Today started with a much-needed sleep-in and leisurely start, but ended up anything but. We took a midday boat cruise along the Seine - it was OK, but we did feel a bit like sheep being herded onto the boat, shown a few sites, then herded off. After a spot of lunch, we hiked to the Champs Elysee on foot, and then happily went our separate ways for the rest of the afternoon:
DEBBI: The Champs Elysee is somewhere I would quite happily never return to! It is a beautiful wide avenue with stunning trees, but lined with ostentatious brand shops (eg Swarovski's crystal staircase, and queues just to get into Loius Vuitton), and overwhelming crowds, noise and traffic - omg the traffic!! Nevertheless, it must be braved to get to the Arc de Triomphe, which was my destination for the day. I climbed the 200+ steps to the top, so could look back down on the crowds for a welcome respite from the noise. I then walked (and walked) back to the river and along the waterfront to our hotel, exploring numerous parks, bridges and monuments on the way. A new personal best on my pedometer!
ANN: I was on the hunt for perfume, a particular brand called Sephora, which is a huge department store of just perfume and more perfume. The staff were fantastic, and my mission was successful, including a few freebies thrown in. I explored a few other shops - Zara and Gap - then headed off via taxi to Sacre Couer, the white church. This is on a hilltop (the Hill of Martyrs), overlooking Paris. It's 125 years old, and just beautiful inside - a stunningly painted domed ceiling. I sneaked a photo and was told off - no snaps allowed:( The whole location was amazing, but also very crowded. Then I took the funicular down the hill to Marche St. Pierre, and found an incredible 'street of fabric' - shop after shop selling different fabrics, their wares displayed on the street, and lots of hawkers. I then successfully navigated my way home, via three different Metro lines, and staggered in around 6pm, very proud of my efforts!
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