a team to be our driver and guide.  We were astonished with his driving skill and swift, smooth traffic maneuvering.  We didn’t think about traffic or congested areas.  It was definitely a magi carpet ride with our driver.  He pointed out many places of current and historical places. he was prompt, courteous and very interesting man. David speaks French, however I do not.  It was a bit if a concern of mine prior to coming to Paris. i didn’t see any problem or issue for me at any time.  The Parisians we met spoke great english and understood my “southern united states” accent very well. 
 
The hotel we stayed at was amazing. The decor very elegant, our room was beautifully personalized. All modern amenities, lightening speed internet and staff that wanted to ensure your stay was just your first! The viva la France attitude was evident in every time we passed the lobby. “How was your day?” was genuine and warm. Their restaurant was magical and tailored to our every need. This was only accentuated by the polite, gracious staff. It was a vacation memory in itself. JewelsVern restaurant was also in itself breathe taking. traveling up into the eiffel towel was quite an exciting experience. the food was beautiful, delicious and unique. it was as if each bite was made to be perfect and savory. 

The gothic looking architecture from Notre Dame was ornate.  Just seeing the detail, and upkeep thru the hundreds of years that have past were awe inspiring. I am still not believing that we just stood on the doorsteps of history last week……..wanting to return over, and over again.