Paris Day 3 (17 Apr)

No rush this morning as our Seine River Cruise commences at 10am and the starting point is opposite the Eiffer Tower - so we already know exactly where to go. Weather is cloudy and only 7C when we head out. Sun is intermittent as we board the cruise with only a few minutes to spare (ie we literally put our butts on the seat and it started to moving). What a lovely leisurely way to commence our day and seeing similar views from the day before from the viewpoint of the Seine. Here's the best shots:





Having disembarked from the cruise, we grabbed a hot chocolate and enjoyed the sunshine before Sue helped me locate the starting point for my Eiffel Tower tour. How's this for a view whilst waiting for the tour to commence:


During the 12pm tour, I met a couple of people from Ontario, Canada and a lovely Scottish couple celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary (a gift from their kids). Our tour guide - Henry - was from Nigeria and 7yrs ago moved to France. He was very entertaining and we even had a 'quiz' at the end to see how much we'd listened & learned. FYI - I came 2nd 👀🙌. Henry also told me if you asked the Tour Guides who were the nicest and friendliest people to have on tours, 90% would say Australians. You'll be glad to know I kept that thought alive.

At the end of the tour (held on the 2nd level) Henry directed us to the elevator for the summit so we could check out the incredible views of Paris. Here are the nine fun facts I learnt:

  • the Eiffel Tower was first offered to Barcelona. They loved the structure but couldn't justify the expense, so told Gustave Eiffel they'd be happy to have it built if they could find a good enough reason to justify the expense
  • Gustave was both an engineer and business man, so returned to France where they were due to celebrate their 100th anniversary of Independence in 2 years. The Government of the day ran a public competition seeking ideas of 'what they could do' to celebrate the occasion. 107 entries were received - his won (obviously)!!
  • Originally the Tower was only supposed to stand for 20 years.
  • Parisians of the day hated the design and after the 4 base pillars were constructed the Government told Gustave the build wouldn't continue and it was to be pulled down
  • Gustave proposed he'd pay for 80% of it's construction, if the Government signed a 20yr contract stating he'd receive 80% of the profits and the Government would recoup the 20% they'd already paid and more if they sold off the iron beams upon dismantling the structure
  • The Government agreed as Gustave was taking all the risks with his own money.
  • Within 11 months Gustave had recouped his costs and for the next 19yrs the Eiffel Tower made him rich beyond his wildest dreams
  • Gustave retired and set up an office in the summit (which is the only reason we can go up there today)
  • Parisians now love the Tower and are very, very proud of it.
And that Ladies and Gentleman, is why I came second in the quiz 😻😺😽.

Here's some shots from the summit:





Sue met me at the exit gates and we headed off back to the train station as Sue had booked to see the Sainte Chapelle stainless glass windows. Sadly Sue somehow got her directions all wrong and we ended up 55mins away from where she needed to be 😨. So that visit remains on the list and hopefully achievable this Sunday when we have some more free time.

Taking it all in her stride, she looked up the directions for the Music Museum and we popped back on to the train and headed off to our new destination. After grabbing a quick cuppa, Sue headed across the road to the Museum, whilst I waited for her in the cafe. We then ate a leisurely dinner where I finally had a glass of Bordeaux and Sue 2x a bourbon & cokes (for medicinal purposes only) before heading back across the road to attend our 8pm concert. 

Amazing concert (although sadly one of the male choir members fainted just as he went to sit after their set - but with help he was able to walk up the stairs and away from the stage) - which lasted for 90 mins with full orchestra, adult and child choirs. Here's some snaps:




Bit of a late finish for us tonight - back at airbnb at 10:50pm, but we have a very easy day tomorrow with only thing booked at 6pm - a visit to The Musee D'Orsay - largest collection of famous Impressionist paintings.

Til then, keep smiling x



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