Originally published on September 28, 2025.
We started with breakfast at the hotel and then hopped on the metro to visit the Canal Saint-Martin. I had wanted to see it when we were here with Tim and Marilee, but we didn’t get the chance then. Sunday morning turned out perfect for a quiet stroll along the tree-lined canal, with its iron footbridges and locks. Napoleon I originally commissioned the canal in 1802 to bring fresh water into Paris—today it’s a favorite spot for locals to walk, picnic, or sit along the banks.
From there, we made our way to Saint-Séverin. Last time it had been closed to the public, but today we were lucky—though mass was still in progress when we arrived. We ducked out for an early lunch and returned just in time to see the interior. Wow! My persistence paid off. This Gothic church, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest still-standing parish churches on the Left Bank. Its twisting columns, vibrant stained glass (including some modern windows by Jean Bazaine), and vaulted ceilings were simply stunning.
On the way, we passed Notre-Dame. Although visitors can now enter, it’s clear that major restoration work is still ongoing after the 2019 fire. I’ll share a full Notre-Dame update tomorrow.
In the afternoon, we headed to the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz in 1805, the Arc honors those who fought and died for France in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, where an eternal flame still burns. We took our photos, admired the sheer size of the monument, and then grabbed an Uber back to the hotel.
But the day wasn’t done! At 7:00 we were picked up in a bubblegum-pink Citroën for an evening tour. Our driver whisked us through Parisian streets, past the Arc again and up into Montmartre. We stopped for pictures, soaked in the lively atmosphere, and ended with a toast of champagne at a secluded viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the night sky. A perfect way to celebrate our trip!
