A Paris Enfin!

And so to our last port of call Paris. We had to catch two trains both of which were really busy so we were glad to have reserved seats. After the pristine appearance of Vienna, Paris proved a bit of a shock. We emerged from a very grubby Metro station to a street with overflowing bins, people sleeping on mattresses on the pavement and large groups of men lurking on street corners. It felt more like a shanty town than part of such a glamorous city. We hastily headed for our hotel which fortunately proved to be fine and not in keeping with its surroundings. The next morning after a quick coffee and croissant, we headed to Norte Dame, an easy journey on the Metro. It was busy outside with travelers from all over the world, we joined a queue which was probably the most orderly we had experienced within Europe (almost British!) and, within an hour we were inside the cathedral. It was warming to see so many people interested in seeing this famous monument in its almost new state after the extensive restoration and, having paid twenty quid to enter York Cathedral earlier in the year it was amazing that it was free of charge. Once inside it was busy but possible to move around; an announcement kept telling people to be quiet but with so many people it was difficult to maintain complete silence. While the shop was doing brisk business at the back of the cathedral, Mass commenced even with hoards of visitors skirting the perimeter. Not what I would call conducive to spiritual communion.

We found out afterwards that one of the entrances was dedicated to my namesake St Anne, Mary’s mother so I felt very at home!

A long stroll along the Seine taking in the Louvre and Tuileries in the direction of Le Tour Eiffel followed after a fuel stop of crepes.

It was lovely walking along the river, sellers sold the inevitable souvenirs but it was a relief not to see fridge magnets! (I never want to see another one again!)

We arrived at ‘Le Tour Eiffel,’ and having decided to reach for the top, were disappointed to find out the top was closed, due to full capacity. We acccepted the first floor was the only option and waited in the ticket queue. By the time we got to the ticket office we were informed the top was open so, we went for it! Foolishly I stood at the window of the lift and the ascent made me feel very sick and disorientated; however, in the next lift I stared at the floor and was relieved to discover upon exiting it was enclosed! Once acclimatized I was able to go up to the next floor which was open and enjoyed the vista of Paris before me . Before long I was tap dancing on the glass roof! ~Might have been the glass of wine that helped!