Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysee

Big day planned to - to see two of the big attractions in Paris, lots of walking to be done, and if Pam is able - get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We are leaving early because we have heard of the long queues usually seen at the base of the tower. Got to the tower and there are almost no crowds, we went straight up to the window, bought tickets and were in the lift before Pam knew what was going on. Stage one complete!! The lifts are a bit weird because of the angles of the legs of the tower, they sort of go up at an angle, bit disorientating.

The lift takes you up to the first level, you then either stay on the lift to go up to the second level (there are shops and restaurants on the first and second levels) or get out of the lift and stay on the first level. Nobody moved so we went up to the second level. Now we could get out and stay on the second level or.....get in the other lift to go up to the observation deck. Before we knew we were out of the lift and in the second lift on the way to the observation deck, 300 metres above ground. Pam was in shock for a moment. But...we made it!!! What a view, can see so much of Paris from up there. The photos tell a bit of the story. Bit windy up there and we could see a storm coming in. We walked up the flight of stairs to the open air section on the top level and they have a good display about the history of the tower. Back down to the second level for the obligatory crepes for an early lunch. They are as delicious as everyone says. Eating crepes as the storm rolled in, left while it was still raining a little and headed for the Champs Elysee.

This is a ten lane road with footpaths just as wide, a huge street, the idea is to walk up one side, visit the Arc de Triomph at the top of the street, then walk down the other side. Of course we followed the rules and did just that. Didn’t buy a lot...if anything?? But went in to most shops and did the tourist thing looking at everything.

To get to the Arc de Triomph you can cross ten lanes of chaos on the round-about, or walk under the roadway through the pedestrian tunnel, wasn’t brave enough to trust the Paris drivers so we took the underground route. Walked up the steps to the top, they have a bit of a museum along the top just before you go to the very top and outdoor area. Very understated museum explaining what the significance of the Arc. It is really a war memorial, the unknown soldier is buried at the base under the very centre of the Arc and the Arc is covered in carvings of battles past. Of course we stood and watched the traffic from the top on the round-about below for 20 minutes, very entertaining watching how to drive in Paris....my guess...hope for the best!!! Climbed down and back along the other side of the Avenue and home. Too many photos...can’t help it.