Saturday marked our last full day on this Globus tour, and even though I woke up tired, I was still wide-eyed with wonder from everything we’ve seen over the past week. This trip has filled my heart (and my phone with amazing pictures!) with so many unforgettable moments.
We left the peaceful beauty of the Loire Valley behind and made our way back to the energy and elegance of Paris aboard our Globus motorcoach. It was a smooth ride, and before long, we were back in the City of Light.
After arriving, we had a bit of free time, so my new friend Bill (one of the many lovely people I’ve met on this journey) and I headed toward the Louvre area. We strolled past bustling shops, picked up a few souvenirs, and grabbed a quick but delicious lunch. I had a classic croque monsieur and a simple green salad—sometimes the simplest meals really hit the spot when you’re in France.
That afternoon, a few of us joined an optional visit to the Musée d’Orsay, which ended up being a highlight of the day for me. Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station from the early 20th century, the museum is a work of art in itself. It opened in 1986 to showcase French art from 1848 to 1914, and its collection includes masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and many others.
I’ve seen images of these works in books and online for years, but nothing compares to seeing them in person. There was so much to admire—but one painting in particular made me smile more than I expected: The Turkeys by Monet. It’s colorful, lively, and a little quirky—and it somehow captured the playful side of the artist that I hadn’t noticed before. It ended up being my favorite piece of the visit.
Later that evening, we checked into our hotel and had a chance to freshen up before heading out for our farewell dinner cruise on the Seine. What a way to end this chapter—floating past the twinkling lights of Paris with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying a lovely meal with new friends. We watched landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame drift by, all bathed in golden light. Paris knows how to leave an impression.
Before we returned to the hotel, we paused for one last group photo—bittersweet, of course. We laughed, hugged, and tried to hold onto the moment for just a little longer.
And then, like all good things, it was time to say goodbye. Some are headed home, others are off to continue their travels elsewhere, but I know we’re all leaving with full hearts and beautiful memories.
To my fellow travelers: thank you for the stories, the laughter, and the company. May your next adventures be just as magical. Bon voyage and safe travels—until we meet again. 💙🤍❤️
“Mais les vrais voyageurs sont ceux-là seuls qui partent
Pour partir; coeurs légers, semblables aux ballons,
De leur fatalité jamais ils ne s’écartent,
Et, sans savoir pourquoi, disent toujours: Allons!” — Baudelaire
“But the true travelers are those who leave simply for the sake of leaving—hearts as light as balloons. They never stray from their destiny, and without knowing why, they always say: Let’s go!” — Charles Baudelaire
Cleared For Take-Off! 