Paris

Just a long weekend to start the vacation.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was visible from our hotel bedroom. Just ten minutes stroll brought us to the Ecole Militaire opposite the Champ de Mars. This view of the tower was taken about half way through the Champ de Mars at about 10 a.m. on our way to the Museum of the cinema.

Once across the Pont d'Iena we saw the countdown to the start of the year 2000. At least they don't think it's the start of the next millenium! I wonder what it will display at one second past midnight on January 1st, 2000?

Eiffel Tower showing countdown to the year 2000

The Conciergerie

Further along the Seine we came to the infamous Conciergerie standing on the Ile de la Cité. An interesting place to visit but not to be incarcerated in during the "terror".

Conciergerie from the opposite bank

The Museé d'Orsay

Another day we returned to our favourite museum the Museé d'Orsay housed in a magnificent converted railway station/hotel. It houses many fine impressionist paintings. Orsay Museum - Tourism in France

After a hard day's culture vulturing it's time to return to the hotel, relax and get ready for dinner. Fortunately we had found a fine restaurant quite close by in the Place Vauban.

Jean Claude and Silvie at the Vauban

The food was excellent and the service good and friendly. Jean Claude and Silvie looked after us very well. Though Silvie spoke very little English (I think she understood it quite well though) Jean Claude's English was excellent. He had spent three months working in Bournemouth many years ago he told us. Silvie took the picture above for us.

Dome church at the Invalides

And best of all the view from the restuarant across the place Vauban of the the sun glistening on the gold covered top of the Dome Church at Les Invalides.

After each delicious meal it was just a short stroll back to the hotel. Time for a last look at the Eiffel Tower before bed.

Eiffel Tower at sunset

We've been back twice since then! au revoir