On our own - Paris

Next stop.... Paris. Woohoo. I do love Paris, unfortunately so do millions of others!! Sooooo many big tour groups everywhere!!

We have spent a few days in Paris several years ago, but it was all new for our travelling companions, Jill and Jeff, and we were meeting up with great friend from home, Jen. What a bonus, half way around the world!!!

I had booked an apartment, great location, within walking distance from most significant sites, but the apartment itself was a disappointment, and 5 flights of stairs were a challenge. But, everyone was very gracious, and the only person giving me a hard time about it was myself. Thanks guys.

What to do and what to see. The list was endless, and we have left some things for next time...... Again.

We did walk miles, especially the first long day. Jill's feet gave her a hard time, but she hung in there. It wasn't until the second day when we rode the Hop On Hop Off bus most of the way round, and spotted sites we had walked to previously that she realised how far we had walked. ;-).

I think my favourite places in Paris are

• The Eiffel Tower - only Jill and Jeff braved the long queues for that, but we trekked back there for a night visit to see it lit up. Midnight, no less so we got the full show. The massive structure has such a commanding presence, both day and night.
  

• Notre Dame- I love the views of this magnificent building from the outside, and the garden spaces around it. Stunning. Reasonable queues moved in fairly quickly. Not such a long wait

• Sacre Couer - a majestic position high on the hill for this beauty. I love the views of the church itself, as well as the fabulous views for the tower. Free entry into the church, and although there were LOTS of people around, the crowd moved freely. Less people climbed the 300+ stairs up the tower, so no waiting there, but it isn't free. Must see a sunset from this spot one day.

So many big, grand, and uniquely French structures. Galleries Lafayette, a department store is stunning - 3 buildings, one for women's wear, one for men's and one for household things. We went into the main one ( women's of course) and it is jaw dropping - a big central dome ..... Elegance!

In the men's store we found a gourmet food store. Nutella is not exactly gourmet food, but not exactly common either.

Last night in Paris- at Jeff's suggestion, Moulin Rouge. What a feast for the eyes! Probably better that we were not permitted to use cameras there. I can't imaging trying to see it all through the lens of a camera. Memories must suffice.

After the show, 11pm, we did a mad dash to the tower via the metro, to see the lights, and fearing a long walk home if the trains stopped, we didn't stay too long, although it is mesmerising. Sadly no cameras here either

 

 

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