With only this morning left in Paris we headed out early for a quick Parisian Breakfast and a spot of souvenir shopping on the local strip. We also had a chance to go to Place Vendôme, around the corner from our hotel, and see the Vendôme Column. The original Vendôme Column at the center of the square was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the battle of Austerlitz; it was torn down on 16 May 1871, by decree of the Paris Commune, but subsequently re-erected and remains a prominent feature on the square today. The square is full of luxury stores and hotels, and has had some particularly notable residents in its time including Frédéric Chopin and Coco Chanel.
With our bags packed we left Paris with mixed emotions. Although we're looking forward to Hanoi, and also the prospect of getting closer to home and putting our weary feet up, we are sad to be leaving a city that we love so much. We have enjoyed every aspect of Paris; the sights and sounds of the city during the day, the beautiful Parisians who have all been so welcoming and generous to us, the wonderful warm evenings with cafes and restaurants filled to the brim of Parisians and tourists enjoying life. There's nothing that this city doesn't offer, and we admit we are addicted to it.
À bientôt Paris...we'll be back again!