Un grande jour in Paris

Much to fit in to our last day in Paris (for a little while) so braved the subway (Le Metro) to cut down walking time.

The information person at the station was very nice to keep trying to understand our french until a line formed behind us.

First stop was Sacre Coeur above Montmatre. Great views of the city, a memorable cathedral and a cool little area of town.

Back on the Metro to Arc de Triomph. Had a punk teen try and pull the same 'gold ring' scam. We wish we had good enough french to say 'met your dad yesterday, we didn't fall for it then either'. Must be a franchise.

Walked down to the Louvre through the very white jardin (it is almost all clay and rocks). Rach had her first croque monsuir- check the pic for the cheese attack. Yes, chips again. Every meal, french fries. They are usually hand cut though making them healthy;)

The crowd at the Louvre was insane. Like a tidal wave, thousands of people pushing to see the Mona Lisa just to say they have seen it. Very few a took the time to appreciate it, although an italian man proposed to his girlfriend in front of the heavily guarded masterpiece. She accepted. The many screams, alarms and camera flashes took away from the experience. Saw about 10 percent of the massive place in 3 hours.

Have just returned from dinner at a place called The Two Maggots. A hangout for Hemingway and his mates the service was woeful but the duck breast with caramalised pears had us both trying to be polite sharers.

Hit the road again tomorrow, towards Spain and Portugal. Will be sad to say goodbye to Paris- we have only scratched the surface of what makes this beautiful city tick.

Subway/frenchie cheese toastie/chandelier shopping @ Louvre