June 12th ~ Paris Central / Seine

Heavy thunderstorms overnight with torrential rain, and still raining in the morning, although eased about 10 am. Unable to get forecast for rest of day, but headed to station and into Paris, and got off at Les Halles, taking sometime to emerge from the labrynth of underground shops and plazas.


Walked down to Notre Dame , and them on to main sights including the Louvre ( 700 metres long), Tuilierie gardens, Grande Palace ( large exhibition featuring Russian art & technology, as it is “Russia Week” in France this week), le Petit Palace, Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe , Eiffel Tower. Then took a river trip on the bateau mouches , taking in all the bridges and riverside sights, and then Alexander 3rd bridge & L’Hotel L’Invalides. Took bus to Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) , and then popped into Notre Dame as queues diminished, and lit a candle for Mum’s speedy recovery. Had dinner in one of the Latin Quarter’s bustling brasseries, and the back to Les Halles to catch train back, getting back to camp by 9 pm. All in all a hectic but very satisfactory days sightseeing!