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.
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