You certainly know that you are in Paris when you first gaze on this site - so familiar from documentaries on WWII.
towards the new office area - La Defense.
and one of the known landmarks around the world. 
From the top, the spiral staircase to the bottom is seemingly endless.
The Grand Palais, once held the great exhibition.
We walked across the Seine towards the Hotel des Invalides, whihc has a fabulous museum, as well as Napoleon's grave.
From there we continued on our bus ride around Paris towards Musee du Louvre, Nore Dame, and the Musee D'Orsay, which had an exhibition including a guillotine which was attracting thousands of visitors - especially the young.
back to the arc
I took offense at this sign, which I interpreted literally as "An Australian in Paris - Unacceptable". My French did not improve greatly while in Paris.
Tea is very hard to find in France - but this teapot shows here was a time when tea was in demand.
Flower shops were colourful.
At night ALli and I set out for the Eiffel tower, whcih we could see was illuminated. Near the arc, the new movie was being promoted.
On the hour (we arrived at 22:05) the tower has a spectacular light show.
complete with lasers.
and sparkly lights
Back to Notre Dame.
and then Sainte-Chapelle - centre and seat of royal power from 10th to 14th century.
so much to see.
later we went to church of the Sacred Heart - one of the best views of Paris can be found from here. A lot of people were around in a festive atmosphere - jugglers, musicians etc.
You can walk up hundreds of steps or take the trolleycar.
Paris doe snot allow high rise building, so everything is visible from such a vantage point.
Muna loved the handle to the front door of the church - it had the most spiritual atmosphere of all churches - and did not allow any photography inside. There was a mass going on which was lovely - some beautiful voices.
Like many cathedrals, there is a tower that is waiting to be climbed - this one was nearly 400 stairs, many in a spiral staircase. Then across the top of the cathedral
the view was spectacular.
This was seen a few times - not sure what the symbolism is, but someone will no doubt tell me.
Back to the Louvre - fortuneately it was open until 9pm and half price! We walked and gawked and walked and climbed stairs until our legs gave way. So much to see. We had a lovely fish dinner whcih had us worried, as soon after taking our order, the waitress disappeared out the door - finished for the day - and no one came to see us for a while. But the fish was memorable.
the iconic glass pyramid.
we could not believe that people can take photos inside - even up very close to the pictures.
ALli loved the period furniture
and personal ornaments.
a pocket watch seems like a sensible thing to have.
Next day we went to the Bastille area and walked around markets - beautiful fruit and vegs, as well as a flea market where Allison got some bargains.
lovely building everywhere.
and then a surprise - it must have been roller bladders day - hundreds and hundreds crossed the bridge we were standing on.
the river is not the way to see Paris - except at night. But the river views are nice.
Finally, I was surprised at the underground - the oldest in the world - running not on steel wheels, but rubber ones. No wonder they squeak as they turn corners.
Thank you Paris for many fond memories.
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