Paris - Driving, Paddling, Eiffel Towering

This trip is a big deal. The last time we were able to make it up there was in 2022. Though we see Tonio’s brother and his family down here in Nice, there’s something special about going to THEIR home!

Since I have many photos to share, I broke it up into two blog posts with categories. I hope it’s easy to follow and enjoy! (post 1/2)

Road Trip

These kids are such great travelers. I’m so thankful, since the traveling we often do is far. Paris might seem like it’s closer, but it takes a good 9 or 10 hours driving.

They got some moola to spend at one of the rest stops.

The rest stops in France are pretty incredible. Almost all of them have play areas for kids. We have stopped at this one in the past. The kids really enjoy the big spider web.

Tonio drove most of the drive there and back. I usually take a chunk in the middle, but he is our captain. This is a screen shot from a movie - hence the blurry vibes.

Daphné wanted me to take her picture with her little furry family.

And then Django wanted in on the action. “Take mine, too mama!”

Kayaks and paddle boards

Tonio’s brother lives on a péniche, which is a long boat. We often go kayaking and paddle boarding with them. Here cousin Noé fills Django up.

Too much air!

Tonio started with the boys : Django, Noé and Nils.

Here they are close up.

I was on a paddle board with my Daphné. She helped me paddle. We are on the Marne River that feeds into the Seine eventually.

And here is Sebastien and Maïna with their home floating behind them.

There are some beautiful canals off the main river.

I mean, look at this. It truly is like a fairy tale.

The brothers lead the way.

We switched kids around, and Daphné ended up with her Nils, Tata and Tonton on the other paddle.

Home sweet home. The front of their boat Albert.

Another day, Seb had the kids in the kayak, and I attempted to stand. I am proud to say that I didn’t fall in! Maïna is a trooper at 5 months pregnant!

In front of Seb is Django, Daphné and Nils. Noé and Tonio sat this one out.

And then on another evening, Tonio and Daphné went out together. Every chance she gets, Daphné is out there. She really enjoys the water like her mama and papa.

I love that she has cool moments like this with her papa.

Getting the right angle to line up with the boat ladder.

The Eiffel Tower

We did it as a family! What an experience. I’m in awe of the architecture and pure engineering genius.

French cheeeeeeeeese!

The goofy photo. I was too concentrated to get the top of the tower in the photo. The weather was such an answer to prayer. No rain this day! Thank you Lord.

This tower was finished March 31, 1889 - so 135 years ago!!! That’s nuts!!!

I found this picture here. What a process. I can’t believe it didn’t even take 2 years to build.

Under the tower.

The symmetry is a work of art in itself.

At the top! The Seine River behind us.

Tonio knows quite a few of the major monuments, so he was pointing them out to us. Even Daphné was whipping out facts she has learned at school.

And I was so excited to find a Space Invader at the top!

Can you see the “Arche de Triomphe?”

Many of the engineers, physicists and inventors that made this monument possible.

How cool is that shadow? Daphné is the one who pointed it out to us.

Standing on glass on the first level, a pretty heart-thumping experience.

All the little ants down there.

And with a bit more perspective. It’s truly impressive.

Look, I can touch the top.

Tonio mentioned that there are no competing buildings or towers near the Eiffel Tower. It’s cool how Paris really likes to emphasize the monuments and parks around them.

“Mama, look at my beard!”

I sure do love this guy.

Big Tower. tiny tower.

Are you tired from all that driving and paddling and walking around? Haha! Thanks for stopping by.

Love Linz