Paris
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An early arrival into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, marked the start of our Classical Europe with Prague and Paris
tour. Travelmarvel was the company of choice and we were certainly not disappointed! After transferring to our Paris Hotel,
The Mercure Paris Suffren Tour Eiffel Hotel were ready to begin exploring straight away. The hotel was fantastic, very modern and
so close to the Eiffel Tower it was amazing! The weather was freezing but a walk along the Seine River was just what we needed.
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Our walk took us to the Place de la Concorde, the city's largest square. It was bitterly cold but there were many
people out ambling along the Jardin des Tuileries towards the Musee du Louvre. The statues here are a lovely backdrop to the
many wonderful views of Paris and we took some time to admire the Pyramid of The Louvre Museum before moving on.
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An included sightseeing tour was first on our agenda today, and this gave us a better idea of where we were situated with regards
to the many historic and picturesque places in Paris! Great morning with our new found companions and after many introductions we
began to settle in.
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Later in the day it was time to really check out The Eiffel Tower and being so close was not difficult. It was built by Gustave-Alexandre Eiffel in 1889 and weighs 7,000 tons! Fabulous views of the city
from here and early morning and late evening would have to be the best times.. then it was time to walk near the river up to
the Cathedral Notre-Dame. Loved the stained glass windows and the extraordinary gargoyles that are scattered around the building itself!
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This evening we were off for a welcome dinner at "Au Bistrot de la Montagne". Crossing Paris at night gave us
wonderful views of the skyline and buildings and the restaurant was tucked away in a small street somewhere. We were shown
to our tables down the very bottom of the restaurant, a bit like a cellar and the atmosphere was fantastic! Lots of food, fun,
music and laughing made this a special start to the holiday!
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Next morning we were off on the Metro to visit Montmartre. A small train took us up the steep and winding roads to See Sacre Coeur and the surrounds. The ride up was eye opening in itself!
Lots of dance halls, sex shops and very interesting people. We passed Moulin Rouge on the way as well. Inside Sacre Coeur was
one of the most beautiful churches I have seen and the fact the church was paid for with donations to thank God for freeing
Paris from the Prussian invaders makes it even more special. Just around from the church are the artists that make this area quite famous. Walking around and looking
is just amazing. Watching them draw on the spot really opens your eyes to the skills that these people have. The views from up
here are what many tourists and locals also come for.
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In the afternoon a walk up the Champs Elysees led us to the Arc de Triomphe, the world's largest triumphal arch commissioned
by Napoleon in 1806. Climbing up to the top was worth the excellent views that one has, and the exhibition on the lower level was good too.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies at the bottom has the eternal flame burning in memory. You have to walk under the road
to get to here as the traffic moves in a circle and is unsuitable for pedestrians. A bit of excitement walking along was a newly married couple
having their wedding pictures taken in the middle of the road! How extraordinary...
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Last evening in Paris and of course had to take the opportunity to take night pictures of the Eiffel Tower. It was a cool
evening but the thrill of Paris by night overtook that and we eventually went back to the hotel to pack to leave for our 15 day Rivercruise
in the morning. Farewell Paris...
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