At the grand entrance to the Louvre, Sue is ready to find Mona.
Via Iceland, we arrived in Paris exhausted last night but awoke today ready to walk. Our hotel is next to the River Seine and between the Louvre and Notre Dame, so no need for public transportation, which is plentiful. First stop was a tourist information office near the Louvre to buy a museum pass, a package deal that provides admission to almost all major Paris museums, plus — the best part — almost no waiting in lines. All that for 48 euro each. The euro is about $1.09 these days.
So, off to the Louvre, just a few minutes away. Too much to see in a day, a week, or even a lifetime, this museum is home to five Da Vincis, more than any place in the world.
After a picnic outside the Louvre, we had a leisurely walk along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triumphe. Again, the crowds were not bad and we hiked many stairs to the top for unmatched views. Plus, the tower was “free,” part of the museum pass.
I'm The crowd in front of the Mona Lisa looks worse than it is. We were able to get close quickly.
Most people were taking selfies in front of this iconic Da Vinci masterpiece.
Four other Da Vincis were in the hall outside the room hosting the Mona Lisa.
Many of the hallways and rooms in the Louvre are masterpieces.
A huge park and shops line the Champs Elysees leading to the Arc de Triumphe.
The Champs Elysees, as seen from the top of the tower.
The Arc de Triumphe rewards your many steps to the viewing area at the top.
After all those steps, it was time for a relaxing coffee outside the Louvre on our way back to the hotel.
carryoncouple 
Beaton thinks you’re really there for the football/soccer Reg! we hope you have a safe and memorable trip!
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Thank you so much, Carole! I sure would like to see the football, especially France v Iceland Sunday. We will be so close, but will watch on TV, perhaps in a local bar.
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…and so your trip begins. Beatiful photos! Thank for sharing. Have fun.
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Nice to hear from you, Ken. Thanks!
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You sure know how to travel and see all that is available. I commend you. Your photographs and narrative are excellent. I enjoy your trips even though I am far away in Santa Barbara.Take a picture of some of the food so I can have a taste of that. Did I tell you I fell and broke 3 ribs?.Feeling good but other problems are surfacing. I think it must be my age. My friend Margaret Flores had a stroke but is recovering rather well. Glad you are traveling now when you are both young.
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Very sorry to hear about your fall, Carolyn. Take good care of yourself. We are thinking about you, with our love!
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You are the best tour guides! Love all your photos…I remember being a miserably homesick 18 year old walking around the pool where Reg is sitting! Sigh…have a marvelous time!
Sent from my iPhone.
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Thank you, Debbie! Now you are a hearty world traveler, eh!?
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Hi Reg and Sue. Throughout our Reno stay, we thought about you both. We love the thought of you in Paris. That museum pass has already paid off, hasn’t it? Will you get to l”Orangerie? The pictures took us back. It’s a long trip, but well worth it. We are home from Reno, where we had a great time. Jim earned a few casino “comps,” but I think you know what that means. Have a great time in a lovely city. Thanks for your blog.
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Hi Pam and Jim,
Thank you! We are going to try for Orangerie today. A lovely city, yes, indeed.
Glad Reno was fun…atta way, Jim!. 🙂
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