Paris Days 1-3

 

Thankfully the weather has improved and the summer clothes are on. Arrival into Paris by Eurostar was Uneventful, but we quickly realized that we had been spoilt in London, with a spotlessly clean Tube and streets. Possibly brought about by having the Olympics last year. The Paris Metro was filthy and much harder to navigate and packed with people. All the same we found our way to Rue de Savoie in the 6th and were quickly meet by Alain our Landlord. A lovely and helpful Frenchman.

After a quick unpack we went exploring.

Saint Germaine du Pre is a beautiful part of Paris with many hole in the wall restaurants, famous cafes, shops and boutiques.

Before you knew it we were off to our first Museum 'The Musee du Orsay'. With some planning it is possible in Summer to avoid queues and additional costs. This Museum was open till 945pm on Thursday nights and discounted entry after 6pm. Bonus! Fabulous Museum and building. Home to bed!

Friday was to be a fun and relaxing day. A four hour bike ride through central Paris (outstanding Bikeabouttours.com), lazy lunch in the Le Marais. Exhaustion kicked in so home for a nap, then out at 7pm to the Louvre. Also open till 945pm but on fridays. Once again no queue and room to see even the "Mona Lisa". Then we went to a little restaurant on Rue du Buci. Boys were eating dinner between 10-12midnight. Great Day.

Today we struggled a bit with public transport trying to get from Bastille to Montmarte, so way too much walking and looking at maps, but we were rewarded when after a quick stop at Sacre Coer we wandered the hilly back streets and went to Lamark Cailaincourt. There was a fab antiques market and great relaxed French cafes with very few tourists. We found the bus and home for a nap. Early dinner then a wander through our lovely local streets.