Paris

Two days is not long enough to see any major city, but A. and I did our best!  We were lucky to be in Paris during the low season and still have beautiful weather (partly sunny and 18ºC).

with the Seine and Eiffel Tower in the background

Highlights included seeing inside Sainte Chapelle and climbing to the top of Notre Dame.

posing by the Louvre's pyramid with the smaller Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel in the background

We visited the Musée du Louvre both when it was closed and opened.  I had been taught that museums are closed on Mondays so I was totally surprised to find the Louvre closed on a Tuesday.  But since we were in Paris all we had to do was cross the street and to see more world-class art at Musée d'Orsay.

In addition to visiting Mona Lisa (La Joconde), we were awed by the extravagance of Napolean's apartments and a bit unsure about the modern sculptures.

I am not sure if this is less scary than looking down!

on our way up

We saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night and went back the next morning to skip the long line and climb the steps up two levels.  From there we caught an elevator to the top, which was exciting, but not quite as scenic as the lower level.

A. at age 7.5, several years before completing his first Tour de France

We also climbed to the top of the l'Arc de Triomphe l'Étoile so A. could get a view different from what he'll see when he finishes le Tour de France

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With all that walking and climbing we happy to find seats in Jardin du Luxembourg one day and Jardin des Tuileries the next.

notice the new bracelets - all shapes from Paris

And what would Paris be without baguettes, roasted chestnuts, a crepe, and a visit to the patisserie?  Oh la la!