Ernest Hemingway, in middle age, wrote this sentence to a friend: “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” Thus, it seems fitting that our April Intersession trip to Europe concluded in Paris. Students and teachers savored The City of Light for a few magical days in springtime. What follows are Amy Paxson’s highlights.
On Sunday morning, everyone was ready to go in the wee hours for an early flight from Milan to Paris. Upon arrival, we dropped our luggage at the hotel and dove into the city’s center. We started at the Tuileries Garden near the Louvre for shopping and lunch. Four students planned and organized a special lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, where they enjoyed an eight-course tasting menu. The afternoon visit to the Louvre was a highlight, but the huge crowds and the long lines were challenges. We enjoyed dinner in central Paris near Place de l’Hotel de Ville before heading to the hotel.
Monday morning, we toured the major attractions of Paris by bus, followed by free time to explore the Eiffel Tower, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to wear the “red beret.” Lunch and a free afternoon in Montmartre included beautiful views, great food, art, and shopping. Best of all, the rain held off until we made our way to dinner near the Rue Saint-Lazare.
Now, time started moving faster. We visited the Musee d’Orsay on Tuesday morning, followed by lunch and shopping in the Latin Quarter. Next, we cruised the Seine River in the afternoon, dined in the Montparnasse area, and returned to the hotel to present trip awards. Colleagues and students wished me Happy Birthday. Finally, it was time to pack, sleep, and fly back to Liberty International Airport through Frankfort. Au revoir, Paris.
Welcome back, Franklin travelers. Where should we go next?