We’ve done it again! Crammed the max into a day in Paris! Our last full day!
Wasn’t too early a start, but after a buffet breakfast in our hotel we were off walking in the direction the reception sent us at around 10am. Destination was Blanche Metro, just across from the Moulin Rouge, which was about 25 minutes away. A really pleasant and interesting walk through yet another part of Paris to discover.
The Metro station was the meeting place for our “free” Montmartre walking tour. We’ve done several of these now and this was certainly one of the best. Our young Parisienne guide Raphel was fabulous with so many stories of the history of Montmartre as it has only been a part of the city of Paris for about 150 years (!) There are a few more seedy parts but generally its maze of little streets, tree shaded squares, cafes, small theatres,cabaret venues and beautiful buildings still retain its bohemian atmosphere. And of course there was Paris’s first and only remaining vineyard - only small and produces wine that is very expensive and of poor quality - but profits do go to charity.
The 90 minute tour ended just near Sacre Coeur. I had forgotten about the elevation here and consequently the fabulous views over the city. Jostled the crowds to have a wander inside - really lovely. The stark grey/white exterior quite a contrast to other cathedrals we have visited as was the interior - beautiful colourful mosaic lining the central dome. Plenty of buskers holding centre stage on the various steps amongst the throng of people.
We enjoyed wandering some more through the many busy Montmartre streets of shops, cafes and restaurants - but especially the congregated artists of such varied persuasions with easels poised - painting, drawing or creating caricatures. Fascinating! Made a small momento purchase.
Decided on a restaurant for lunch - Raym with a massive bowl of mussels and me with crepes! Unreal!
Although getting weary we kept walking back down in the direction we started - loving checking out some new streets. Caught a Metro from Pigalle to the other side of the river to Assemblee Nationals. Continued walking keeping the Eiffel Tower in our sights as we had a 5.30pm booking to travel to the summit! We were both pretty foot sore by this stage and Raymo was struggling a tad with the heat.
I must say the environs of the tower were a major let down. Construction and refurbishment are taking place so the area is a chaotic mess to say the least - a dirty dust bowl. Even the grass expanse leading up to the Trocadero area looks dead and brown. And the mass of people queuing for their respective time slots - most not knowing what to do and where to go was mayhem, accentuated by several security checks. The whole process involving queuing, riding the lifts to level 2 then on to the summit and walking around took over two and a half hours! Thankfully the overall experience and views were exhilarating and made it worthwhile. Interesting to learn about Gustav Eiffel and the towers construction from 1887.
Amazing that the crowds were significantly dispersed when we returned to ground level - I would have assumed evening would be more popular.
We found our way around construction barriers and headed across to the river sourcing the Seine river cruise company that was recommend to us. Vedettes de Paris was great - older style smaller boats for an hour long cruise taking in so many well know monuments and beautiful bridges. Was so pleasant enjoying our glass of champers as dusk began, lights were coming on and so many Parisiennes and tourists had positioned themselves strategically along the banks with picnic rugs, snacks and a few beverages. One area even had people salsa dancing. Once again, such a wonderful vibe.
We stopped for another drink enroute to Ecole Militaire, which proved to be on the same Metro line as our Grands Boulevardes. By the time we returned to the hotel it was almost 10pm, so it was just a quick change of shoes and freshen up before finding a little pizza place nearby for pizza, salad and vino!
Such a big day!