Once again I was awake before the alarm went off but didn’t mind as I was looking forward to another action packed day.

After our unusual breakfast, consisting of two croissants and two bread rolls (without any plates) and tea or coffee (without lids on the pots), we set off in the direction of the metro via a supermarket for our rations.

The Palais de Versailles was our first item on the list for today.  Having arrived at Versailles train station we found we were outside the range of the ‘weekend pass’ and, with no staff in sight to help us, had to make an undignified leap over the ticket barriers.  We had to do that on the return journey too!

The palace and its gardens are too beautiful to put into words.  The architecture, paintings, furniture and views are breathtaking and I find it hard to understand how people managed to afford such luxury.  It will take a lot to top the visit to Versailles.

On the way back to Paris Claire and I got off the train at the Eiffel Tower station and boarded a boat that would take us up the River Seine – only pausing on the way for a crepe.  The river tour passed too quickly and before we knew it we had made our way up to Montmartre.  Having visited yesterday we knew more time was required there so we went back.

Claire suggested that we go to the Salvador Dali exhibition as we were already in Montmartre.  We went in to the exhibition expecting some weird art and Dali didn’t let us down.  Superb.  We stayed in the exhibition until just before closing time.

We found a very cheap restaurant for tea where I had another first, a strange tasting German sausage, that ended up being swapped for Claire’s steak.

With it being a slightly chilly evening we decided to walk briskly up to Sacre Coeur.  Whilst trying to board the funicular some Senegalese men made some friendship bracelets without really asking us.  Fortunately, the police passed by and wouldn’t allow the men to sell us the bracelets as no money could be exchanged.

Two Senegalese men followed us into the funicular (paying €1 each for the ride which was free for us) and tried to persuade us to pay €10 for them.  I gave them €1.45 and made them have it.  They were dodgy men and ended up losing money on the deal which suited us fine.  Claire and I got nice friendship bracelets out of it too!

After those events we sat in Sacre Coeur for some peace and quiet and reflected for a while.  The building is stunning and leaves a lasting impression.

We moved on for a quick coffee before seeing the Moulin Rouge theatre.  We felt it was time to go home and to bed and so jumped on the metro.  Tomorrow will be busy too!

<<Previous                                                                                                Next>>