This is the crazy bet of Marie Burgundy. The challenge: to discover all of Paris as a family between 10 am and 5 pm. A daring challenge perhaps, but a game worth playing. If she succeeds, Marie wins a gourmet tea time at The Burgundy Bar. What could be more motivating?
Morning walk
9:30 am: the family is ready. Everyone is wearing comfortable shoes, they have bottled water in their bags and they’re ready to go. First, head towards Place de la Concorde, then Avenue des Champs-Elysées, on the gardens side. The fresh lawns, the small green benches that Brassens enjoyed so much and the stalls of fragrant toffee apples that the children love. They stop to admire the splendid glass and iron canopy of the Grand Palais, and are amazed to hear that the huge building was built specially for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. But, the Seine is in sight and, once past the bridge, the recent developments along the banks offer a welcome break. Victoire prefers to talk about culture, and mentions the nearby Musée d'Orsay, than listen to the explanations of Marie who is enchanted by the Invalides. However, she soon joins Louis in front of the climbing wall and the giant chalkboards on the Seine quays.
Museum in the afternoon
Fatigue is starting to set in, so it’s with a sense of relief and happiness that the family settles in the Batobus. Notre Dame looks beautiful from the river! Later, they pass the strange buildings on the docks. A lunch break is scheduled in Saint-Paul where they tuck into falafel before losing themselves in the heart of the Marais. They decide to separate here with Louis and Carl opting for the Musée en Herbe and the girls choosing the Picasso museum. They meet in front of the new Forum des Halles at 4 pm but not before seeing the always surprising Pompidou Centre with its coloured pipes. A quiet return trip via the Royal Palace and window shopping in the luxurious Rue Saint-Honore. Exhausted but delighted, the Burgundy family settle into the Baudelaire’s comfortable armchairs for a well-deserved tea time comprised of fine teas and enticing pastries. Marie wins her bet!
~oOo~
Hotel Burgundy Paris, a 5 star hotel in Paris, at the heart of the 1st district