On Saturday morning, May 18, we really felt like tourists! After breakfast at the hotel we took the Metro and then walked for another 15 minutes to the Eiffel Tower. As we walked we were intrigued by this street, where you can see cars parked not only on the street but also seemingly on the sidewalk! We were there before nine, and had purchased our tickets online – complete with champagne at the top! – but it was very crowded and we found ourselves in a queue reminiscent of Disney World – and that was just to get through security! Well, it was a Saturday which might have had something to do with it too.
After patiently waiting, we rode the elevator up to the very top and it was another crystal clear day, so the view was fantastic. We retrieved our champagne and proceeded to circle the top, seeing the city from all angles! What made it even more special was the fact that we had a great view of the beach volleyball venue for the upcoming Olympics, as it was constructed right at the base of the Tower. Also in sight was the Olympic headquarters and another stadium setting that we could not identify. All told, our Eiffel Tower adventure took about two hours, and then we headed to a bistro for a break and more people-watching!
Our next destination was Napoleon’s Tomb which is housed in Les Invalides, which was originally a hospital and a home for aged and injured soldiers. Today, Les Invalides is also home to the Musee de l’Armee, containing tens of thousands of artifacts from the 13th to the 17th century.
Once again, the architecture and interior of this edifice are amazing – I’ve never seen so much marble in my life! Interesting to note is the fact that Napoleon’s Tomb actually contains five coffins: one made of tin, one of mahogany wood, two of lead, and one of ebony – fitted into each other around the body of Napoleon!
On our way out of Les Invalides, we even spotted a wedding, complete with a horse-drawn carriage. It was a beautiful day for a wedding!
Later in the evening, with the concierge’s assistance, we dined at a very French restaurant, which was relatively close to our hotel. We were treated to a very delicious dinner at Le Mesturet, including a wonderful bottle of Malbec. Of course our server had to assist in translating the chalkboard of specials, which she was very glad to do!
Every evening at 5:30 p.m. back at our hotel, the breakfast room turns into Buckingham, an intimate and popular bar that remains open until 12:30 a.m.. Following dinner we stopped in for a nightcap after yet another remarkable day in Paris! Look who we found hanging on the wall in Buckingham!
thervdreamlife 