Reminder you can click on photos and enlarge them.
Weather – Rain and possibility of snow forecast
We headed up to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur. It was drizzling and a bit of a nuisance as we walked up. Nev decided to climb the steps and do the pilgrimage walk – I did this earlier- but the girls wanted to take the funiculaire (tram). As we got to the top the rain had eased off allowing us to take the scenic shots. We went into the church and joined the Sunday Mass – Seph was enthralled with the Nuns and the Priest. After a while we headed down to the crypt underneath, an interesting place. Being non catholic I am not really sure of all the little separate areas and their purpose in these huge churches, nevertheless it is impressive.
Moving around into the artist area – Place du Tertre , this area is filled with cafes, tourists and many artists who are dying to draw you – caricature, portrait doesn’t matter. Finally after about the 10th approach the girls bargained and got their portrait done – not sure if it really looks like them or not - but it had to be done.
Spent quite a lot of time in the souvenir shop and came away with the typical Paris t-shirts, earrings and some postcards.
Arc de Triomphe - This was commissioned by Napolean in 1806 to commemorate his imperial victories but remained unfinished when he started losing battles and then entire wars. It wasn’t completed until 1836. Since 1920 the body of an ‘Unknown Soldier’ from WWI has lain beneath the arch and his fate along with others is commemorated by a memorial flame. The 284 steps take you to the top to the viewing platform – from here you can see the 12 broad avenues that radiate out from here to all parts of the city. This is also the world’s largest roundabout, it has no lanes and is a bit chaotic!
The view is great and to look down the Champs –Elysees to the Grand Arch of La defense – another symmetrically lined up arch.
Quick – Lunch was had for the first time at “Quick” the French rival to McDonalds, basically all the same things, a few surprises though - The flavours of sauces – You had the choices of Mayonnaise /ketchup for frites. The French are mad on having a mayonnaise on their chips, after trying it though it is quite nice, not as strong as aioli. For nuggets or other dipping you can have: Tomato and Basilic flavour, Onion, Mustard and Curry Sauces. We all had different favourites. We all agreed the burgers were small, Nev had the ‘Giant’ it was more like a plain cheeseburger.
Carrying on down the Champs Elysees you are greeted all by large brand names and their price tags! Had a quick look at Cartier - Pair of earrings € 42 500, and numerous other goodies for exorbitant prices – we were ‘lèche-vitrines’ = window lickers – the French equivalent to window shopper.
Across the road to look in Louis Vuitton – Security staff counted you in and out. I was amazed they let the country bumpkins in, I don’t for a minute think we would be buying, noone came to talk to us anyway! I gave the girls strict instructions –TOUCH NOTHING! The shop was huge with many levels and different departments. Before I entered I wondered how often they made a sale but man they make a few! The amount of purchasers while we were there and the amount of bags going out the door seems they have no concern there. We even saw people ushered quickly inside elevators, no doubt VIP’s to private rooms, didn’t recognise anyone though.
I wanted to buy their bag they put the purchases in and then hide my handbag inside but I was afraid even that would be too much and they might laugh at me! With handbags at €30 000 + who would know!
Further down the street you have Claridges, Givenchy and around the corner, Yves St Laurent and many others.
Shopping heaven if you have the dosh.
We walked down to the Seine to meet the “Bateau Mouche” a night tour of the Seine with commentary. It was cold, even though we sat outside on the open top deck. To see Paris all lit up was beautiful, would be great on a summers evening with a glass of vino or 2 !
Bonus coming now – You don’t have to wait too long till it is dark for the children to see all the lights.
Soup and Bread for tea tonight. Exhausted and cold.
Still no phone and internet ! Rang again!
Disneyland – still unsure about tomorrow – rain forecast again!
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