Amiens to Paris (24 Apr)

After our huge day yesterday and the discovery of outside blinds, we both had a great sleep. Our train leaves for Paris at 10.06am, so we head out about 9.15am for the easiest of walks to the station. Thankfully no delays for our return trip and we arrive back in Paris just before 11.30am.

We head across the road (literally) to our Hotel for the night to drop off our suitcases before jumping back on the Metro to visit The Palais Garnier - a historic 1,979 seat opera house. In 1861, at the behest of Napoleon III, Charles Garnier undertook the construction of a 'new opera house'. The building, inaugurated on 5 Jan 1875, fascinated the public with the sumptuousness, eclecticism and daring of Garnier's architectural and decorative conception. 

His masterpiece established itself as the ideal Italian-style theatre, and the Palais Garnier, both functional and flamboyant, is still considered one of the world's finest theatres today. It's purpose has remained the same since it first opened: to maintain the traditions of opera and ballet in conditions laid down by the State.

This is the master staircase:









This is the roof of the master staircase:


Here's part of the Opera library and archives created in 1866:


The most beautiful room for me was a hallway with the most stunning painted roof and chandeliers:



Truly beautiful place and definitely felt underdressed in my tracky dacks, runners and hiking top!!

Next stop was a percussion shop Sue wanted to see that was within our vicinity. She had a ball in there looking at everything and ended up buying a t-shirt!! Headed back to our Hotel for a short break in readiness for our dinner reservation at a quirky place named the Jungle Palace. It has a beautiful ambiance and you are surrounded by a running projection of a jungle with accompanying sounds. It's very eclectic and was great fun. We both had one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted delivered in a bright blue fish glass with white teeth!! Here's some shots (the last one is an elephant):







On our way home we saw a place that put a smile on my dial as much as the Brazilian Bum Bum cream advertisements. No explanation needed:



Another wonderful day and fantastic dinner to finish our time in France. We are catching the Eurostar tomorrow to England and can't wait to watch some TV that we 'completely' understand. 

Til then and being 9hrs behind - keep smiling.







 

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