MARCH 2019 : PARIS : DAY 2 : A walk to the Louvre

From outside our window - a quiet, traditional Parisian Street

Today we decided to tick another item from our bucket list and spend time at the Louvre. It was about 5 kms in a direct route from where we are staying. After a delicious hotel breakfast, we walked up and around the Arc de Triomphe.

We saw evidence of some of the weekend violence caused by ‘gilets jaunes’(yellow vests)

Spring flowers in large and small gardens

Our first view of the Seine with the Alexander the Third Bridge in the foreground.

Exquisite decoration and fixtures on the bridge

Looking towards Les Invalides, now a military museum

Place de la Concorde

Walking in the Jardin des Tuileries which leads to the Louvre

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel with the Louvre pyramid in the background

What impressed us about the Louvre, apart from its vast collections, was the creative use of space to suit the range of materials.

Mona Lisa has a room all to herself

Here she is quietly accepting all the attention with her serene smile

Pasta and fromage plate for lunch at a cafe nearby

We headed home through the backstreets of the 2nd arrondissement midst the lunchtime crowds

Lunch time crowds in the parks as well

Le Grande Palais

A family meal to start off the birthday weekend celebrations, with family from England, US and Australia.

Andrew and Ebba’s daughter, Annika and fiancé, Jerome, who have just announced their engagement.

A very happy evening!

M&M