As a little girl, my favorite movie for years was “Anastasia”, the Fox animated film often mistaken for being a Disney movie. I loved Anastasia’s spunkiness and her effect on Dimitri, whose character development throughout their journey together is probably one of my favorite parts of the movie.
To my delight, our third day in Paris was an Anastasia-filled day. When I woke up, I watched the “Paris Hold the Key to Your Heart” clip from the movie while viewing the real Eiffel Tower in the background from the window of our Airbnb. On the way to breakfast, I heard “A bientot!” on the street – one of Anastasia’s last lines in the movie. Then we went to Palais Garnier where Anastasia and Dimitri attended the Russian Ballet in the film. It was a magical morning.
Before going to the opera house, Rachel and I had breakfast at Le Court D’Or. I ate un croissant au confiture (a croissant with jam) and also had my go-to of a cafe au lait (coffee with milk). The area boasted much of the Parisian haute couture, but Rachel and I just window shopped on our way to Palais Garnier.
Not only did Anastasia and Dimitri attend the ballet at this opera house, but more famously, it is the opera house of The Phantom of the Opera. Both the exterior and interior of Palais Garnier were absolutely gorgeous, with red velvet and gold and crystal chandeliers everywhere.
Not only was the architecture was stunning, but the history was fascinating. Apparently women used to sit in the perimeter boxes, and men sat in the orchestra seats because the wax from the candles on the grand chandelier would drip down onto the men’s hats, and the women wanted to protect their dresses and finery.
Separating myself from Rachel for a while (knowing she would be embarrassed of me), I meandered the ornate hallways singing “Think of Me”, and – on the balcony outside, overlooking the square – I quietly sang to myself “All I Ask of You” like Christine and Raoul do in the musical. I am a dreamer and a romantic, unashamed of occasionally being considered odd if it means I get to live out my daydreams. When I watch movies or read books, I live the stories with the characters and immerse myself in their adventures. If I were a bit braver and had planned more in advance, I might have even been tempted to cosplay like this fille:
On the lower level of Palais Garnier were fashion sketches for the various ballets performed there. Since I have started doing more fashion illustration, I was thrilled to get to see some original Parisian fashion sketches. Overall, Palais Garnier was definitely one of my absolute favorite things we experienced in Paris.
After sampling Pierre Herme macaroons (recommended by Agathe but not as good as LeNotre), we stoped at Angelina for the reported world’s best cup of hot chocolate. It was basically like drinking liquid, melted Godiva chocolate – so rich that I (sweet tooth though I may have) could barely finish my small cup.
Filled to the brim with chocolaty goodness, Rachel and I walked to the Tuileries Garden and had just stopped to take some photos when I again heard an American accent. Glancing up the stairs behind us, I called out to three men in their late 30s, and we subsequently made more new friends. I am now connected with one of the men on LinkedIn and possibly have a lead on a new job as a result. Networking really can happen anywhere you go!
Rachel and I continued on to the Louvre, which was honestly disappointing. Aggressive hawkers jangled miniature Eiffel Towers in our faces, insisting that we buy. “Only one Euro!” Tourists crowded seemingly every inch, both inside and outside of the museum. The Louvre maps were poorly done, and the bulk of the art was sculptures rather than paintings. Also unexpected was the light, airy interior. I’d expected dark, low ceilings and dirt floors – almost like catacombs filled with hidden treasures. Instead, it felt just like any other museum. But we wandered the Louvre’s highly-anticipated halls for about an hour, eventually finding both Michelangelo’s “Captive” and, of course, the Mona Lisa.
Moving on to Pont des Arts (the Love Lock Bridge), we were relieved to find it mostly deserted. The bulk of the famous “love locks” had been removed, but visitors had gotten creative in finding ways to declare their love with locks on railing and lanterns along the Seine. I played photographer for a young couple kissing in the rain on the bridge; then we got a couple of goat cheese salads at Le Terminus and called it a night, opting to get a good night’s sleep for the surely full day ahead.
Authentically Aurora
perfection!! glad you are enjoying Paris – I am so jealous!
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Thanks, Autumn! It was quite an adventure! What’s your dream travel destination?
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Paris absolutely! I have never been to Europe and hopefully will have the chance next spring so it’s wonderful to read posts like this 🙂
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Awesome! I definitely recommend Palais Garnier and Musee d’Rodin! Also be sure to try the LeNotre macaroons 🙂
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Anastasia and Phantom loom large in my family. I’m glad to hear about the opera house. Sorry the Louvre was a disappointment. J.
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I’m so glad your family has an appreciation for both Anastasia and Phantom! No worries about the Louvre. It’s one of those things you kind of have to do if you go to Paris, so I’m thankful to have checked the box. But Palais Garnier and the Rodin Museum were definitely my favorite attractions!
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Wow, what a lovely trip. I’ve always wanted to visit the Palais Garnier. The Phantom of the Opera continues to be one of my favourite musicals! Thanks for sharing your travel adventures with us 🙂
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Yay! It was a pretty great trip. Palais Garnier definitely outshone both the Louvre and even the Eiffel Tower! It’s worth seeing. I think you would also like the Rodin Museum. Hope you get to go someday! Do you have any trips lined up?
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Heading to Ireland and Scotland this fall. Both places are on my bucket list, so I’m pretty excited 🙂
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That’s amazing! You’ll have to post about your trip so we can live vicariously through you 😉
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I’ll definitely do that 🙂
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I can just see you in a Disney movie wandering the halls of that opera house and singing the song, then running into a handsome gentlemen…And you are so funny networking and possibly getting a job while on vacation…crazy.
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Haha, yep… You know me pretty well for never having officially met me 😉 ❤
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Yeah, you are pretty much a living Disney character. I can’t wait to see the movie they do about you.
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Wow, so cool you’re in Paris! I love that movie! I haven’t seen it in ages but this post makes me want to watch it again right now – hehe.
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Doooooo it!!! Best. Movie. EVER. 😀
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Hehe, I’ll have to go buy it and watch it.
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I love Anastasia too!!!! I watch it every holiday season. That’s soo cool u saw the places from the movie. They are turning it into a broadway musical- you should come to NY when it comes out next year so we can drool over Dimitri together :0) and mmm macaroons…
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Oh my goodness!!! That would be amazing! Is it really getting turned into a musical? I thought that was an April Fool’s joke… hope it’s for real!
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Yup it’s coming to broadway soon, its off broadway right now in like Conneticut I think, you can look up photos of how the play looks. She looks soo pretty and Dimitri is cute!!!
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Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH!!!!! You basically just made my life. This is so exciting!!!
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Hi girly. So Anastasia on Broadway presale tickets are going on sale today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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