How to Visit Paris on 8 miles a Day

Wednesday, 26 March, 2025, sunny and cool

Paris on a misty morning

I believe if one desires to know and understand a place, one walks it. Best learning about Paris by walking and using its fabulous Metro. There exists miles of Paris monuments, museums, and parks to explore. Each sight we visit offers a unique glimpse into Paris’s rich history, culture, and artistry. 

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A Masterpiece of Absolute Monarchy

Tuesday, 25 March, 2025

Early train, Museum Pass in hand, reservations booked. We set off to explore Versailles. 

Tourists, go that-a-way. Take your patience and good shoes. Be patient or stay home!

Château de Versailles impresses. Where did the Kings get all the money for such luxury? Its gardens offer a peaceful respite, hopefully. And, like Queen Marie, the Hamlet of Petite Trianon promises quiet amid nature. All this beauty and tranquility belies the tragic history behind Versailles. 

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Paris – City of Light 

23 March 2025 

There are cities in the world that deserve repeated visits. Being the greatest on any list is an honorable position. Paris fits that description. I rejoice in visiting the City of Light for the third time this decade. Sharing it with first-time visitor Gabrielle makes it even better.  

 When my niece Gabrielle said she wanted to see some of France, I took the opportunity to invite myself along. “Pick some sites” I suggested. Then, when done, “I would love to share Paris.” 

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Alignements of Carnac  – “Long Way for Rocks”

22 March 2025

I was looking into Carnac, France” my niece messaged me, “because they are famous for their 10,000 standing rocks. It’s about 1.5 hrs from Rennes and might be a little far to look at rocks.” 

Prehistoric rocks in France? The only Carnac I am familiar with is Carnac the Magnificent, a recurring comedic role played by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Sounds like an interesting excursion. 

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Saint-Malo, France

19-21 March 2025

In fall of 2019, I visited this city and thought “a perfect stop. I wish I had more time.” Well, the time has come as Gabrielle and I lodge here for the next two nights. I choose the same hotel as I know it offers parking and an easy walk into the Intra-Muras, inner walls, of the old city.

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Cap Fréhel, Brittany, France

20 March 2025

Departing Saint-Malo, we drive west through farm land, lush forests, and small villages to the headlands of Cap Fréhel. Occasionally, we spy peeks of bays and a rugged Brittany coast. Stone buildings dot the way. This land has seen the passage of everyone from the Knights Templars to Resistance Fighters and Allied soldiers of WWII. Now us.

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