Paris Saturday

The apartment is very quiet, on the 2nd floor with a lift that supposedly holds 3 people. Our building is off an attractive courtyard and the entry from the street is through a security gate. Had windows open for the night, good air flow, good bed and being tired meant that woke up later than usual. We had a slow breakfast and then set out to explore the neighbourhood.

The National Archives complex has some very grand buildings and a small public park with shady trees and lots of seating, a serene place in the middle of Paris.

We walked to the Place des Vosges, a beautiful, symmetrical park about 2 kms from our apartment, paid 11 euros for pretty ordinary coffee, but with a great view across the park and of people relaxing. 

We walked on to Canal St Martin, booked a canal trip for Monday, then walked along the canal to where it joins the Seine. There were many people sitting along the river, reading, talking, relaxing, eating, drinking and even a group of casual salsa dancers. 

We left the Seine and went on past the over the top Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), 

past the Pompidou Centre to the small supermarket just near the apartment. 2 icecreams cost more than the bottle of nice wine we bought. Then only 200 metres to the front gate of our apartment. We walked about 6 kms, the furthest Gill has been able to manage since hurting her back. Good to get back “home” and relax with our icecreams.