Today Paris went back to work, it’s Monday and the streets have a different buzz from yesterday a lot more people about all heading to school and work and appointments.

I walk first to the Eiffel Tower Google takes me through backstreet pockets of Paris I love the apartment buildings with grand doorways leading to courtyards people are coming and going through the doorways so I can sneak peeks into these private gardens smells of jasmine wave at me as I wander past.

In a neighbourhood cafe I have my first croissant in France the flavour and texture is so perfect much more intense than anything I have had at home. The cafe is filled with locals a man with his large dog who comes over for a pat and a Dad with a small child they are chatting in French, it sounds so beautiful like a song.

It takes an hour to walk to the Tower. It is spectacular I stand and watch the lifts making their way up, enough to make my knees feel wobbly. Around the tower there are people everywhere hawker’s selling replicas and scammers trying to get donations. I don’t stay long as I am heading for a cruise on the Seine.

The cruise takes half an hour and can’t go all the way to Notre Dame as the water level is too high due to heavy rains. The river moves faster than I had expected. There is a group of teenagers on a school excursion we all spot a bride and groom having their wedding photos taken on the banks the kids all break into shouts in French and clapping. It’s great to go under each of these old bridges and see the decorations there are 37 of these along the Seine.

After the cruise I take the Hop on hop off bus to Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, I have worked in Department stores for over 30 years and always dreamed of this visit. I feel I have entered somewhere I know so well but have never been. The food is over two floors there are bars and restaurants and every imaginable ingredient it is very busy with lunch service in full swing I do two walk throughs and can’t decide what to eat then I spot a counter full of Truffle products, truffle oils, cheeses, salami, chips and even chocolate then to my absolute OMG moment they have a bar where you can order food all with truffles included. With much deliberation I decided on a selection platter and a glass of champagne. I really love truffles and this foodie experience was sublime.

From here I walked to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris is being prepared for the Olympics in July there are road works everywhere I thought I was going to walk up the Champs-Élysées but Google had other plans. This must be the legal area of Paris there a buildings with these lovely gold signs out the front.

At the Arc de Triomphe I cross under the roundabout to where you can access the base of the Arc but there are so many people including a lot of police. A view from across the street will do me. It is spectacular, the size and the carvings like visiting one of our Cenotaphs in Australia and NZ it is a symbol of France and those who have died for her in war.

From here I do actually find the Champs-Élysées an avenue of Luxury, the shops the cars the people it is retail heaven on steroids. As I get closer to Seine there are tree lined paths to walk and a beautiful breeze.

My route back to my hotel takes me through Saint-Germain a beautiful tree lined area with gorgeous buildings and more stores many furniture and design stores along with more luxury brands and of course cafes.

I was exhausted once I finally reached my hotel but opted for the closest bar for a very refreshing G&T and a lovely chat with my waiter.

A great day of Paris sights today. The day finished with a perfect French meal, including a proper French onion soup very Yum and perfect with a vin rose.

Distance Walked;

20km

Pilgrims Spotted-None.

Paris Observations

There are 110 000 trees in Paris – yes someone counted them, because it’s Spring the leaves are delightfully small and bright

Many paths are lined with a white compacted base that has a lovely crunch when you walk on it, it’s called Stabilise and I have the recipe

A group of small children speaking French makes you feel happy

The police sirens are different

Some police carry machine guns

The Palace of Versailles tomorrow