June 9: Paris at Leisure—Parks, Panoramas, and One Last Toast

With the Avalon Tapestry II docked in Paris for our final full day, we decided to skip the ship’s group excursion (which covered many sights we’d already visited) and enjoy the city at our own pace.

A Calm Morning: Packing, Blogging, and a Park Stroll

The morning was slow and peaceful. Toni focused on packing for tomorrow’s departure, while Rob caught up on blogging—organizing photos and memories from this incredible journey. Once we were ready to get out, we set off for a stroll in Parc André Citroën, just a short walk from the ship.










Lunch at La Buvette du Parc

The park was lively and green, and we noticed a unique attraction: the Generali Balloon of Paris, a massive tethered helium balloon that offers panoramic views of the city from 150 meters up1234. The line was already long, so we decided to wait until later and instead enjoyed a relaxing lunch at La Buvette du Parc—a casual café with simple, flavorful food and a friendly, local vibe5. It was the perfect spot to refuel and people-watch.












Afternoon: Balloon Ride Above Paris

After lunch and a bit more downtime on the ship’s top deck, we returned to the park for our balloon adventure. The wait was worth it! The Ballon de Paris Generali lifted us gently into the sky, offering breathtaking 360° views of the Seine, the city’s rooftops, and the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance. Floating 150 meters above Paris was a magical, peaceful experience—a highlight of our last day.























Evening: Farewells, Light Dinner, and the Eiffel Tower Show

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a light dinner and spent time reminiscing with our travel companions, sharing stories and laughter as the sun set over the Seine. As night fell, everyone gathered on the top deck for one final Parisian spectacle: the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show at 11 p.m. Watching the tower glitter against the night sky was the perfect way to toast the end of our unforgettable adventure.








With hearts full and cameras loaded, we say au revoir to Paris and to the friends and memories made along the Seine. Tomorrow,  Iceland.

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