More Adventures in Paris

Wednesday 09/05/2012 - After yesterday's busy day we took our time again this morning and didn't get out until about 10.00am again.  Definitely not a worry here as with the evening staying light until after 9.00pm there is plenty of time to see everything.  We stopped just down the road from home for a coffee and croissant before starting our walk for the day.

Today we walked over to Concorde and spent sometime admiring the very large and ornate fountains, the gold capped obelisk and the many grand buildings, now hotels bordering the square.  The whole area just looks so impressive and the hundreds of tourists there before us confirm this thought.  Leaving the crowds we walked on down The Avenue des Champs-Élysées.   

The avenue has 2 very distinctive personalities, the first half being a very gentle stroll through the parkland where we sucumbed to a yummy crepe at one of the many creperies along the way.

The second half becomes the famous avenue with it's many designer shops, cafes, cinemas and hotels which makes it all the more exciting to walk along. 

At the top of course is the  Arc de Triomphe.  This was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but he was ousted before the arch was completed in 1836.The Arc de Triomphe is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime.  We spent some time here marveling at this giant structure and trying to interpret some of the historic plaques before leaving to go in search of a taxi.  

Our next stop was to see the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.  Having never seen this before we were both blown away by the size of the building and it's location is a must see for any visitor to Paris.  It was a friend from work who recommended we go and see this amazing place and I am so glad we did.  In its location on the Montmartre hill, the basilica towers over the city, its highest point is even higher than the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

Thanks to this prominent location the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of the most  noticeable landmarks in Paris.  It's gleaming white towers can be seen from many vantage points across the city.    We spent some time inside and it is a beautiful place, equally spectacular and serene if such a thing can happen.  

Once outside we joined a little train for a unique tour through the Montmartre district.  We snaked through little lanes and main roads and we saw a great overview of the entire area.  We saw the oldest vineyard where the famous Champagne come from, the oldest Cabaret still going today, the huge Red light district and the Moulin Rouge.  Along with homes of many artists from yesteryear.  It was a fun way to see somewhere new. 

                                     

After we returned to the top we left the Basilique and started to climb down the many stairs this area is famous for to find somewhere we could sit for a while, coffee and recovery was needed.  We found a cute 5 way corner, all with cafes, and chilled for a while just watching life in Montmartre.

It was fun and our next adventure was to find the Metro, underground railway, and head for home.  We managed to work out our route, buy our tickets and succeeded in making our way home.  On route though we decided that we would get off at Trocadero Square and have at look at the Eiffel Tower and the wonderful fountains from above and below. 

We did this and had a lovely time in the pleasant sunshine and from there we walked back home where Bill had a Nana nap for a while and I just read.  A quick trip out for dinner and a stop at the local supermarket completed a very full but fun day and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

See you tomorrow.