French Finale...

Though historic architecture and world-class museums beckon...Paris has so much more to offer.  We so enjoyed the farmer's market that set up several times during our stay...right across from our hotel.

We may speak a different tongue...but food is a universal language...and we enjoyed browsing.

We also strolled Rue Cler...a thriving traditional Parisian neighbourhood with a certain workday charm.  The street is traffic-free...and the vendors spill out onto the roadway.  The butcher, the baker and the chocolate maker could all be found here!

And when in Paris...of course we strolled the Champs-Elysées.  This is Paris' grandest and most celebrated street...where high-fashion shopping, big business, and glitzy cafes find a home.  We 'window shopped'...and watched people.  We found it interesting to see car dealerships with showroom windows right next to the banks and boutiques.  Oh...and we found a favorite and familiar cafe on Champs-Elysées that we frequented several times.  McCafé...where the coffee was good and so was the price!

Though a visit to the army museum didn't sound all that appealing to me...

...I changed my mind when we arrived.  The museum is in the beautiful Hotel des Invalides...built by Louis XIV in 1670.   We entered the complex at Napoleon's Tomb...beneath the golden dome.  So much history re-told right here! 

And we made several attempts to tour the Arch de Triomph before we succeeded (we found most tourist attractions were closed on New Year's Day).  Many stop to pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  We climbed the 284 steps to the observation deck...where we had unobstructed views of the city in all directions.  It was a great place to watch the crazy traffic down below.  We still have no idea what the rules of the road are in Paris...the traffic circle around the Arch de Triomph looked like a free-for-all.

Though the line-ups to go up the Eiffel Tower looked rather daunting...we decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and worth the wait.  Did I mention that it was very cold...and standing in one spot is not a good way to warm up? 

While we waited we were entertained (and hounded) by the street vendors.  They do not wish to have their photo taken...as it seems they are running from the law.  They set up shop on a wee blanket that gathers up to form a bag...and when the police arrive they gather up their wares and flee.  It was quite funny to watch. 

After an hour and a half of people watching...we made it to the front of the queue for our chance to ride up to the observation deck.  And yes...the wait was worth it!

Darkness had settled on the City of Light...and the views were amazing. 

A few parting thoughts about Paris.  A little knowledge of the French language would be a good idea if you plan to visit.  There is not much English spoken here!  We found a little cafe where a waiter went out of his way to help us understand the menu...and so we went back to visit him several more times.  As for getting around...the Metro system works great...and we had no trouble figuring it out when we put our four heads together.  All in all...it was a fabulous adventure. 

Next stop...London. Soon.