July 28, 2008, Paris Journal Part III

Ah, to sleep past noon. I can’t remember doing that for more than 15 years, but I also have a very poor memory. We got out for a long walk to get all of the toxins we carried with us from too much travel, drink and jetlag. We headed due south form the apartment to the grounds of the Louvre. It was fairly hot, bright and humid. We perused the crowd and grounds and moved along to the Jardin des Tuileries. This long stretch of park reminds me of the mall in Washington DC, but with less regular sections of walk and grass. To the right side, coming from the Louvre, there is a large amusement park. Outrageously expensive, it’s still much less than a visit to Disney World or Busch Gardens- and you can just buy tickets for one or two rides. We had to, of course, ride the massive carousel. I would recommend this to anyone early in a trip to Paris to enjoy the sights.

From Paris 2008

The Jardin also had many free and open playgrounds back in tree covered cool nooks as well as pony rides (later in the trip we got to watch the ponies being walked back to their stable through the Parisian streets).

From Paris 2008

We wandered on past the 20 lanes of traffic at the Place de Concorde. We were getting hotter and just bumbling about, so we made it to a Tourist Information booth near Champs Elysees. There we bought the very useful 4 day museum pass to start using the next day. After that we hopped on the metro to wander aimlessly by the Eiffel Tower. Now, I thought it would be smart and quick to take the RER- train – that runs from Elysees to Eiffel, but that train sat in the heat with no air conditioning for 15 minutes. Huge mistake I should never live down.

The lesson there, I cannot stress too much, don’t take the RER point to point in the city. Some guidebook that would make good firewood might claim it is a good idea, but they lie. And that’s why they should be shoved into my woodstove and blogged about publicly. But I am above actually saying that Frommers recommended this idiotic course.

So, we wander on to the tower. Huge and imposing, this steel tribute to mathematics and the triangle seems to follow you down every little street in this arrondisement, and crowd you along the river front. And, below it, it contains a grand stage for all the tourists and vendors and even the odd gypsy women who come by to beg for money. But I’m getting a little big for my journal britches. Places like the tower are neat, and worth seeing, but the park just south of it is wonderful for laying down and watching people and taking a nap. While we didn’t manage to get a picnic, we did very much enjoy the park. We first found a wonderful side street café – I had salmon over rice that was perfect. Then we headed right back to that park for a nap.

From Paris 2008

From Paris 2008

There is a batobus just down from the tower on the river and we got a pass to use that- like a bus that follows the Seine and stops at all the highlights- Musee d’Orsey, Notre Dame, the Louvre, etc. While we didn’t need the four day pass, the batobus was a really nice, unique way to get around. The batobus got us some nice pictures and back to the Louvre. A late night cheese plate at café at the Opera metro to finish off the day.

From Paris 2008

Passing Notre Dame

From Paris 2008

Some advice from things I learned:

• Get some sort of transport pass, but only for a couple of days- maybe you are like me or different, but three days bugging around a city is plenty of time
  
• See Paris from the river- it is a must, must, must. An hour cruise is fine, but you must do it!
  
• Take a picnic of bread and cheese and wine to the Eiffel Tower
  
• Take the metro in the city, not the RER