Fierce Romance: Champs Elysee

Last month, I spent 10 days in the City of Lights. (Business trip for hubby, pleasure for me.) The weather was typical winter in France -- highs only in the 40’s with rain and wind making most days raw. But that didn’t stop me from getting out and walking the fabulous streets, even though my daily souvenir was a very red nose.

I love Paris. The perfect city for a romance author!

You've heard of the lovers bridges over the Seine river, right? It's such a romantic concept! Hubby and I eagerly bought a padlock, put our initials and the date on it, locked it to the bridge and then threw the key into the river so that our love can't be unlocked and will always endure. Take a look at these other lovers. Amazing, right?...

Our hotel was the George V, right off the Champs Elysée. And this was the amazingly quaint view from our balcony…

And who would miss out on the chance to see these familiar sights?

Eiffel Tower

L'Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame Cathedral

I.M.Pei's addition to the Louvre museum

The continental breakfast at the hotel was quite pricey, so every couple of days I would run out to the local grocery store (Monoprix) to pick up some fruit, sandwiches for lunch, and a bottle of wine to have before dinner. I felt sooo Parisienne carrying my groceries in their tote bag! (It says “Your life has never been so full/busy/complete.”)

One of the highlights of the trip was an exhibit at the Grand Palais of spectacular Cartier jewelry owned by Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Grace of Monaco, Queen Elizabeth, Wallis Simpson the Duchess of Windsor among other fabulously rich women. Just look at this tower of diamond tiaras!