An Excerpt From My Travel Journal: Paris and Embarking the M.S. Renior

I read an article this morning that sparked a memory of my first river cruise. The article talked about CroisiEurope River Cruises and how they were opening one of their ships docked in Paris to hospital staff for a well-deserved rest. They were even offering breakfast and dinner and a comfortable bed to rest. I thought that it was an amazing gesture to give back to those who are working so hard to take care of us all.

I decided to dig out my travel journals and share one of my adventures with you. My first time on CroisiEurope was on the M.S. Renoir embarking in Paris. We were the 3rd group to travel this ship since it was completely overhauled, so we were excited to check it out. This journal entry was from 3 years ago, so don't fault me for my midnight writing skills after a cocktail or two. Even my poor blogging skills can't help this.

We arrived in Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport and learned of the recent AirFrance and train strikes. Needless to say, traffic was a nightmare and took about 2 hours to taxi from the airport to our day room at the Hotel Les Jardins du Marias (lovely hotel in a quiet district of Paris). From here we took a walking tour of the Marias District. Marias means "swamp" which I found funny because it it one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Paris and it is filled with amazing shops and restaurants. We walked through the Place des Vosges, strolled past the home of Victor Hugo (who wrote Les Miserables while living there), and explored the Jewish Quarter. The Jewish Quarter was once the largest Jewish community in Europe and sadly, 75% of its population perished in the Holocaust. There are several memorials that should be visited (made a note to explore more on my next trip to Paris.)

Another area I found fascinating was a gated courtyard that had something to do with the Diamond Necklace Affair. (I tried looking up this information when I got home and haven't quite found what I understood the courtyard to be.)  Another note to self, stay closer to local guide and ask questions when I need clarification. Marie Antoinette is my favorite person in history. Dang it, Laura!

We stopped in at Bofinger, a classic brasserie, for lunch. I highly recommend stopping here if you want a traditional French meal. I had a lovely roasted chicken meal, but I really can't say enough about the mozzarella burata...it was crazy good! 

After lunch, we headed to the dock to embark the M.S. Renoir. We were greeted by a lively band and a cocktail. Our suitcases would be delivered to our rooms soon. After venturing on the top deck, I found that the dock had an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower! We had a few cocktails before dinner (alcohol is included in the price of the cruise) and then headed to the dining room for dinner. 

  

We ended the evening on the top deck where we were instructed to stay seated in our lounge chairs. We would not be permitted to stand while cruising the Seine through Paris at night. We cruised (down or up, not sure) the Seine River to prepare for the "Illumination Cruise." The ship eventually turned around just as we were in complete darkness to cruise back through Paris. It was completely dark now and all of the buildings were lit up. We soon found out why we were unable to get up from our lounges...the bridges are very low. You could touch some of them if you reached up. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling and Notre Dame at night was magical...but really cold! (This cruise happen before the devastating fire of Notre Dame).

  

Overall, the ship was very nice and had a glamorous sparkle that any woman would love. The cabin was small, but sufficient for sleeping and relaxing. You can view the room below. The bed faced a full wall of windows that became a french balcony. The food was classic French cuisine and is a set 3 course meal. Service was fantastic!

 

Stay tuned for Day 2!