A splendid day in Pari

Thursday 21^st April

We started this splendid day with a bus tour around Paris, showing the sights of the Arc de Triumphe, Palace de la concorde, Notre Dame, Opera, Champs Elyse’s, Grand Palais, Trocadero, senate and so many more that neither of us can remember.  The highlights however, were the trip up the Eiffle Tower and the river cruise on the Seine. 

It is true that, Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. It was the world's tallest monument. Not everyone was happy when it was first built, many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs and elevators (we were lucky enough to take the elevator as we were on a tour) and elevators take visitors to the magnificent view at the top. We looked around to see all the surrounding cities and monuments which are absolutely beautiful. It is perfect place for taking pictures and god knows we took plenty.    The history and the information about the construction were fascinating.   It was a glorious day so we were very blessed with awesome views.  

Lee at the Eiffel Tower

We then moved onto a River cruise of the Seine.  Of course the day was absolutely perfect for this. The city seems to be fanned out before us as we lazily drift down the Seine River or Paris' miles-long network of canals. We got a glimpse of some of the city's most mythical spots whilst we sat back and revelled in the magical sights and atmosphere.  There were many people basking in the sun by the banks of the Seine, many unclad. 
After the cruise we took a stroll along the banks of the Seine to soak in some more of this wonderful atmosphere.  We then mossied on to the Jardin des Tuileries, which is a beautiful and very well laid out park, which used to be the formal gardens of the old Tuileries palace before its destruction and scene of the massacre of the Swiss guards in 1792. Today it was full of Parisians and tourists enjoying the open space and views across to the Eiffel Tower in one direction, Arc de Triomphe in the other and back to the Louvre in the other. This is obviously a great place to take children or just to sit and cuddle up with someone you love. 

Rear view of Notre Dame

After sorting out tickets for the Louvre we then decided to do a spot of shopping to get some cooler clothing.  My goodness,  I think our Anna was born to be in Paris, it is a girl’s paradise, she would love it.   Even I was fascinated by the range of gear available, and I am no shopper at all.  We did, however find some cooler gear.
After a lovely dinner we have decided on an early night as tomorrow we are off to Bruge for the day, and it’s a 0630 start.  Ouch!!