Walking Paris, day 3...two special ladies.

On day three of our Paris trip we decided to start our walk from the Pont Mirabeau after a metro ride from 'Bastille'. Our arrival station 'Javel - André Citroën' brings you out on Quai André-Citroën just opposite the bridge entrance. We walked over the bridge a little way to take in the view of both of the city's ladies the Statue of Liberty replica on the Île aux Cygnes and the Iron Lady herself. We came here as it is one of the few places in Paris where you can see both

 

The RER station (line C) at the start of the bridge is interesting as it was originally built for the 1900 Universal Exposition in the shape of a Chinese pagoda. Other stations were built in a similar style but this is last operational station of its kind.

From the bridge we also caught site of the 'Ballon de Paris Generali' which it is located in the nearby Parc André Citroën. It is a unique tourist attraction that can carry up to 30 passengers per flight. Rising up 150 metres and offering a 360° view of Paris. We have not as yet had the experience,one for our next visit perhaps?

We made our way down to the riverside,we spotted the bridge’s hidden charm. Because in Paris, even metal bridges needs a little flair.

It is an interesting walk along the quayside with its pleasure boats and house boats. 

It also gives you a closer view of the city's replica Statue of Liberty which was gifted by French residents of the U.S.A. in 1889, as a thank-you for the original in New York. 

We eventuall arrived at our destination, Pont de Bir-Hakeim where we chose to take in the view before crossing the Seine.

It's a favourite crossing of ours whether on the metro or walking on the road level below.

We did the usual tourist photo ops at 'La France Renaissante' taking in the the great view of the tower.

Third special lady!

To be continued.

Walking Paris, day 2...still walking.

After a leisurely lunch in the Latin Quarter, we strolled across the Île de la Cité, lingered on the Pont Neuf to take in the Seine and then made our way to the beautifully restored Samaritaine department store.

From there, we wandered along Rue de Rivoli, pausing in the tranquil gardens of the Palais Royal before continuing on to the grand Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann.

No Christmas lights yet at Galeries Lafayette but the dome and rooftop views are dazzling at any time of year.

Palais Garnier from the rear

Then it was back on the ground and after having walked a total of 17 km we took the metro back to our accommodation in Bastille before heading out to dinner locally.

Walking Paris, day 2...a walk through the Latin Quarter and finding lunch.

Square René Viviani

Rue Galande

Rue Saint-Séverin

35 Rue de la Harpe

Junction of Boulevard Saint-Michel  Saint-Germain.

Boulevard Saint-Germain

Boulevard Saint Michel Rue de Vaugirard.

Chapelle Sainte-Ursule

For lunch we found a lovely little restaurant in a narrow little street, 'cour du Commerce-Saint-André'. Walk through the arched entrance at 130 Boulevard Saint-Germain into an almost-hidden passageway that takes you back in time. 

We chose the small 'Cepe Figue' at the end of the lane as we were only looking for a light lunch and going out for dinner in the evening. 

We chose the 'plat du jour' which was enjoyable and very good value.