Paris - Day 2

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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 to be 3 types of travelling. We would sometimes be single file, sometimes double, and sometimes what he referred to as total domination i.e. peloton. I guess nobody in Paris wants to take you on then. Drizzle stopped and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the whizzing along, over bridges along the river, through the streets, to the Louvre where we took a break as the daylight started to disappear and the lights started to play on the raindrops. Magical time of night! Back on bike over Pont Neuf for an ice-cream (chocolat) stop. Next stop by the Eiffel Tower where we chained the bike and boarded the boat for a trip up the Seine to watch the magical sights accompanied with the obligatory glass of wine. Off the boat, back on our bikes to park under the Efrfiel Tower for the 11pm light show. Somehow managed to peddle back to base by 11.30 . Stuffed we got a cab home! Great time had by all.

This morning, we decided to conquer the Metro. Purchasing 20 rides for 29E we negotiated a two stage (change line) ride to get to Montmartre. Fortunately, my retained driver seems to be have some capability in this area as we arrived at the right destination in a timely manner. Time to traverse the “10,000” steps appreciated the view and peruse the market before a little café lunch. The markets are a bit touristy but found a couple of original ink and pen pictures I’m very excited about. Had my resolve tested by having to use my own credit card. Down the hill to the Metro green line to the Musee d’Orsay. The beautiful old railway station (reminder of Paddington) that has been converted into an art Gallery of Impressionist and Art Nouveau. Plenty of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas… Some amazing pieces of Nouveau furniture including a table by Frank Lloyd Wright. Back to the Metro. Changed at St Lazre station (circa 1910-fully tiled). Buggered little bunnies. Went across the road from hotel for dinner.

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