Last evening, Chad & I had tickets to Tour Eiffel. We purchased them online a week or so in advance, as we'd heard you could skip some of the lines this way. Because we purchased them so close to our trip, we really did not have our pick of times...only about 3 the entire time we are here!
We arrived at the base of the Eiffel about a half hour ahead of time. There's lots going on down there...a carousel, souvenir kiosks, street food, hip hop dancers, etc! So we found plenty to do to pass the time. It's kind of crazy to be under this massive structure!
We found the appropriate line for "visitors with tickets", which began our wait in the first of many lines to come. (Side note...the line for visitors without tickets was only slightly longer. Once they purchased their tickets, they merged into our line. It might have been the time we chose to visit - 4:30pm - but I'd say it didn't matter much buying them ahead if time.)
Once we went through security, we then had to wait in line for the lift to the 2nd "Floor". Now there are shops & restaurants on the 1st floor, but the lift didn't stop there. There are two levels to the 2nd floor, as the elevator is also 2 levels. We started off on the bottom level, which I would say is the best & least crowded level to really spend time taking in the view! You have a phenomenal view of the city already and can walk leisurely all the way around.
We then headed up to the upper level of the 2nd floor to get in yet another line for the lift to the summit/3rd floor. Thus was a bit of a longer line and reminded me of standing in line weaving back & forth in an amusement park. It was finally our turn to head to the top!! (If you are claustrophobic, I'd recommend skipping these lifts. They are quite small and you are completely packed in like sardines!)
The summit of the Eiffel is, of course, beautiful...but super crowded!! Much to my dismay, the champagne bar was closed. #eiffelfail So after a short time we got back in yet another line to head back to the 2nd floor....and another line for the lift back to the bottom. The Eiffel is definitely a must do for your first time in Paris...but if you're short on time, just hit up the 2nd floor. In my opinion you won't miss anything more than waiting in lines by skipping the summit.
After a 90 min visit - half of which was spent in lines - we were in desperate need of some dinner. We headed to Rue Cler, a popular street in the heart of the 7th, and chose La Petite Cler for dinner and Les Officeres for dessert. Fun times!!
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Today we planned to go explore the Montmartre neighborhood. So we started with a solid breakfast at Pain et Chocolat (Bread & Chocolate) in the 7th. Can't go wrong with cappuccino & pain au chocolat.
View from breakfast...
Then we took the Metro over to Montmartre - gorgeous, hilly little neighborhood...
...and to the base below Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
Then we headed up the stairs - avoiding the many scammers throughout Paris. Today was much sunnier than the past few days but just as warm. So it was a bit steamy heading up the stairs. Thank goodness for the many different "landings" to rest upon.
At the top is the basilica, which was absolutely gorgeous. You'll have to take my word for it as we abided by the signs and did not take pictures. There was a mass being held inside the basilica when we arrived. Here's a few pics of the outside.
Definitely tour the neighborhood behind the basilica if you ever go. Lots of cute shops & cafés!
We stopped for lunch at Pepone Cafe - awesome Italian pizza & pasta!
Next we headed towards Champs d'Elysees...but not without catching a quick glimpse of Moulin Rouge!
The Metro in Paris is awesome - much like the NY subway - only cleaner. You can get everywhere so fast! I wish more cities in the US had better public transport. First stop in Champs d'Elysees - the Arc de Triomphe...a monument celebrating those who fought in the French Revolutionary War.
It's quite grand and is at the center of a busy traffic area. You can take an underground walkway over to the center, which is gorgeous and houses the tomb of an unknown soldier. The eternal flame at the tomb has apparently only been extinguished twice - most recently when some drunk Mexican peed on it during the World Cup when it was held in France. He's no longer allowed inside France. Yikes - don't pee on other country's landmarks!
Apparently it's a "thing" in the Asian culture to come to Paris to have your wedding pics taken and then go back home to get married. We saw lot of Asian individuals getting wedding pics taken all over the city. Here's one of of many...
Next stop...window shopping! Apparently Champs d'Elysees is the most expensive place to shop in Paris. It reminds me of a French version of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Everything here can be found elsewhere in France...cheaper.
We had a wonderful day sightseeing, shopping & eating. Now resting up before we head out for dinner. Au revoir!
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