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| The reward of the climb! |
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| Shrine in Cafe des Deux Moulins' WC |
Our trusty guide, Arnauld (pronounced ar-no) led us deftly through the streets & subways of Paris, showing us the sights and teaching us the history. Highlights were the churches of Notre Dame & Saint Chappelle, the Louevre, the Orsay, & the Cluney Museums, Napoleon's Grave, an evening river excursion on the Seine, Montmartre, the Château of Versailles, the Latin Quarter, Luxumbourg Gardens, and of course, the cafe from the movie, "Amelie"! Sprinkled in were lovely dining adventures such as escargot, steak tartare, dame blanche, a wine tasting, plus lots of baguettes & croissants.
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| Dame Blanche |
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| At Napoleon's humble grave |
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| Hall of Mirrors, Versailles |
We were on our feet for what felt like 12 hours per day, and by the end felt pretty confident on the subway & bus systems. The Rick Steve's tour http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours11/product.cfm/rurl/code/PAR11/223 incorporates as nice system of initial hand-holding, followed by gradual independence, with all your breakfasts, half your dinners, and none of your lunches. Like bear cubs, you are left farther and farther from your hotel with all the tools you need to get back safely. I highly recommend his tours!
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"Two Young Men", by Annonymous,
500 years ago -- and here they are again! |
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| The "Sun" shines everywhere! |
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| The Louvre |
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| Riding home in Air France steerage |
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| Japanese food in our little Rue Cler neighborhood |
I'll definitely have to put on my thinking cap to come up with the next trip ... suggestions, mes enfants???
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Arnault teaches us the finer
points of
French wines |
