Day 2- Paris

Day 2
After landing in Paris we cleared passport control and went to pick up our luggage. It was all there. Paola met us and we boarded the coach for the hour ride to Paris. Our hotel rooms were not ready, so off we went to explore.
We are only a couple of blocks from the Vaugirard Metro station. A quick lesson safety and navigating proved helpful. First stop was Pigalle. It was then a short walk to see the famous Moulin Rouge. Great picture stop and then a hike up to Montmartre. What a magnificent church. Most had a chance to visit an ATM and then were ready for some lunch. Should we keep track of how many crepes were eaten in Paris? Some free time yielded many purchases of beautiful art work. We met on the steps leading up to Sacre Coeur for a picture before our next adventure.

It was back on the Metro for our next stop- the Champs Élysées. Up the wide boulevard we went til we reached the Arc de Triomph. Since we were unable to procur tickets to the Eiffel Tower, most of the group decided to climb the 284 steps to the top of the arc that afforded amazing views. There were lots of tired legs once the descent had ended.

Back on the Metro - destination DINNER. We were all very hungry after a very busy day. Dinner was at Le Louchebem and was delicious. Mixed salad with real French dressing, the best ham most of us ever had, roasted potatoes, green beans, and a triple chocolate mousse for dessert. But what about the bread? Most tables devoured at least 4 baskets. How do the French make such great bread?
A couple of Metro stops later we were back to the hotel to retrieve our luggage and get room assignments. No one complained about a 10:00 room check. Sleep was close at hand.
Sleep tight. Wake up tomorrow bright and early @ 5:00.
Pictures from the day and dinner.