Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Petit Palais
Our first Metro journey took us to the Arc de Triomphe. Jack was able to purchase the tickets online and with a little English, French, and hand gestures, we were given instructions from a friendly transit worker. While this is a nothing for our city friends, we were a little nervous at first but now feel confident we'll be able to get around this way.
The Arc de Triomphe is a very impressive structure. I have no idea how people get close to it and was fine with taking a couple of pictures from across the street. The traffic circle around the Arc is pretty intimidating.
After viewing the Arc, we proceeded down the Champs Elysees. It is lined with ridiculously expensive stores we did not bother to stop in. We did buy a card and were given guidance on how to mail it. That was a win for today. We eventually made our way to the Petit Palais which appears to be housed in another old mansion. It is an art museum. I know, you would think we would have had our fill after yesterday, but there wasn't an entry fee, and we were in the area. It is much smaller than the Musee d' Orsay and was pleasant to explore. It was a brief visit.
We stopped for lunch and made our way to the Ritz to check out the Hemingway bar. We got a bit lost along the way and added a couple of thousand steps to out 15,000 step day. Unfortunately, we were turned away from the Ritz. Not because we didn't fit in, I did have my Yacht Club hat on after all, but because it was before 5, which is when they open. It is just as well. I don't think we wanted to spend 40 euros for each drink.
Palais Garnier, the opera house, was on our way home so we thought we would stop in for a tour. It is supposed to be magnificent. There was a long line that neither of us felt like dealing with. We might look into going to an opera one day. If that is too much culture for us, we'll try to get back for a tour. We decided to walk home rather than take the bus. In retrospect, the bus might have been a better idea. The streets were crowded and that can make the walk less pleasant. 15,000 steps is pushing our limit. We did have enough energy to pick up a couple of small quiches, a baguette, and some treats for later, from our corner bakery. Odds are we will be having a quiet night in.
More great pictures hope you’re having a fantastic time. Bob H
ReplyDeleteEverywhere you turn there is more to see of the culture and beauty surrounding you. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's letting me post!! In case anyone else is still having trouble, in the comment as box now there is an option to set up Google. I did that.
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