Lunch at the Galeries Lafayette is an experience. Thirty years ago, the store had one main area which consisted a central atrium and a narrow store floor that ran around the outside. The store now covers more than two blocks and is the biggest department store I've ever been in. You can get lunch at any one of eight different restaurants in the Galeries, including McDonalds (the French say McDo). We had salmon filet in dill sauce in the sixth floor cafeteria. The picture below is the old store that I remember.
After lunch, we were so close to the Louvre , that we went there instead of going back to the Musée d'Orsay. As usual is, it is overpowering. Jan and I had been there 30 years ago, so had not seen the pyramid. It is a magificent sight both from inside and out.
| The Glass Pyramid and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel | |
| Inside the main entry to the Lourve | |
Once inside the Louvre there are so many master pieces that have been seen so often, it doesn't pay to show pictures of them here. After two hours we emerged needing coffee to walk on! After a quick trip to the Monoprix for our dinner salads and yogurt, we were off for a trip on the Bateaux-mouches (fly boats). These boats can be used to travel up and down the Seine (on a ticket for a day or more) or just to cruise (and/or dine) on the river. We chose the night cruise. It was spectacular with views of many of the major sights of Paris including Notre Dame and the small copy of the Statue of Liberty. As always the Eiffel tower dominated the view. This was new to me. In the past when we were in Paris, we were never very close to it and didn't think too much about it. Now it's illuminated at night and that adds to its presence.
| The Eiffel Tower and search light on top. |  |
| Pont Alexandre III |  |
After the ride we discovered there was no Metro stop near by, so we walked for about 30 minutes to get back to the hotel. The high point of the walk occurred when we saw a woman walking her dog. Terre is always good with dogs, and this was no exception. Winston came right over to her and we all gave him a good scratch. The lady was very impressed. She said Winston never made friends! Back to the hotel for a much needed night's sleep. Tomorrow we will visit la Sainte Chappele .