Took the #4 subway to the Arc de Triomphe station so we could walk there and see one of the most famous destinations in Paris before walking towards the Champs d'Elysees and then north to the Arc de Triomphe. The day starts from sun to cloud and back again. Take off the sunglasses and put on the sunglasses. This is an example of a Parisien public washroom which is free, but takes some time as once you exit it cleans itself and that takes some time. So each of these public washrooms will have lineups. Running water in a sink and liquid soap with a dryer.
Eiffel Tower from up close. You can see only the very bottom of this edifice and lots of people lining up to take the lifts to the observation deck very high up near the top.
Eiffel Tower from a distance. As you can see there are trees to the one side. It is a massive structure and dominates the skyline.
Good walk to the Arc de Triomphe. Lana finally got her morning croissant and it was at Hediard on George V avenue - noted as a gourmet food emporium. Many people at the Arc de Triomphe lining up for the lift to the top of the Arc where there is a viewing deck. There is an underground walkway that takes you to and from this famous landmark. Plus, it is guarded by soldiers. Actually, most of the major Paris landmarks are guarded by weapons.
Beautiful structure surrounded by a roundabout and tons of fellow tourists in the area. Right at the one end of the Champs d'Elysees.
Joined by Debrah and friend and given the time we all wanted to find a French bistro for lunch. We walked on the other side of the Arc and did find a restaurant on the main street; L'Aiglon at 55 Avenue de la Grande Armee. We ate inside although had to wait a while and then after Lana asked a simple question re the menu, the waitress decided to give us an attitude. Didn't see her for quite a while after that nor did we receive the usual bottle of tap water. The lunch was enjoyed by all of us although we weren't keen on the rose wine we drank. This is Lana's salad comprised of Lyonnaise sausage, boiled potatoes, onions etc. I think we spent at least two hours at lunch waiting for the waitress, eating and talking.
My charcuterie plate with complimentary bread (all restaurants provide a basket of bread). Three different types of cheeses, pickles, cold cuts. Yummy!
Next, we decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower to get on an observation deck for the magnificent views of the city. Check out this window display at Louis Vuitton:
When we arrived to the Eiffel Tower, huge lineups to take the lifts to the top two observation decks. We made the decision to walk up to the second highest observation deck. This costs 5 Euro per adult. About 550 steps to the second highest observation deck, but incredible views. Lots of tourists stopping at various levels due to exhaustion from the walk up the stairs. Don't look straight down if you have a fear of heights! Slight breeze until we did get to the second highest level when the wind picked up. Many tourists here taking pictures; some took the lift and some by walking. Check out the pictures below taken from four different angles. As you can see many areas are from hundreds of years and some areas are more modern.
The famous Seine River that runs through Paris creating the Left bank and Right bank.
Curious about the Paris Metro subways? They are fairly clean within Paris city, very little graffiti and the tunnels are wide so well standing or sitting you can see the trains coming into the station. Many seats and the doors slam shut. Lots of colourful advertising on the station walls. Very bright feel though.
Another walk to the subway station with the goal to attend a criminal museum. A few subway train transfers, but regrettably we found that it was closed on Wednesdays. Oh well, lets head to a local cafe to have a drink and people watch. Hey, that is a typical Parisien experience. One place we stopped first was a fromagerie (cheese shop); Les Fromageries at 2 Rue de Lourmel. Incredible number and variety of cheeses, plus some tasters.
OK, time to rest our weary legs at Le Village Ronsard at 47 Ter Bd. St. Germain. For drinks we had a Kir, Muscat (aperitif), Sancerre Blanc and an Americano. Yup, the decadent life of a Parisien! Loved just sitting there sipping our drinks, talking and of course people watching. All of the seats face toward the foot traffic. This is an example of a Parisien cafe where people watching is a normal experience:
Time to get moving and for a subway ride closer to where we would like to eat tonight; Le Marais district. Plus, more walking and getting distracted with the many sights and stores along the way. Always need to be aware of the vehicle traffic as they may not stop. We found a table in the cellar (basement) of Robert et Louise Restaurant de Feu located at 64 Rue Vieille du Temple. Good reviews on Chowhound and we discovered later that Anthony Bourdain had eaten there and provided rave reviews so the place is very busy with locals and American tourists. One server was very friendly and informative. The other server for some reason didn't seem to care and was pretty rude. It was a fantastic meal in all ways. Plus, I had a mixture of rose wine and grapefruit concentrate juice that was delicious! If you are in Paris, head here for dinner but you might make reservations first.
My duck confit with potatoes fried in duck fat. Hmmm, that duck fat creates one delicious fried potato. A small amount of lettuce to appease our conscience. Nice bottle of Merlot/Syrah blend to compliment our dinners.
Meat being grilled on top of a metal plate with burning wood underneath. Very unique. It was at the rear of the main floor. The meat was delicious so must be doing something right.
After a very fulfilling dinner a walk through the historic and funky/busy Marais neighbourhood. Full of energy here with hip restaurants, narrow streets and a thriving Jewish area. Plus, in a couple of streets a number of places catering to the gay crowd. In Sarl Pele "Pitzman" at 8 Rue Pavee you can purchase many Jewish food items. We bought a huge bagel to eat tomorrow and will compare it to bagels from New York and Montreal that we have enjoyed. Check out the picture below of a "Kosher Pizza." First time we have seen this! Worth a try next time in the neighbourhood.
We finished the night by eating gelato! Yup, we need to reward ourselves for the walking and climbing today. Back into the subway and one transfer and a walk back to the hotel. We arrive around 10 pm so pretty early. Difficulties with my iPhone hotspot, but Lana problem-solved and it is working for my Macbook and her cellphone. Now close to midnight, so time to get some sleep and/or rest. Paris really is civilization.
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