Epic Love [Elijah Mikaelson]

Chapter 46. The Proposal

On the third day we head to The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris. Set aside a day to explore these two districts on the Left Bank of Paris: the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés, known for their bustling streets lined with restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops.

This area was the preferred hangout of celebrated writers, artists, and intellectuals living in Paris—particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Step into Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots for a glimpse into the literary cafes that were frequented by illustrious authors like Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus.

Then, pick up a book at Shakespeare and Company Bookstore and get it stamped with the store's logo.

For sustenance, scour through the gourmet offerings at La Grande Epicerie de Paris. We pick up a freshly-made sandwich from the bakery, together with cheese and wine. We set for a picnic on the manicured lawns of Luxembourg Gardens.

For dessert, we make our own macarons with a cooking class in the Latin Quarter. Over three hours, we learn the techniques to make these pastel-colored sweet treats.

End the day at the Paris Catacombs, which is a short walk from the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop. Descend 65 feet underground to enter this spooky labyrinth piled with six million bones. Set aside an hour to complete the 1.2-mile trail.

♡ Epic Love ♡

The fourth day, Opera Garnier and Montmartre. Place du Tertre in Paris, We set aside a good part of a day in the 9th arrondissement, which is home to the prestigious Palais Garnier. We Book a ticket for a self-guided tour of this 19th-century opera house to marvel at Chagall's paintings on the ceilings. We attended a musical and dance performance showing.

After that, we walk to Printemps, a Parisian departmental store that's bound to please well-heeled shoppers with luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Balenciaga. Alternatively, visit Galeries Lafayette, which has an extensive souvenir section on the sixth floor.

While we're there, head to the rooftop terrace to enjoy magnificent views of Paris.

We head to Bouillon Chartier is a wallet-friendly lunch spot with a history that dates back over 120 years. The standouts here are classic French dishes such as escargots, duck confit, foie gras, and for the more adventurous—tête de veau (calf's head).

Then head north to Montmartre, a romantic hilltop district with an artistic heritage. The heart of the action is Place du Tertre, a public square where we buy local art and pose for a hand-drawn caricature.

We check out Musée de Montmartre to immerse ourseleves in the district's history through paintings and drawings. Then follow the cobblestone streets to Sacre-Coeur Basilica which commands fantastic views of Paris from its doorstep.

We see attractions in Montmartre: Espace Dalí, Musée de Montmartre, and Cimetière de Montmartre.

♡ Epic Love ♡

The fifth day, Île de la Cité and the Marais. We explore the birthplace of Paris, Île de la Cité.

This island in the middle of the Seine is the central crossroads that connects the city's Left Bank with the Right Bank. Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic chapel with dazzling stained glass windows, and Conciergerie, a palace that took on the roles of a royal residence, a judicial court, and even a prison.

From the island, we also admire the facade of Notre Dame Cathedral. We see attractions on Île de la Cité: Palais de Justice de Paris, Marché aux fleurs, Place Dauphine, Square du Vert-Galant, Cross Pont d'Arcole to reach L'As du Fallafel along Rue des Rosiers.