Sunday, July 31, 2011 – Paris France

It is a bright sunny day in Paris. We went to take a walk down to the Eiffel Tower to watch the tourists. 

The Parks were filled with people enjoying the sunshine and warm weather – 75 degrees.

On the Seine River at the Eiffel Tower

People enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

The Peace Monument “Peace” is written in numerous languages

Then we decided to take scenic boat ride on the Seine River. It was 1 hour and made a circle from the Eiffel Tower just past Notre Dame then back up on the other side to the Eiffel Tower. We also were able to see Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, Victory Column Place du Chatelet, Louvre, the d’Orsay Museum, St. Germaine'Axerrois Church - across the street from the Louvre, and many more. You really get a different perspective of the city from the water.

They also have a boat “hop on hop off” that will stakes several stops and then you can get back on to go to another place. All day deal to see the sites without walking too much.

Seine River Cruise Boat

Beautiful Bridges – 20 bridges

 

Pont Alexander II Bridge with  the ornate lights.

Beautiful buildings

d’Orsay Museum from the River

Bridges with the Lovers Locks

There are 20 bridges and we learned about a lover's tradition in Europe. You find a bridge that has a wire mesh siding rather than concrete. Write your names on the lock then fasten it to the bridge and throw the key in the river. Your hearts are locked forever!

Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris built in 1578 – also a Lover’s Bridge as it has alcoves on it where you can sit.

o

Notre Dame Cathedral from and from the River Seine with the large round stain glass window

Louvre Museum from the Seine River.

The top floors are the La Tour d'Argent (Silver Tower) Restaurant, the most expensive restaurant in Paris. The Grand Menu or "formula", entrée, salad and dessert, is 180 Euros or $259. Does NOT include wine.

There are people in restaurants and parks all along the River.

The Conciergerie building is a former royal palace and prison and is still in use with Part of the Palace of Justice.

Samaritaine - one of the largest department stores in Paris

The most narrow building in Paris – look between the trees

Alexander III Bridge with Eiffel Tower in background

 

Pont de l’Alma.   1854. The bridge serves as a measuring instrument for water levels and a dam in times of flooding .  When the river level hits the statues feet the footpaths along the river are closed and when it hits his thighs, the river becomes unnavigable.  In 1910 the River was up the Zouave Statue’s beard.

The bridge is close to the Pont de l’Alma tunnel where Diana, Princess of Wales died in 1997.  There is a Flame of Liberty at the bridge as an unofficial memorial to Diana.

Lines of people to go up the Eiffel Tower

View from the boat going up the river.