Despite the obstacles of having a group of 10, we set out yesterday to enjoy the Arc de Triomphe. We walked there along Blvd Batignolles, and it was a lovely walk through some interesting neighbourhoods. As the apartments got swankier, the bakeries seemed to be replaced by antique stores. Good scenery, and interesting for all.
Upon arrival at the Arc we had to follow an underground tunnel to the right side to get the other underground tunnel to the centre of the etoile (basically, the middle of the road. The Arc is surrounded by Paris' largest traffic circle, so the only sane way to get there is underground). We bought our tickets, and waited for the rest of the group to join us while we enjoyed the stonework on the underside of the Arc.
There are 284 stairs to the top, all on a tiny spiral staircase. It was very exciting! The climb was quite manageable, and definetly worth it. At the top there is a museum about Napoleon, and we wandered through that before heading outside.
What a view! From the top of the Arc you can see down all the avenues that radiate from the etoile. The etoile is marked on the steet below with different coloured cobblestones. It is quite magnificent. Perhaps just as interesting as the amazing views was the traffic direction. There was a police officer standing at one corner controlling the traffic onto the Champs Elysees. What a mess! Imagine four lanes of traffic moving onto a huge round road with no lines or clear lanes. The cars entering the circle have the right of way, so you can imagine the mess that it has the potential to be!
We had a nice walk back to the house, with a stop for a very Parisian 'restoratif', and then dinner of leftovers. They are always good the second day (except for the fruitcake :) Just kidding)! Steve is complaining that he is eating too much cheese. But it is just soo good!
That's it for today!
PS. Thanks Joan for the fabulous pictures!
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