I wanted to get to a museum ASAP upon arrival. We scheduled Musee d’Orsay for the second day, allowing everyone the first day to explore and get acclimated. This is a favorite museum of just about anyone and everyone on the planet, and if you are planning a trip to Paris, it is a must. Here is a sampling of a few impressionist treasures.

I was lucky enough to go on an abroad in college, as an Art History major, and I remember being so inspired when visiting this museum. How fun to be able to experience it as a family 33 years later! We spent the entire day taking it all in.

A van Gogh favorite. . .

And another one. . .

Brookes

Loved this screenshot of photos on my phone from the day!

Jonathan suggested we visit the Catacombs of Paris, and although this particular activity wasn’t on my list, we bought tickets for 5:30pm and descended into the ossuaries after dark! The underground tunnels (former quarries) hold the remains of more than six million people. More than 200 miles of tunnels sit under the City of Lights, some lined to the ceiling with skulls and bones!

The millions of bones were transferred from cemeteries that were overcrowded between the late eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries. Only a small portion of the vast catacomb complex is open to visitors.

Brookes

Jonathan

While we were underground with the Parisian bones, the hotel was being decorated for the holidays!

Le Saint-Germain Restaurant located in the hotel has the most spectacular ceiling!

We were excited for the next day - Versailles and Thanksgiving dinner reservations in this gorgeous restaurant!

Day 3 coming up next!