When we were here last, eight years ago, after I proposed to Laura and she accepted we strolled over from Hotel Monge and had a wonderful dinner. We decided to try and find the same place. So we walked up and down the entire Rue de Mouffetard until we found what we thought might be the place. Neither of us were convinced it was, but for some reason the waitress was. We’d read a bit that dining out with a toddler may be frowned upon in Paris, since they take their dinners so seriously. But we discovered that wasn’t exactly true, especially if you go out early enough to beat the crowds. In the case of this fondue place Meadow was a star and the waitress was carrying her around and giving her chocolates. We had a lovely meal consisting first of an appartif (Kir), then a delicious cheese fondue with baggett, ham, and salad, followed by a chocolate fondue with in-season fruits. Oh yes, and plenty of wine.

Finding things to do in Paris with the baby takes a different twist than when it’s just adults. Meadow doesn’t have much interest in the Musee de Louvre, and the weather is also a bit Juneau-y so we can’t go sit on the grass.

So we’re focusing on things all three of us would enjoy. And what better than a ride on La Petit Train around Montmartre and the Basilica Sacre Coeur? Not much!

If you don’t know, Sacre Coeur is a catholic basilica built at the highest point in all of Paris. Compared with many of the other churches we’ve seen on our trip, it’s the youngest (construction began in the late 1800s). The church itself is quite amazing, as is the view from top of Montmartre hill.

The little train cost five euros and we hopped on right at the base of the basilica. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and the driver’s english is almost understandable. The best part is the weather wasn’t great so we just sat back and got to tour all over the Montmartre area in a covered train.

Because its Easter this weekend, entering the church was too much, but a service was in session during our visit and they broadcast it on loudspeakers. It’s quite a setting to have the basilica behind, Paris spread infront, and choir reverberating. Tres bon!

Yesterday we trained from Avignon back up to Paris. Au revoir Provence, we adore you!

And now in Paris, we are so excited! We were here once before, when we got engaged, and without la petit fille, so it was a bit different.

We’ve rented a studio apartment on the top floor of a typical French building pretty much in the center of Paris (La Marais). The building is very secure, and everything is very “French” (IE: compact). For example, the ascenseur (elevator) *almost* fits our whole family, but I had to bring the luggage up one piece at a time.