Blogs from Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe - page 16

Paris Day 2 Needn’t have worried about the fat tyre bike tour! It was great fun. We took a taxi to the Dupress station area to make sure we were in the right place then had something to eat in a café (really nice duck). A little disconcerting having the meeting place directly outside the pharmacy promoting braces and bandages etc. Anyway lovely tour guide Tony, measured us up for our bikes and don’t forget the high viz vest. Helmet never mentioned! (Crazy Paris traffic would be interesting to know stats on Car vs bike) Of we went at about 7.20 18 little yellow ducklings following behind Orange Mother duck (Tony). As we left the drizzle became quite heavy but no time to stop for poncho – must keep up. According to Tony’s instructions there were ... read more

Sorry no blog yesterday. Quiet day. We walked to Clamart (the next town over). Then there was soccer and relaxing. Today we decided to have one last bike ride. We decided to follow the same bike trails that we ride on one of our first days here. The trails that led to Chateau de Sceaux. It was so fun the first time but this time the destination was to find a quaint place to eat lunch. This time the ride seemed to go much faster as we knew where we were going and also took a slightly more direct route to get to the start of the trail. It is a nice ride with lots and lots of hills. We did not find a place to eat on the way there but once in Sceaux, there ... read more

This morning, Nigel and I left the kids and took off on our bikes to Clamart to sit at a Brasserie and people watch (like the French spend so much time doing). It was the hottest day we have had so far (28 degrees but no humidity) and so it was quite nice sitting out in the sun relaxing. We were astonished that the boulangerie next door had a lineup out the door and down the street! We were also amused when the brasserie staff dashed next door into the boulangerie and came out with 6 baguettes simply calling out "six" letting them know he was taking six baguettes! So, after we sat for a while, we decided that we had better see what the fuss was about so we got in line and got some ... read more

Another day of sightseeing and maybe some shopping. You guessed it, no bag fairy again so a few more personal items and a new suitcase. On the bus at the Eiffel Tower and around the city to Notre Dame de Paris. At last we get to go in to this icon of Paris. Queues aren't too bad and we don't have to pay so even better. Inside and it is rearly just ABC. Very dark but it does have some beautiful stained glass windows. Out into the sunlight and onto another bus route for a look around. This tour take sus past the French equivalent of the NYC high line so we get off and do the walk. Very calming amongst the traffic, etc. Down to street level and we need a drink/toilet break so we ... read more

the bag fairy didn't appear overnight so now we have to just wait. Up and away to explore a bit including a visit to a shopping department store not far from where we are staying. Wander down to the Eiffel Tower for shots to prove we really are in Paris. sexurity is huge around the tower. They have temporary fences surrounding the entire structure and you have to go through airport type scans before even getting in ot the leg area. We decide not to go in as we have the dinner booked for tomorrow night. We check out where we have to go and then wander off into the distance. As we walk along the street we come to a building that has photo boards along the fence With stories about each one. Turns out ... read more