ABC Tour – Continuing in Paris, Climbing a Tower

SATURDAY 9 JULY

We had no real plans for today, so we just went with the flow.

Firstly, we hopped on the  green bus again and headed to Montmatre, past the Moulin Rouge.

Up to the Sacre Coeur.

It is really light inside, especially compared to the Notre Dame.

The views from up there over Paris are wonderful. One major landmark is not visible, as it is further around to the right.

Just up the road from where we are staying was an antique market today.  We had a good look, but there really wasn’t much that grabbed our attention.  I just bought a little few buttons.

We have been staying in the Madeleine district, and today we finally had a look inside the Madeleine Church.  Apparently the building was built and they didn’t know what they would use it for.  It was eventually decided to use it as a church.

We found a patisserie which served delicious tarts for afternoon tea.

Before we left home we planned a little treat for ourselves – dinner on the Eiffel Tower.  It was hard to find a way to just have dinner, without incorporating a river cruise or Moulin Rouge, but with a bit of help from Mr Google we were able to book a table for two for a 9.00pm sitting at the “58 Tour Eiffel” restaurant on the first level.

We arrived in plenty of time so had a nice wander around.  Look at the size of the queues to go up the tower, even at 8.30 pm.

Of course the views were spectacular and we had fun picking out the landmarks.  We were lucky that it was such a lovely evening.

The obligatory photo of us.

The meal was delicious and the service spot on.

 

It was great having the later meal, as there was no pressure to be out in time for another party coming into the restaurant after us.  By the time we had finished it was dark and we had another wander around enjoying the night lights.

For the millennium the tower was wired for sparkly lights to be on display on the hour, each hour.  As everyone loved this effect so much it has been retained.  We first saw this when we visited in 2007 and it is really beautiful.  This time we experienced the sparkle all around us as we were still on the tower.  Something very special.

Isn’t it beautiful.  A special evening to remember.