Paris is always a good idea!

That Audrey Hepburn quote has always inspired me...and yes, Paris was a great idea and the perfect way to celebrate my dear husband's 70th birthday and Christmas combined.

We even made our Christmas Card "Paris themed" by taking this photo in our guest bath!  That is our Paris shower curtain in the background and it worked great.  Our guest bath is "all Paris" - as you can see here - We'll Always Have Paris

We set out on a Viking River Cruise called "Christmas on the Seine" with a few days in Paris before the start of the cruise.

Our hotel - Hotel Rochester - was just a few blocks off of the Champs Elysees and perfect for exploring the city.

I took WAY too many photos...having a phone that takes photos makes it too easy to keep snapping shots.  In the past - when you had a camera with real film - I was so careful to make sure I did not use up all the film before the end of the trip.  Then came digital cameras, and I was a little careful not to fill up the memory card.  But now, even though I want to be in the moment and not take so many photos, it is so easy to keep snapping away.

Here are some highlights from our wonderful trip...

A beautiful morning walk through Le Marais  -  past beautiful shop windows and buildings filled with history.

We walked all over the city...one day logging over 24,000 steps - riding the metro, eating crepes, visiting the Christmas markets, museums, the amazing department store displays, and a very moving ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe that honored the Unknown Soldier and all veterans.

After all that walking we were happy to board the Viking Radgrid for a trip up the Seine, but the river was swollen with too much rain so we had to board the ship about 10 miles away from Paris.  Viking did a great job in shuttling us into Paris so we did not miss anything.

I have some great video of the Eiffel Tower sparkling - as it does every 15 minutes - but having trouble loading the video!

I decorated our cabin door for Christmas, we had the first of great meals on the ship, then headed back to Paris for a boat ride around the city to see the lights...MAGICAL!

We got to make ornaments to decorate the tree in the ship's lounge...

Hear fabulous organ concerts in old cathedrals in little towns along the Seine...

Have delicious food and wine...

See amazing old cities...

And even hiked to see Richard the Lionheart's fortress!

Several trees on the ship to make the holidays festive!

Christmas Eve Services at the American Cathedral.

A Happy Birthday toast to John!

What a wonderful adventure and great way to celebrate Christmas and a special birthday.  Now we are home again, ready to begin the New Year of 2024, and excited about all that is to come.

Thanks so much for coming along on our trip.  

Have you traveled over the holidays?  Would you do it again?  

Please leave a comment below - I so enjoy hearing from you!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and peace!