20,000 and counting

Today we broke our current trip record and put on over 20,000 steps on our Fitbits. It was great to get back into the swing of walking to wherever we needed to go and less reliance on the subway or tube. David and I have yet to take the Metro as they call the subway here. 

We found a great grocery store nearby (a Monoprix) that is quite large so it has many more choices of food selections for me which has been a much-appreciated improvement from our last visit here to Paris. 

The morning commenced with a walk to Les Jardins de Tuileries and past the Pantheon. We also indulged in the runner’s favourite pastime—hunting down gluten-free bakeries. And we found all the ones she’s been dreaming of. 

Place de la Concorde

Les Jardins de Tuileries

A flower delivery to the local shop. There are florists all over Paris. Lovely. 

Another view of Place de la Concorde.
Last time we were here it was full of stadium seats in preparation for the Olympics. 

Launching the pirate ship in Luxembourg Gardens.

Tracking the progress. 

Thankfully it didn’t get stuck in the middle. 

And a safe return!

Appreciating the job of the tree pruners who trim them perfectly flat at the tops. 

Delightful to see how each restaurant decorates uniquely to attract a crowd.

Notre Dame Cathedral as our line gets closer to the entrance.

The columns inside were so wide to bear the weight of this beautiful structure. 

We were next on our way to Luxembourg Gardens. We had been to The Tuileries before but not Luxembourg. I’m sure given a few more weeks it will be stunning as all the blooms open up. There’s a carousel and a children’s playground in the Luxembourg Gardens but we focused our time on the sailboats. The eldest grandchild here chose a black pirate ship and it sailed well, cruising alongside lots of other country’s sailboats. He and his sister had so much fun seeing how far the pirate ship would sail as he pushed it off with the wooden stick as the sailing aid. 

Notre Dame Cathedral was next on our must see list. The son-in-law managed to get tickets for two of us for later in the afternoon but we all decided to chance going to see if we could get in the unreserved tickets line. After just a twenty minute wait we were in. It is a stunning cathedral. The artistry and carpentry is amazing. 

On our way back to our spot we got to visit another hotel in our chain. The runner made excellent choices for hotels as this one allows you to use the restroom facilities in any of their chains and to partake in their free snacks during the afternoon hours and use their play space. A welcomed bonus when travelling with kids and older adults.